bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma and prognosis in Taiwan
Authors: Cheng Ya‐Fu , Chen Hui‐Shan , Wu Shiao‐Chi , Chen Heng‐Chung , Hung Wei‐Heng , Lin Ching‐Hsiung , Wang Bing‐Yen
Published: July 2018

The prognosis of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma is poor. In order to find out appropriate treatment for each group of patients, we aim to examine the prognostic factors influencing survival for esophageal cancer patients in Taiwan. Data were obtained from the Taiwan Society of Cancer Registry. There were 14,394 esophageal cancer patients analyzed between 2008 and 2014 in this retrospective review. The impact of the clinicopathologic factors on overall survival was assessed. The following clinic‐pathologic factors were included to analyses: age, sex, tumor location, tumor length, histologic grade, clinical T, clinical N, clinical M, clinical stage, and all therapeutic methods within 3 months after diagnosis. The 5‐year survival rate was 16.8%, with a median survival of 343 days. The distribution of patients by their clinical stage is as follows: stage 0 (n = 162; 1.1%); stage I (n = 964; 6.7%); stage II (n = 2392; 16.6%); stage III (n = 6636; 46.1%); and stage IV (n = 3661; 25.4%). In the multivariate analysis, age, sex, tumor location, tumor length, clinical T, clinical N, clinical M, and treatment remained independent prognostic factors. Our data indicated that age, sex, tumor location, tumor length, clinical T, clinical N, clinical M, and treatment remained independent prognostic factors. Patients who could receive surgery had significantly better outcomes.
Biological implant‐associated granulomatous inflammation resulting in secondary hypercalcemia and azotemia in a dog
Authors: Linde Ken J. , Kelleher Taylor R. , Perry James A.
Published: July 2018

Key Clinical Message

Implant associated granulomatous inflammation causing hypercalcemia can occur following use of commercial xenogeneic pericardial tissue patches in dogs. Removal of the implant can result in resolution of the hypercalcemia, suggesting a causal relationship between the tissue reaction to a xenogeneic implant and development of hypercalcemia.
Coordination of Asymmetric Diborenes towards Cationic Coinage Metals (Au, Ag, Cu)
Authors: Lu Wei , Kinjo Rei
Published: July 2018

Synthesis of a series of cationic coinage metal (Au: 2–4, Ag: 5, and Cu: 6) complexes of asymmetric diborenes (1 a, 1 b) is reported. X‐ray diffraction analysis reveals that the metal center interacts unsymmetrically with the B2 moiety and the terminal boron atom exhibits pronounced pyramidal geometry. A computational study shows that in complexes 2–6, the bonding between the B2 units and the metal center is dominated by electrostatic interactions concomitant with non‐negligible covalent contributions.
Testing Field for PEM, Alkaline and Solid Oxide Electrolysis Technology
Authors: Stypka Sebastian , Oberschachtsiek Bernd , Radev Ivan , Heinzel Angelika
Published: July 2018

To test commercially available water electrolysis systems under dynamic (close‐to‐real) operation a test area with three different electrolyzers is build up, covering the significant technologies alkaline water electrolysis, proton exchange membrane water electrolysis, and high temperature steam electrolysis using solid oxide electrolysis cells. The hydrogen outputs of the systems are in the range between 5 to 10 Nm3 h−1 hydrogen at delivery pressures between 10 and 35 bar. Additional balance of plant is installed to demonstrate and evaluate the utilization of hydrogen for different applications.
Numerical accuracy comparison of two boundary conditions commonly used to approximate shear stress distributions in tissue engineering scaffolds cultured under flow perfusion
Authors: Kadri Olufemi E. , Williams Cortes , Sikavitsas Vassilios , Voronov Roman S.
Published: July 2018

Introduction

Flow‐induced shear stresses have been found to be a stimulatory factor in pre‐osteoblastic cells seeded in 3D porous scaffolds and cultured under continuous flow perfusion. However, due to the complex internal structure of the scaffolds, whole scaffold calculations of the local shear forces are computationally intensive. Instead, representative volume elements (RVEs), which are obtained by extracting smaller portions of the scaffold, are commonly used in literature without a numerical accuracy standard.

Objective

Hence, the goal of this study is to examine how closely the whole scaffold simulations are approximated by the two types of boundary conditions used to enable the RVEs: “wall boundary condition” (WBC) and “periodic boundary condition” (PBC).

Method

To that end, lattice Boltzmann method fluid dynamics simulations were used to model the surface shear stresses in 3D scaffold reconstructions, obtained from high‐resolution microcomputed tomography images.

Results

It was found that despite the RVEs being sufficiently larger than 6 times the scaffold pore size (which is the only accuracy guideline found in literature), the stresses were still significantly under‐predicted by both types of boundary conditions: between 20% and 80% average error, depending on the scaffold's porosity. Moreover, it was found that the error grew with higher porosity. This is likely due to the small pores dominating the flow field, and thereby negating the effects of the unrealistic boundary conditions, when the scaffold porosity is small. Finally, it was found that the PBC was always more accurate and computationally efficient than the WBC. Therefore, it is the recommended type of RVE.
Conflict management through the negotiations canvas, getting participants to understand
Authors: Blair Carrie A. , Desplaces David E.
Published: July 2018

Conflict models taught in the classroom often highlight the need for “collaborative” conflict outcomes. This experiential exercise combined with a canvas tool helps participants frame the complexities of conflict to better understand these factors. Participants are encouraged to view a conflict situation “from the balcony,” removing themselves from the emotional and competitive components associated with conflict. Participants are given a canvas or road map to help frame conflict situations, including understanding each party's viewpoint, motivations, and interpersonal histories. Specific instructions, example conflict vignettes, and guidance for debriefing the exercise are provided.
Aerobic Oxidation and Oxidative Esterification of 5‐Hydroxymethylfurfural by Gold Nanoparticles Supported on Nanoporous Polymer Host Matrix
Authors: Buonerba Antonio , Impemba Salvatore , Litta Antonella Dentoni , Capacchione Carmine , Milione Stefano , Grassi Alfonso
Published: July 2018

The aerobic oxidation and oxidative esterification of 5‐hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) catalyzed by gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) supported on a semicrystalline nanoporous multiblock copolymer matrix consisting of syndiotactic poly(styrene)‐cis‐1,4‐poly(butadiene) (sPSB) have been investigated. Depending on the reaction parameters (support nanoporosity, presence of water, solvent, temperature, cocatalyst, oxygen pressure), the conversion of HMF can be finely addressed to the formation of the desired oxidation product, such as 2,5‐diformylfuran (DFF), 5‐formylfuran‐2‐carboxylic acid (FFCA), methyl 5‐(hydroxymethyl)furan‐2‐carboxylate (MHMFC), dimethyl furan‐2,5‐dicarboxylate (DMFC), and furan‐2,5‐dicarboxylic acid (FDCA), under optimized reaction conditions. The AuNP–sPSB catalyst is highly effective and selective because the polymer support acts as a conveyor and concentrator of the reactants toward the catalytic sites.
Across the Board: Ping Chen
Authors: Chen Ping
Published: July 2018

In this series the board members of ChemSusChem discuss recent research articles that they consider exceptional quality and importance for sustainability. This entry features Prof. Ping Chen, who discusses recent works in nitrogen chemistry, highlighting a path toward minimizing the use of fossil fuels by developing more efficient heterogeneous, homogeneous, photo‐ and electrocatalytic processes, or by adapting the enzymatic processes underlying the natural nitrogen cycle. She focuses in particular on NH3, which possesses great potential as a carbon‐neutral source of energy, provided fundamental breakthroughs in catalysis, materials science, and physics are achieved.
Overlooked coral predators suppress foundation species as reefs degrade
Authors: Clements Cody S. , Hay Mark E.
Published: July 2018

Loss of larger consumers from stressed ecosystems can lead to trophic release of mid‐level consumers that then impact foundation species, suppressing ecosystem function and resilience. For example, in coral reef ecosystems, outbreaks of coral predators like crown‐of‐thorns sea stars have been associated with fishing pressure and can dramatically impact the composition and persistence of corals. However, the ecological impacts, and consequences for management, of smaller, less obvious corallivores remain inadequately understood. We investigated whether reef state (coral vs. seaweed domination) influenced densities and size frequencies of the corallivorous gastropod Coralliophila violacea on its common host, the coral Porites cylindrica, within three pairs of small Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) and adjacent fished areas in Fiji. C. violacea densities were 5–35 times greater, and their size frequencies more broadly distributed, within seaweed‐dominated fished areas than in adjacent MPAs dominated by corals. Tethering snails (4–9 mm in shell height) in place on their coral hosts indicated that suppression of snails in MPAs was due to predation, apparently by fishes. When tethered on the benthos (where they rarely occur), rather than on their host, mortality of larger snails (15.0–25.0 mm in shell height) was high in all areas, primarily due to hermit crabs killing them and occupying their shells. Because C. violacea is a sessile gastropod that feeds affixed to the base of corals and produces minimal visible damage, it has been considered a “prudent feeder” that minimally impacts its host coral. We assessed this over a 24‐d feeding period in the field. Feeding by individual C. violacea reduced P. cylindrica growth by ~18–43% depending on snail size. Our findings highlight the considerable, but underappreciated, negative impacts of this common corallivore on degraded reefs. As reefs degrade and corals are lost, remaining corals (often species of Porites) may gain the full attention of elevated densities of coral consumers. This will further damage the remaining foundation species, suppressing the resilience of corals and enhancing the resilience of degraded, seaweed‐dominated reefs.
Individual behavioral variation reflects personality divergence in the upcoming model organism Nothobranchius furzeri
Authors: Thoré Eli S. J. , Steenaerts Laure , Philippe Charlotte , Grégoir Arnout , Brendonck Luc , Pinceel Tom
Published: July 2018

In the animal kingdom, behavioral variation among individuals has often been reported. However, stable among‐individual differences along a behavioral continuum—reflective of personality variation—have only recently become a key target of research. While a vast body of descriptive literature exists on animal personality, hypothesis‐driven quantitative studies are largely deficient. One of the main constraints to advance the field is the lack of suitable model organisms. Here, we explore whether N. furzeri could be a valuable model to bridge descriptive and hypothesis‐driven research to further unravel the causes, function and evolution of animal personality. As a first step toward this end, we perform a common garden laboratory experiment to examine if behavioral variation in the turquoise killifish Nothobranchius furzeri reflects personality divergence. Furthermore, we explore if multiple behavioral traits are correlated. We deliver “proof of principle” of personality variation among N. furzeri individuals in multiple behavioral traits. Because of the vast body of available genomic and physiological information, the well‐characterized ecological background and an exceptionally short life cycle, N. furzeri is an excellent model organism to further elucidate the causes and implications of behavioral variation in an eco‐evolutionary context.
Evaluating electrical resistivity tomography and crown surface area to estimate leaf area of sugar maple and yellow birch
Authors: Moreau Edouard , Bédard Steve , Baral Sharad Kumar , Pothier David
Published: July 2018

Sapwood area is an important parameter for estimating transpiration at whole‐tree and watershed scales, given that it is used for scaling up point sap flow measurements. However, its determination may be difficult, particularly for large‐diameter trees of diffuse‐porous, broad‐leaved species. By delineating only the highly conductive sapwood, electrical resistivity tomography (ERT) may be more appropriate than sapwood dyeing for estimating tree sapwood area. We compared sapwood area measurements made with ERT with those that were obtained from wood dyeing, assuming that the more adequate measure was that which was best correlated with tree leaf area. To achieve this objective, we sampled 31 sugar maple (Acer saccharumMarsh.) and 20 yellow birch (Betula alleghaniensisBritt.) trees covering a large range of tree diameters and leaf areas from one site located in eastern Canada. Also, 79 sugar maple trees were sampled in two other sites to document the estimation of tree leaf area over a large territory. The sapwood area that was determined from ERT appeared to be the best method for scaling up point sap flow measurements to whole‐tree transpiration. The predictive ability of ERT was particularly greater than that of wood dyeing when they were both measured at 1 m. If the objective is to estimate tree leaf area rather than sapwood area, the crown surface area would provide a useful substitute for the ERT method because it is rapid and easy to measure while serving a robust predictor applicable over a large territory.
Forest management in the Sierra Nevada provides limited carbon storage potential: an expert elicitation
Authors: Lalonde Seth J. , Mach Katharine J. , Anderson Christa M. , Francis Emily J. , Sanchez Daniel L. , Stanton Charlotte Y. , Turner Peter A. , Field Christopher B.
Published: July 2018

Analysis of long‐term trends in forest carbon stocks is challenged by interactions among climate change, wildfire and other disturbances, forest management actions, and heterogeneous vegetation responses. For such circumstances where complex interactions make it difficult to encompass the full range of processes in any one mode of analysis, expert elicitation is a well‐developed method for documenting judgments about uncertainty, based on available evidence, to inform ongoing decision‐making. Applying this method for the Sierra Nevada, we evaluate subjective probabilistic estimates of trends in aboveground forest carbon for different management scenarios toward the goal of maximizing carbon stored, while also considering implications for wildfire risk. The analysis examines the effects of four treatments in isolation (thinning, timber harvesting, prescribed burning, managed wildfire), as well as a user‐defined management portfolio allocating resources across five management practices (thinning, harvesting, prescribed burning, firefighting, and restoration). The expert elicitation suggests that aboveground forest carbon stocks will decline 8%, from 126 to 116 tC/ha, between 2030 and 2100 (median estimate across experts) assuming conventional forest management practices are continued. Out of all surveyed practices, the custom user‐defined management portfolio results in the highest carbon stock of 129 tC/ha which is 11% higher than conventional practice in 2100 at the 50th percentile. The expert elicitation indicates less beneficial carbon sequestration outcomes than recent modeling studies. Suggesting co‐benefits across objectives, 75 experts collectively estimate a 61% likelihood that managing for carbon also reduces wildfire risk. By contrast, decreases in carbon stocks are anticipated for large magnitudes of climate change or substantial decreases in forest management investments.
Responses of non‐native earthworms to experimental eradication of garlic mustard and implications for native vegetation
Authors: Stinson K. A. , Frey S. D. , Jackson M. R. , Coates‐Connor E. , Anthony M. , Martinez K.
Published: July 2018

Recent studies in invasion biology suggest that positive feedback among two or more introduced organisms facilitate establishment within a new range and drive changes in native plant communities. Here, we experimentally tested for relationships between native plants and two non‐native organisms invading forest habitats in North America: garlic mustard (Alliaria petiolata, Brassicaceae) and earthworms. In two forested sites, we compared understory vegetation and earthworm biomass in plots where garlic mustard was removed for three years, plots without garlic mustard invasion, and plots invaded by garlic mustard that was not removed. Earthworm biomass was highest in the plots with garlic mustard, and long‐term eradication of garlic mustard reduced earthworm biomass to levels similar to those observed in the uninvaded control plots. Invasion treatment, and the interactions between earthworm biomass and treatment, explained most of the variation in plant community composition and diversity—suggesting that earthworms alone do not necessarily drive forest understory floristic patterns. In contrast to broader geographic patterns indicating earthworms as the main driver of vegetation change in the presence of non‐native plants, we show that garlic mustard solely, or in conjunction with earthworm biomass, drives changes in native plant composition and diversity at the scale of individual forests. From a local management perspective, our data suggest that garlic mustard eradication can directly assist in the conservation of native plant communities and simultaneously reduce earthworm biomass.
Grazers affect selection on inflorescence height both directly and indirectly and effects change over time
Authors: Thomann Michel , Ehrlén Johan , Ågren Jon
Published: July 2018

Selection mediated by one biotic agent will often be modified by the presence of other biotic interactions, and the importance of such indirect effects might change over time. We conducted an 11‐yr field experiment to test the prediction that large grazers affect selection on floral display of the dimorphic herb Primula farinosa not only directly through differential grazing damage, but also indirectly by affecting vegetation height and thereby selection mediated by pollinators and seed predators. Exclusion of large grazers increased vegetation height and the strength of pollinator‐mediated selection for tall inflorescences and seed‐predator‐mediated selection for short inflorescences. The direct effect of grazers on selection resulting from differential grazing damage to the two scape morphs showed no temporal trend. By contrast, the increase in vegetation height in exclosures over time was associated with an increase in selection mediated by pollinators and seed predators. In the early years of the experiment, the indirect effects of grazers on selection mediated by pollinators and seed predators were weak, whereas at the end of the experiment, the indirect effects were of similar magnitude as the direct effect due to differential grazing damage. The results demonstrate that the indirect effects of a selective agent can be as strong as its direct effects, and that the relative importance of direct vs. indirect effects on selection can change over time. A full understanding of the ecological processes governing variation in selection thus requires that both direct and indirect effects of biotic interactions are assessed.
Operation optimization of variable frequency pumps in compound series‐parallel heat transfer systems based on the power flow method
Authors: Shao Wei , Chen Qun , Zhang Meng‐Qi
Published: July 2018

The optimal match of multiple operation parameters in heat transfer systems (HTSs) is the key to trade‐off heat transfer and flow resistance for energy conservation. For a compound series‐parallel HTS, this study applies the power flow model and the driving‐resistance model to build the heat transfer and fluid flow constraints of the whole system directly, instead of individual components. Utilizing these constraints together with the Lagrange multiplier method offers the optimal operating frequencies of each variable frequency pumps (VFP) with the minimum pumping power consumptions under different heat loads. Operating the experiment platform with the optimized parameters shows that the heat load increment in parallel branches only needs to increase the operating frequency of VFP in the related hot‐water loop, whereas the heat load increment in series branches needs to increases the operating frequencies of VSPs in both cold‐water and the corresponding hot‐water loops. When the heat load varies from 10 to 11 kW in the parallel branch, the downstream, and the upstream of the series branch, the total pumping power consumptions of all VFPs increase by 19.45%, 43.86%, and 39.99%, respectively. It means assigning the additional heat load in the parallel branch is more energy efficient.
The Evidence Trace File: A Data Structure for Virtual Performance Assessments Informed by Data Analytics and Evidence‐Centered Design
Authors: Hao Jiangang , Mislevy Robert J.
Published: July 2018

Virtual performance assessments (VPAs), such as game‐ and simulation‐based assessments, provide promising ways for assessing complex and integrated skills. However, the high cost, long development cycle, and complex scoring process significantly hinder the adoption of VPAs, particularly in large‐scale assessments with tight deadlines and limited budgets. One significant impediment is the lack of consensus about how to capture and store evidence‐bearing process data from each VPA session into a format that facilitates quality checks, scoring, and analysis. In current practice, data from VPAs are generally stored in logs, either as standalone files or as a set of entries in a database. Programmers have long used logs to save process information about software systems for monitoring and debugging the software system itself. These purposes are fundamentally different from the purpose of assessment, which aims to capture evidence to support the measurement of a test taker's proficiency with respect to targeted constructs. Collapsing information that might be needed for the two purposes into a single log file can lead to confusion, even confrontation, among VPA designers, software developers, and scoring experts. To mitigate the problem, in this paper we introduce the notion of a structured evidence trace file (ETF) as distinguished from the familiar but idiosyncratic term, log file. The ETF is intended to express captured telemetry data in a way that meets the needs from the assessment perspective. Its specification as a standalone deliverable allows VPA designers and scoring experts to cleanly define and assure the quality of the information they need from VPA sessions in forms they find most useful for assessment purposes without adding additional complexity or structures for the information that software developers need for debugging purposes. In turn, software developers will be clearly informed about what information is expected from the assessment perspective and can manage the data as they choose as long as they can deliver the specified ETF. In addition to its application in VPAs, the ETF structure can also be employed more generally with digitally based assessments (DBAs) in which response‐process data are captured and used for assessment purposes, such as timing information, response changes, and tool usage in multiple‐choice tests. As a known data structure, it can sometimes also be employed for additional purposes in VPA analysis, such as transmitting information across phases of multiple‐stage analysis.
LaNi0.6Fe0.4O3−δ as a Promising Cathode for Stable Proton‐conducting Solid Oxide Fuel Cells
Authors: Chen K. , Dai H. , He S. , Bi L.
Published: July 2018

A cobalt‐free material, LaNi0.6Fe0.4O3–δ (LNF), was applied as a potential cathode for solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) using chemically stable BaZr0.8Y0.2O3–δ (BZY20) electrolyte for the first time. LNF was synthesized, and this material showed a good compatibility with BZY20 at high temperatures. The anode supported BZY20 cell with the LNF cathode was fabricated and tested, which showed a decent cell performance of 217, 107, and 46 mW cm−2 at 700, 650, and 600 °C, respectively. This fuel cell performance was significantly higher than that for the cells using cobalt‐free cathode and BaZrO3‐based electrolyte in literature reports. Furthermore, the polarization resistance of the LNF cathode was restricted to 0.15 Ω cm2 at 700 °C, which was quite small and even can be compared with that for some cobalt‐containing cathodes for BaZrO3‐based cells. These experimental results indicate LNF could be an alternative and promising cathode for proton‐conducting cells with BaZrO3‐based ceramic electrolyte, providing an alternative route for choosing and designing their cathode materials.
Negotiating Essential Terms of Midstream Contracts
Authors: Ballentine Robert S.
Published: July 2018

Included among the many variants of what are commonly referred to as midstream contracts are natural gas–gathering agreements, condensate‐gathering agreements, gas‐processing agreements, fractionation agreements, and occasional combinations of those agreements. They generally contain many of the same essential terms material to the specific trade negotiated between the parties. Typically, the midstream agreement is between an exploration and production company (the producer) and the owner/operator of a gas‐gathering system and a gas‐processing plant (the gatherer/processor).
Coal/Nuclear Bailout Saga Continues
Authors: Smead Richard G.
Published: July 2018

In recent years, there has been a lot of acrimony and polarization among the natural gas industry, the environmental community, various consumer advocates, industrial users, the organized power markets, and renewables developers. However, in the latest step in a journey that began last September, the current administration has succeeded in uniting all those disparate sectors into a single voice.
Restaging Patients With Hepatocellular Carcinoma Before Additional Treatment Decisions: A Multicenter Cohort Study
Authors: Vitale Alessandro , Farinati Fabio , Noaro Giulia , Burra Patrizia , Pawlik Timothy M. , Bucci Laura , Giannini Edoardo G. , Faggiano Chiara , Ciccarese Francesca , Rapaccini Gian Lodovico , Di Marco Maria , Caturelli Eugenio , Zoli Marco , Borzio Franco , Sacco Rodolfo , Cabibbo Giuseppe , Virdone Roberto , Marra Fabio , Felder Martina , Morisco Filomena , Benvegnù Luisa , Gasbarrini Antonio , Svegliati‐Baroni Gianluca , Foschi Francesco Giuseppe , Olivani Andrea , Masotto Alberto , Nardone Gerardo , Colecchia Antonio , Fornari Fabio , Marignani Massimo , Vicari Susanna , Bortolini Emanuela , Cozzolongo Raffaele , Grasso Alessandro , Aliberti Camillo , Bernardi Mauro , Frigo Anna Chiara , Borzio Mauro , Trevisani Franco , Cillo Umberto ,   on behalf of the Italian Liver Cancer (ITA.LI.CA) group
Published: July 2018

Prognostic assessment of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) at the time of diagnosis remains controversial and becomes even more complex at the time of restaging when new variables need to be considered. The aim of the current study was to evaluate the prognostic utility of restaging patients before proceeding with additional therapies for HCC. Two independent Italian prospective databases were used to identify 1,196 (training cohort) and 648 (validation cohort) consecutive patients with HCC treated over the same study period (2008‐2015) who had complete restaging before decisions about additional therapies. The performance of the Italian Liver Cancer (ITA.LI.CA) prognostic score at restaging was compared with that of the Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer, Hong Kong Liver Cancer, and Cancer of the Liver Italian Program systems. A multivariable Cox survival analysis was performed to identify baseline, restaging, or dynamic variables that were able to improve the predictive performance of the prognostic systems. At restaging, 35.3% of patients maintained stable disease; most patients were either down‐staged by treatment (27.2%) or had disease progression (37.5%). The ITA.LI.CA scoring system at restaging demonstrated the best prognostic performance in both the training and validation cohorts (c‐index 0.707 and 0.722, respectively) among all systems examined. On multivariable analysis, several variables improved the prognostic ability of the ITA.LI.CA score at restaging, including progressive disease after the first treatment, Model for End‐Stage Liver Disease at restaging, and choice of nonsurgical treatment as additional therapy. A new ITA.LI.CA restaging model was created that demonstrated high discriminative power in both the training and validation cohorts (c‐index 0.753 and 0.745, respectively). Conclusion: Although the ITA.LI.CA score demonstrated the best prognostic performance at restaging, other variables should be considered to improve the prognostic assessment of patients at the time of deciding additional therapies for HCC.
Expedited Screening of Active and Regioselective Catalysts for the Hydroformylation Reaction
Authors: Wodrich Matthew D. , Busch Michael , Corminboeuf Clémence
Published: July 2018

The discovery of new homogeneous catalysts that preferentially form one product over another in regio‐ or enantioselective chemical reactions has traditionally been the province of experimental chemists. Today, computational‐based approaches have carved an increasingly important role, which, for computational catalytic designs, often rely on highly inefficient combinatorial‐based screening methods. To increase the pace of discovery, tools capable of rapidly assessing large numbers of prospective species and identify those possessing desirable properties, such as activity and selectivity, are vital. Here, through the examination of the hydroformylation of 2‐methylpropene, we demonstrate how a new tool built upon molecular volcano plots can be used to quickly predict the activity of molecular catalysts as well as estimate the intrinsic ability of each species to form one regioisomer over the other with striking accuracy. Following training and validation, these regioselective molecular volcanoes are employed to predict catalysts that preferentially form the branched product (2,2‐dimethylpropanal) in violation of Keulemans’ 70‐year‐old law. Eighteen species (out of a total of 68 predicted) were computationally predicted to have regiomeric excess (r.e.) values > 90. Overall, these tools can be used to quickly screen the activity and selectivity of potential catalysis based on two easily computed descriptor variables.
Sediment yield and transport process assessment from reservoir monitoring in a semi‐arid mountainous river
Authors: Millares Agustín , Moñino Antonio
Published: July 2018

Soil loss, fluvial erosion, and sedimentation are major problems in semi‐arid environments due to the high associated costs of decreasing services such as provisioning and regulating water resources. The objective of this research is to analyse sediment yield in a mountainous semi‐arid basin, paying special attention to the sources of sediment, the associated uncertainties, and the transport processes involved. The segregation hypothesis along a reservoir of the sediment coming from hillslopes or fluvial systems is also evaluated. For this purpose, bottom‐set and deltaic deposits of a reservoir (110 hm3) in southern Spain have been measured and compared with basin erosion and fluvial transport monitoring over a 12‐year period. The volume of sediment stored at the bottomset of the reservoir shows a relative match with parametric predictions based on the Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation/Modified Universal Soil Loss Equation hillslope models and rating curves, estimated as being between 7 and 13 t·ha−1·year−1. Similarly, the measured volume of deltaic deposit fits the average value of stochastic simulations from different bedload transport equations. These contributions represent 50–65% of the total volume measured regarding suspended sediment inputs, way above that described in previous works. This highlights the importance of considering bedload when estimating the useful life of reservoirs in semi‐arid environments. The major differences in sediment grain size between hillslopes and river systems, and the size fractions measured along the reservoir, support the assertion of segregation hypothesis. Nonetheless, based on the processes observed and the uncertainty related to modelling, that assertion has to be taken with caution. At basin scale, a specific sediment yield of between 19 and 24 t·ha−1·year−1 has been estimated, which includes hillslopes and fluvial contributions. This rate is in the range of sediment yield reported for Mediterranean mountain areas of a torrential character. The pulse‐like nature of the system and the spatial heterogeneity of fluvial and hillslope erosion rates points out the importance of considering mid to long‐term and process‐based approaches and emphasizes the limitations of annual estimations for management purposes.
Intracortical Bone Mechanics Are Related to Pore Morphology and Remodeling in Human Bone
Authors: Bakalova Lydia P , Andreasen Christina M , Thomsen Jesper Skovhus , Brüel Annemarie , Hauge Ellen-Margrethe , Kiil Birgitte Jul , Delaisse Jean-Marie , Andersen Thomas Levin , Kersh Mariana E
Published: July 2018

During aging and in osteoporosis, cortical bone becomes more porous, making it more fragile and susceptible to fractures. The aim of this study was to investigate the intracortical compression- induced strain energy distribution, and determine whether intracortical pores associated with high strain energy density (SED) in the surrounding bone matrix have a different morphology and distribution, as well as different remodeling characteristics than matrix with normal SED. Fibular diaphyseal specimens from 20 patients undergoing a jaw reconstruction (age range 41 to 75 years; 14 men and 6 women) were studied. Bone specimens were µCT-scanned, plastic embedded, and sectioned for histology. Three-dimensional microfinite element models of each specimen were tested in compression, and the SED of the bone immediately surrounding the intracortical pores was calculated within a plane of interest corresponding to the histological sections. The SED of a pore, relative to the distribution of the SED of all pores in each specimen, was used to classify pores as either a high or normal SED pore. Pores with high SED were larger, less circular, and were located closer to the endosteal surface of the cortex than normal SED pores (p < 0.001). Histological analysis of the remodeling events generating the pores revealed that the high SED pores compared with normal SED pores had 13.3-fold higher odds of being an erosive (70%) or formative (7%) pore versus a quiescent pore (p < 0.001), 5.9-fold higher odds of resulting from remodeling upon existing pores (type 2 pore) versus remodeling generating new pores (type 1 pore) (p < 0.001), and 3.2-fold higher odds of being a coalescing type 2 pore versus a noncoalescing type 2 pore (p < 0.001). Overall, the study demonstrates a strong relationship between cortical bone mechanics and pore morphology, distribution, and remodeling characteristics in human fibular bone. © 2018 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Does a rat free a trapped rat due to empathy or for sociality?
Authors: Hachiga Yosuke , Schwartz Lindsay P. , Silberberg Alan , Kearns David N. , Gomez Maria , Slotnick Burton
Published: July 2018

This report evaluates whether a rat releasing a trapped rat from a restraint tube is better explained as due to its empathic motivation or to the pursuit of social contact. In the first condition, each of six rats chose in an E maze between entering an empty goal box versus entering a goal box where its entrance caused a rat trapped in a restraint tube to be released. Rats preferred the goal box with the trapped rat over the empty goal box. In the second condition, these rats chose between releasing a restraint‐tube‐trapped rat in one goal box and another rat in the second goal box that was not locked into its restraint tube. Rats showed no preference between alternatives. In the third condition, rats chose between a goal box containing a rat with an open restraint tube and an empty goal box. Rats preferred the rat with the open restraint tube over the empty goal box. These results support attributing the response of releasing a rat from a restraint tube to the reinforcing power of social contact rather than interpreting this response as empathically motivated.
SCN5A gene mutations and the risk of ventricular fibrillation and syncope in Brugada syndrome patients: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Raharjo Sunu Budhi , Maulana Rido , Maghfirah Irma , Alzahra Fatimah , Putrinarita Agnes Dinar , Hanafy Dicky A. , Yuniadi Yoga
Published: July 2018

Mutations in the gene encoding the main cardiac sodium channel (SCN5A) are the commonest genetic cause of Brugada syndrome (BrS). However, the effect of SCN5A mutations on the outcomes of ventricular fibrillation (VF) and syncope remains uncertain. To clarify this relationship, a meta‐analysis was performed. A comprehensive search was conducted to identify all eligible studies from PubMed, MEDLINE, EBSCO, ProQuest, Science Direct, Clinical Key, and Cochrane database for cohort studies of BrS populations that had been systematically tested for SCN5A mutations. We did meta‐analysis to see the relationship between SCN5A mutations and the occurrence of VF and/or syncope using RevMan 5.3. Five clinical studies met our criteria and included a total of 665 BrS patients. These studies included 45 patients with VF and 178 patients with syncope. We found that in BrS patients with SCN5A mutations the rate of VF event was 30.7% while in patients without mutations was 28.5% (Risk Ratio [RR] = 1.11, [95% CI: 0.61, 2.00], P = 0.73, I2 = 0%). The occurrence of syncope events was 35.9% in patients with SCN5A mutations and 34.5% in patients without mutations (RR = 1.12, [95% CI: 0.87, 1.45], P = 0.37, I2 = 39%). Furthermore, the occurrence of combined VF and syncope events were similar between the 2 groups (RR = 1.12, [95% CI: 0.89, 1.42], P = 0.34, I2 = 11%). BrS patients with SCN5A mutations exhibit a similar risk of future occurence of VF and/or syncope as compared to those without SCN5A mutations.
Lateglacial/early Holocene palaeoenvironments in the southern North Sea Basin: new data from the Dudgeon offshore wind farm
Authors: Brown Alex , Russell John , Scaife Rob , Tizzard Louise , Whittaker John , Wyles Sarah F.
Published: July 2018

It is well known that the North Sea conceals an extensive former landscape of Late Pleistocene and Holocene date that was progressively submerged as result of rising post‐glacial sea levels. Although an increasingly detailed picture is emerging of these submerged palaeolandscapes, well‐dated palaeoenvironmental reconstructions from the North Sea Basin remain few and far between. Pollen, foraminifera, ostracod, plant macrofossil and molluscan data are presented from a radiocarbon‐dated core retrieved from the site of the Dudgeon offshore wind farm, located in the southern North Sea Basin. The palaeoenvironmental analysis provides new data on changing local physical and vegetation environments in the southern North Sea Basin, occurring against a background of global climate change and rising sea levels. Subalpine plant communities gradually gave way to hazel‐dominated woodland during the early Holocene, with freshwater environments replaced by increasing signs of estuarine influence from ca. 9500 to 9000 cal a BP. The thin upper peat (8411–8331 cal a BP) raises the possibility that the final inundation of the Dudgeon site may be linked to meltwater pulses following the collapse of the Laurentide Ice Sheet and the draining of the proglacial Lakes Agassiz and Ojibway.
Benefits of wine‐based marination of strip steaks prior to roasting: inhibition of protein oxidation and impact on sensory properties
Authors: Arcanjo Narciza MO , Ventanas Sonia , González‐Mohíno Alberto , Madruga Marta S , Estévez Mario
Published: July 2018

BACKGROUND

The objective of this study was to evaluate the impact of red wine‐based marination on the oxidative stability and overall quality of roasted beef strip steaks. Four treatments were considered, according to the type of wine (300 mL dealcoholized wine/kilogram meat): ‘Cabernet Sauvignon’, ‘Tempranillo’, ‘Isabel’ (ISA), and a control. The formation of potentially harmful protein oxidation products during roasting, including protein carbonyls and dityrosines, was inhibited by bioactive components of the wine.

RESULTS

ISA marinades were particularly resistant to protein oxidation, which could be due the particular composition of this wine in phenolic compounds. Wine‐based marination was also effective in controlling the formation of lipid‐derived volatile compounds, such as hexanal, octane‐2,5‐dione, and heptan‐2‐one, which led to a reduced perception of rancidity by panelists. Additionally, wines contributed to spicing roasted beef with wine‐derived flavors from esters, alcohols, and lactones.

CONCLUSIONS

Hence, marination may be a feasible means to alleviate the potential negative effects that oxidative reactions cause to meat proteins, improve beef quality, and diversify beef cuts into a variety of safer and more flavored meat products. Among wines, ISA appeared to be most promising in terms of antioxidant protection; however, the limited consumer acceptance of steaks treated with this wine may be regarded as a drawback to be sorted out in future studies. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
Concentrations of health‐promoting phytochemicals in ripe mango fruit triggered by postharvest application of elicitors
Authors: Vithana Mekhala DK , Singh Zora , Johnson Stuart K , Gupta Ritu
Published: July 2018

BACKGROUND

Mango fruit harvested at green mature stage were treated with methyl jasmonate (MeJA), nitric oxide (NO), or salicylic acid (SA) to investigate their effects on phytochemical concentrations in ripe fruit.

RESULTS

Fruit fumigated with MeJA showed the highest increase in the concentrations of gallic acid (33.0%), caffeic acid (80.0%), total phenols (38.4%), and total antioxidant capacity (20.9%) in the peel, and total carotenoids (48.7%) in the pulp, compared to control. The fruit dipped in SA showed the highest increase in the concentrations of lupeol (59.8%) and ferulic acid (73.2%) in the pulp and ferulic acid (67.4%) in the peel. Fruit fumigated with NO or MeJA showed the highest concentrations of lupeol in the peel (94.3%, 119.4%), and gallic acid (37.9%, 61.0%), total phenols (62.7%, 31.0%), and ascorbic acid (17.7%, 18.8%) in the pulp respectively. All the elicitor treatments were significantly effective in increasing concentrations of mangiferin and chlorogenic acid in the pulp and peel, vanillic acid in the peel, and total antioxidant capacity in the pulp.

CONCLUSION

Overall, MeJA (10−5 to 10−4 mol L−1) was identified as the most effective elicitor for triggering phytochemical production during ripening of harvested mango fruit. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
Irrigation‐induced salinity affects olive oil quality and health‐promoting properties
Authors: Tietel Zipora , Dag Arnon , Yermiyahu Uri , Zipori Isaac , Beiersdorf Ian , Krispin Shani , Ben‐Gal Alon
Published: July 2018

BACKGROUND

Olive oil, a functional food, is increasingly produced from trees irrigated with water containing high concentrations of salts. We studied the effects of irrigation‐induced salinity on quality and health‐related compounds in olive oil. Trees (cv Barnea) were grown in lysimeters with continuous control and monitoring of root‐zone salinity. Salinity in the root zone was altered by changing irrigation solution salinity or by changing the extent of leaching. Extracted oil was analyzed for quality parameters including free fatty acid content, polyphenol, tocopherol, sterol and carotenoid levels, fatty acid (FA) profile, and antioxidative capacity.

RESULTS

While not all parameters changed, fruit water percentage and fruit oil content significantly decreased with increasing exposure to salt. As salinity increased, there was a desirable rise in measured polyphenol and tocopherol levels and a contrasting undesirable reduction in a number of important compounds, including 16:1 and 18:3 FA.

CONCLUSION

The possible negative effects on olive oil quality due to FA‐related parameters should concern producers dependent on, or considering, irrigation with high‐salinity water sources. A number of important quality parameters were differentially influenced by the method of inducing the root zone salinity, suggesting that additional environmental variables leading to oxidative responses were affected by the treatments. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
Near‐Infrared Super‐Absorbing All‐Dielectric Metasurface Based on Single‐Layer Germanium Nanostructures
Authors: Tian Jingyi , Luo Hao , Li Qiang , Pei Xuelu , Du Kaikai , Qiu Min
Published: July 2018

Strong near‐infrared absorption in ultrathin semiconductor layers is essential for increasing the speed and efficiency of photocarrier extraction in optoelectronic devices. However, the absorption of a free‐standing ultrathin film can never exceed 50% in principle. In this article, an all‐dielectric germanium metasurface absorber in the near‐infrared region (800–1600 nm) is proposed theoretically and experimentally. Near‐unity absorption can be achieved in such a subwavelength‐thin (≈0.13 λ0) layer of nanostructures based on the destructive interference between simultaneously excited electric and magnetic dipoles inside each element in the backward direction in combination with the destructive interference between the scattered field and the incident field in the forward direction. Its response is both polarization‐independent and angle‐insensitive, with over 80% absorption at an incident angle up to 28°. This ultrathin and flexible design paves the way for realizing next generation optoelectronic devices aimed for high‐speed photon detection and energy harvesting.
Steam oxidation resistance of plasma sprayed chromium‐containing coatings at 1200 °C
Authors: Yang Zhao , Niu Yaran , Xue Jiaxiang , Liu Tao , Chang Chengkang , Zheng Xuebin
Published: July 2018

In order to improve the high‐temperature steam oxidation resistance of Zircaloy fuel claddings, chromium‐containing coatings (Cr3C2‐NiCr and NiCr) were deposited on a Zr‐4 substrate by air plasma spray. The steam oxidation resistance of the two coatings was evaluated at 1200 °C under atmospheric pressure. The weight changes, phase compositions, and microstructures of the coatings before and after the oxidation test of 1 h were characterized. Results revealed that the Cr3C2‐NiCr coating effectively protected Zr‐4 from oxidation. A protective Cr2O3scale with a thickness of about 7 µm was formed on the surface of the Cr3C2‐NiCr coating after 1 h duration and the formed oxide layer was about 100 times thinner than that formed on the uncoated sample. A none protective oxide scale was formed on the surface of the NiCr coated Zr‐4 samples. Severe inter‐diffusion between the NiCr coating and the Zr‐4 substrate was observed. The oxidation mechanisms of the two types of chromium‐containing coatings were analyzed and compared in detail.