bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Application des procédés d’oxydation avancée pour le traitement des eaux contaminées par les pesticides – revue de littérature
Authors: Komtchou Simon , Dirany Ahmad , Drogui Patrick , Lafrance Pierre
Published: April 2017

Les pesticides sont des substances chimiques et naturelles destinées à détruire, combattre ou repousser les organismes indésirables ou nuisibles qui causent des dommages aux cultures et produits agricoles. Leur utilisation permet aussi d’entretenir les espaces publics et les voies ferrées. Ces utilisations multiples des pesticides expliquent leur présence dans divers compartiments environnementaux comme l’eau, les sols et l’air. Cette présence dans l’environnement a des conséquences néfastes sur les êtres vivants, en particulier chez l’Homme où l’exposition aux pesticides peut causer des maladies neurodégénératives, congénitales et divers types de cancer. Il est donc nécessaire de contrôler les sources d’émission, réduire leurs transferts dans l’environnement et traiter les milieux d’exposition contaminés à l’aide de procédés d’épuration efficaces comme les procédés d’oxydation avancée (POA). Dans cette revue de synthèse bibliographique, l’accent est mis sur les différents paramètres opératoires qui influencent l’efficacité des procédés électrochimiques, photochimiques et électro-photochimiques dans le traitement des eaux contaminées par les pesticides. De manière globale, l’efficacité des POA est influencée par la nature de l’effluent à traiter (synthétique ou réel), le pH, et le temps de traitement. Les procédés électrochimiques sont influencés par la nature des électrodes et la densité du courant appliquée. Les procédés photochimiques comme la photocatalyse sont influencés par la nature et la concentration du photocatalyseur et par la longueur d’onde de la source lumineuse. Les procédés électro-photochimiques comme l’électro-photocatalyse sont influencés par la nature de la photo-anode. Cette revue de littérature a permis de montrer l’efficacité de POA pour la dégradation totale et la minéralisation partielle de l’atrazine en concentration initiale identique (C0 = 0,1 mM).
Análise do tempo de ventilação mecânica e internamento em pacientes submetidos a cirurgia cardíaca
Authors: Cordeiro André Luiz Lisboa , Lima Adrianna Souza Silva de , Matos Isis Caroline Oliveira , Oliveira Lais Vilas Boas , Guimarães André Raimundo , Carvalho Sarah De Oliveira , Melo Thiago Araújo de
Published: April 2017

Introdução: Pacientes submetidos à cirurgia cardíaca (CC) necessitam de ventilação mecânica invasiva (VMI) após o procedimento cirúrgico, sendo que um tempo prolongado de VMI pode levar a um aumento do tempo de permanência na Unidade de Terapia Intensiva (UTI). Objetivo: Verificar se o tempo de VMI interfere no tempo de internação em UTI. Métodos: Foram analisados, prospectivamente, pacientes submetidos à CC e que permaneceram por um tempo inferior a 24 horas na VMI. Foram selecionados 69 pacientes, os quais foram admitidos na UTI e acompanhados até o momento da extubação. Com esse dado encontrou-se o tempo que permaneceram em VMI e, depois, quantos dias permaneceram internados na UTI até o momento da alta da unidade. Resultados: A maior parte dos pacientes submetidos à CC foi do sexo masculino (56,5%); a idade média foi de 55,93±14,29 anos; o tipo de cirurgia mais prevalente foi a revascularização miocárdica (71,0%); o tempo médio de circulação extracorpórea (CEC) foi de 65,05±20,06 minutos; o tempo médio de internação na UTI foi de 2,18±1,10 dias; o tempo de VMI foi de 7,32±2,66 horas. Não se verificou significância estatística entre essas duas últimas variáveis com um p=0,43. Conclusão: Pode-se concluir que não houve correlação entre o tempo de ventilação mecânica e tempo de internação em UTI em pacientes que não apresentaram complicações pós-operatórias imediatas e que permaneceram menos de 12 horas sob ventilação mecânica.
An interview-based approach to assess sea turtle bycatch in Italian waters
Authors: Lucchetti Alessandro , Vasapollo Claudio , Virgili Massimo
Published: April 2017

The loggerhead sea turtle (Caretta caretta, Linnaeus, 1758) is the most abundant sea turtle species in the Mediterranean Sea, where commercial fishing appears to be the main driver of mortality. So far, information on sea turtle bycatch in Italy is limited both in space and time due to logistical problems in data collected through onboard observations and on a limited number of vessels involved. In the present study, sea turtle bycatch in Italian waters was examined by collecting fishermen’s information on turtle bycatch through an interview-based approach. Their replies enabled the identification of bycatch hotspots in relation to area, season and to the main gear types. The most harmful fishing gears resulted to be trawl nets, showing the highest probabilities of turtle bycatch with a hotspot in the Adriatic Sea, followed by longlines in the Ionian Sea and in the Sicily Channel. Estimates obtained by the present results showed that more than 52,000 capture events and 10,000 deaths occurred in Italian waters in 2014, highlighting a more alarming scenario than earlier studies. The work shows that in case of poor data from other sources, direct questioning of fishermen and stakeholders could represent a useful and cost-effective approach capable of providing sufficient data to estimate annual bycatch rates and identify high-risk gear/location/season combinations.
Density estimates of monarch butterflies overwintering in central Mexico
Authors: Thogmartin Wayne E. , Diffendorfer Jay E. , López-Hoffman Laura , Oberhauser Karen , Pleasants John , Semmens Brice X. , Semmens Darius , Taylor Orley R. , Wiederholt Ruscena
Published: April 2017

Given the rapid population decline and recent petition for listing of the monarch butterfly (Danaus plexippus L.) under the Endangered Species Act, an accurate estimate of the Eastern, migratory population size is needed. Because of difficulty in counting individual monarchs, the number of hectares occupied by monarchs in the overwintering area is commonly used as a proxy for population size, which is then multiplied by the density of individuals per hectare to estimate population size. There is, however, considerable variation in published estimates of overwintering density, ranging from 6.9–60.9 million ha−1. We develop a probability distribution for overwinter density of monarch butterflies from six published density estimates. The mean density among the mixture of the six published estimates was ∼27.9 million butterflies ha−1 (95% CI [2.4–80.7] million ha−1); the mixture distribution is approximately log-normal, and as such is better represented by the median (21.1 million butterflies ha−1). Based upon assumptions regarding the number of milkweed needed to support monarchs, the amount of milkweed (Asclepias spp.) lost (0.86 billion stems) in the northern US plus the amount of milkweed remaining (1.34 billion stems), we estimate >1.8 billion stems is needed to return monarchs to an average population size of 6 ha. Considerable uncertainty exists in this required amount of milkweed because of the considerable uncertainty occurring in overwinter density estimates. Nevertheless, the estimate is on the same order as other published estimates. The studies included in our synthesis differ substantially by year, location, method, and measures of precision. A better understanding of the factors influencing overwintering density across space and time would be valuable for increasing the precision of conservation recommendations.
An improved method for the molecular identification of single dinoflagellate cysts
Authors: Gao Yangchun , Fang Hongda , Dong Yanhong , Li Haitao , Pu Chuanliang , Zhan Aibin
Published: April 2017

Background

Dinoflagellate cysts (i.e., dinocysts) are biologically and ecologically important as they can help dinoflagellate species survive harsh environments, facilitate their dispersal and serve as seeds for harmful algal blooms. In addition, dinocysts derived from some species can produce more toxins than vegetative forms, largely affecting species through their food webs and even human health. Consequently, accurate identification of dinocysts represents the first crucial step in many ecological studies. As dinocysts have limited or even no available taxonomic keys, molecular methods have become the first priority for dinocyst identification. However, molecular identification of dinocysts, particularly when using single cells, poses technical challenges. The most serious is the low success rate of PCR, especially for heterotrophic species.

Methods

In this study, we aim to improve the success rate of single dinocyst identification for the chosen dinocyst species (Gonyaulax spinifera,Polykrikos kofoidii,Lingulodinium polyedrum,Pyrophacus steinii, Protoperidinium leonisandProtoperidinium oblongum) distributed in the South China Sea. We worked on two major technical issues: cleaning possible PCR inhibitors attached on the cyst surface and designing new dinoflagellate-specific PCR primers to improve the success of PCR amplification.

Results

For the cleaning of single dinocysts separated from marine sediments, we used ultrasonic wave-based cleaning and optimized cleaning parameters. Our results showed that the optimized ultrasonic wave-based cleaning method largely improved the identification success rate and accuracy of both molecular and morphological identifications. For the molecular identification with the newly designed dinoflagellate-specific primers (18S634F-18S634R), the success ratio was as high as 86.7% for single dinocysts across multiple taxa when using the optimized ultrasonic wave-based cleaning method, and much higher than that (16.7%) based on traditional micropipette-based cleaning.

Discussion

The technically simple but robust method improved on in this study is expected to serve as a powerful tool in deep understanding of population dynamics of dinocysts and the causes and consequences of potential negative effects caused by dinocysts.
The first juvenile specimen ofManchurochelys manchoukuoensisfrom the Early Cretaceous Jehol Biota
Authors: Shao Shuai , Yang Yang , Li Lan , Sun Da-Yong , Zhou Chang-Fu
Published: April 2017

A small juvenile turtle is described from the Early Cretaceous Jehol Biota, shedding light on the juvenile morphology and ontogeny ofManchurochelys manchoukuoensis. Several juvenile features are uncovered, such as a small and circular carapace (less than half of the adult), wide vertebral scales, and lateral carapacial fontanelles. In contrast to the adult morphology, which has an oval carapace, closed lateral fontanelles, and longer vertebrals 2–4, the juvenile ofM. manchoukuoensisis more comparable to that ofSinemys lens, except for earlier occurrence of the well-ossified carapace of the latter. Differs fromChangmachelys bohlini, andOrdosemys liaoxiensis, in which the circular carapace is relatively independent of ontogenetic age, and the lateral fontanelles are only closed in adult stage ofO. liaoxiensis. Therefore, the trajectory of ontogenetic change appears to be highly diversified in the sinemydids.
Mesoscale modeling of smoke transport from equatorial Southeast Asian Maritime Continent to the Philippines: First comparison of ensemble analysis with in situ observations
Authors: Ge Cui , Wang Jun , Reid Jeffrey S. , Posselt Derek J. , Xian Peng , Hyer Edward
Published: April 2017

Atmospheric transport of smoke from equatorial Southeast Asian Maritime Continent (Indonesia, Singapore, and Malaysia) to the Philippines was recently verified by the first‐ever measurement of aerosol composition in the region of the Sulu Sea from a research vessel named Vasco. However, numerical modeling of such transport can have large uncertainties due to the lack of observations for parameterization schemes and for describing fire emission and meteorology in this region. These uncertainties are analyzed here, for the first time, with an ensemble of 24 Weather Research and Forecasting model with Chemistry (WRF‐Chem) simulations. The ensemble reproduces the time series of observed surface nonsea‐salt PM2.5 concentrations observed from the Vasco vessel during 17–30 September 2011 and overall agrees with satellite (Cloud‐Aerosol Lidar and Infrared Pathfinder Satellite Observation (CALIPSO) and Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS)) and Aerosol Robotic Network (AERONET) data. The difference of meteorology between National Centers for Environmental Prediction (NCEP's) Final (FNL) and European Center for Medium range Weather Forecasting (ECMWF's) ERA renders the biggest spread in the ensemble (up to 20 μg m−3 or 200% in surface PM2.5), with FNL showing systematically superior results. The second biggest uncertainty is from fire emissions; the 2 day maximum Fire Locating and Modelling of Burning Emissions (FLAMBE) emission is superior than the instantaneous one. While Grell‐Devenyi (G3) and Betts‐Miller‐Janjić cumulus schemes only produce a difference of 3 μg m−3 of surface PM2.5 over the Sulu Sea, the ensemble mean agrees best with Climate Prediction Center (CPC) MORPHing (CMORPH)'s spatial distribution of precipitation. Simulation with FNL‐G3, 2 day maximum FLAMBE, and 800 m injection height outperforms other ensemble members. Finally, the global transport model (Navy Aerosol Analysis and Prediction System (NAAPS)) outperforms all WRF‐Chem simulations in describing smoke transport on 20 September 2011, suggesting the challenges to model tropical meteorology at mesoscale and finer scale.
First evidence of patchy flickering aurora modulated by multi‐ion electromagnetic ion cyclotron waves
Authors: Fukuda Yoko , Kataoka Ryuho , Uchida Herbert Akihito , Miyoshi Yoshizumi , Hampton Donald , Shiokawa Kazuo , Ebihara Yusuke , Whiter Daniel , Iwagami Naomoto , Seki Kanako
Published: April 2017

Electromagnetic ion cyclotron (EMIC) waves, one of the possible origins of flickering aurora, have been thought to modulate the electron flux at a few thousand kilometers. In fact, flickering aurora with a frequency range of 3–15 Hz has often been identified by ground‐based optical observations and has been interpreted to be caused by O+‐band EMIC waves. However, extant research to date has not identified possible signatures of H+‐band EMIC waves due to technical limitations of ground‐based high‐speed imagers. The present study shows the first evidence that patchy flickering aurora could be modulated by H+‐band EMIC waves, based on the data obtained from imaging observations at 160 frames per second. The sporadic appearance of the flickering aurora in the frequency range of 50–80 Hz coexisted with typical flickering auroras of approximately 10 Hz. These results are consistent with the hypothesis that flickering auroras are generated by multi‐ion EMIC waves.
Diagnostic and cost utility of whole exome sequencing in peripheral neuropathy
Authors: Walsh Maie , Bell Katrina M. , Chong Belinda , Creed Emma , Brett Gemma R. , Pope Kate , Thorne Natalie P. , Sadedin Simon , Georgeson Peter , Phelan Dean G. , Day Timothy , Taylor Jessica A. , Sexton Adrienne , Lockhart Paul J. , Kiers Lynette , Fahey Michael , Macciocca Ivan , Gaff Clara L. , Oshlack Alicia , Yiu Eppie M. , James Paul A. , Stark Zornitza , Ryan Monique M. ,   the Melbourne Genomics Health Alliance
Published: April 2017

Objective

To explore the diagnostic utility and cost effectiveness of whole exome sequencing (WES) in a cohort of individuals with peripheral neuropathy.

Methods

Singleton WES was performed in individuals recruited though one pediatric and one adult tertiary center between February 2014 and December 2015. Initial analysis was restricted to a virtual panel of 55 genes associated with peripheral neuropathies. Patients with uninformative results underwent expanded analysis of the WES data. Data on the cost of prior investigations and assessments performed for diagnostic purposes in each patient was collected.

Results

Fifty patients with a peripheral neuropathy were recruited (median age 18 years; range 2–68 years). The median time from initial presentation to study enrollment was 6 years 9 months (range 2 months–62 years), and the average cost of prior investigations and assessments for diagnostic purposes AU$4013 per patient. Eleven individuals received a diagnosis from the virtual panel. Eight individuals received a diagnosis following expanded analysis of the WES data, increasing the overall diagnostic yield to 38%. Two additional individuals were diagnosed with pathogenic copy number variants through SNP microarray.

Conclusions

This study provides evidence that WES has a high diagnostic utility and is cost effective in patients with a peripheral neuropathy. Expanded analysis of WES data significantly improves the diagnostic yield in patients in whom a diagnosis is not found on the initial targeted analysis. This is primarily due to diagnosis of conditions caused by newly discovered genes and the resolution of complex and atypical phenotypes.
Energy Level Alignment and Cation Charge States at the LaFeO3/LaMnO3 (001) Heterointerface
Authors: Smolin Sergey Y. , Choquette Amber K. , Wilks Regan G. , Gauquelin Nicolas , Félix Roberto , Gerlach Dominic , Ueda Shigenori , Krick Alex L. , Verbeeck Johan , Bär Marcus , Baxter Jason B. , May Steven J.
Published: April 2017

The electronic properties of LaFeO3/LaMnO3 epitaxial heterojunctions are investigated to determine the valence and conduction band offsets and the nominal Mn and Fe valence states at the interface. Studying a systematic series of (LaFeO3)n/(LaMnO3)m bilayers (m ≈ 50) epitaxially grown in the (001) orientation using molecular beam epitaxy, layer‐resolved electron energy loss spectroscopy reveals a lack of significant interfacial charge transfer, with a nominal 3+ valence state observed for both Mn and Fe across the interface. Through a combination of variable angle spectroscopic ellipsometry and hard X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, type I energy level alignments are obtained at the LaFeO3/LaMnO3 interface with positive valence and conduction band offsets of (1.20 ± 0.07) eV and (0.5–0.7 ± 0.3) eV, respectively, with minimal band bending. Variable temperature resistivity measurements reveal that the bilayers remain insulating and that the presence of the heterojunction does not result in a conducting interface.
Palladium‐Catalyzed Regioselective Allylation of Chloromethyl(hetero)arenes with Allyl Pinacolborate
Authors: Zhang Sheng , Ullah Aziz , Yamamoto Yoshinori , Bao Ming
Published: April 2017

The palladium‐catalyzed regioselective allylation reaction between chloromethyl(hetero)arenes and allyl pinacolborate is reported in this work. Chloromethylarenes smoothly reacted with allyl pinacolborate, producing para‐allylated dearomatization products or para‐allylated arenes in satisfactory to good yields. 2‐(Chloromethyl)thiophenes and 2‐(chloromethyl)furans bearing substituents on the 5‐positions also smoothly reacted with allyl pinacolborate, producing the 5‐allylated dearomatization products in satisfactory yields.

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Laparoscopic surgical challenge for T4a colon cancer
Authors: Hojo Seishi , Kawahara Hidejiro , Ogawa Masaichi , Suwa Katsuhito , Eto Ken , Yanaga Katsuhiko
Published: April 2017

For patients with T4a colon cancer, the risk of peritoneal dissemination after surgery remains unclear. Seven hundred and eleven patients with T3 or T4a colon cancer, 80 years of age or younger, underwent curative resection (open surgery in 512 and laparoscopic surgery in 199) at the four Jikei University hospitals between 2006 and 2012. Their risk factors for peritoneal dissemination after surgery were evaluated retrospectively. Number of lymph node metastases, postoperative liver metastases and postoperative peritoneal dissemination events in the T4a group were significantly greater than the number in the T3 group. Peritoneal dissemination after surgery developed in four patients (0.7%) in the T3 group and in six patients (5%) in the T4a group. Risk factors for peritoneal dissemination consisted of macroscopic type (P = 0.016), serosal invasion (P = 0.017) and number of lymph node metastases (P = 0.009) according to the Cox proportional hazards regression model. However, tumor diameter and surgical approach (laparoscopic vs open) were not significant factors for peritoneal dissemination. There were no significant differences between the postoperative relapse‐free survival rates for each surgical approach within the T3 or T4a group. Because of comparable postoperative peritoneal dissemination in T3 and T4a colon cancer by the surgical approach (laparoscopic or open), laparoscopic surgery for patients with T4a colon cancer seems justified.
Catalytic Reductive Synthesis and Direct Derivatization of Unprotected Aminoindoles, Aminopyrroles, and Iminoindolines
Authors: Leijendekker Leonardus H. , Weweler Jens , Leuther Tobias M. , Streuff Jan
Published: April 2017

A titanium(III)‐catalyzed radical cyclization to unprotected 3‐aminoindoles, 3‐aminopyrroles, or 3‐iminoindolines is reported. The reaction is non‐hazardous, scalable, and allows facile isolation of the free products by extraction. The method is demonstrated on a large substrate scope and it further allows the direct installation of various nitrogen protecting groups or the synthesis of building blocks for peptide chemistry in a single sequence. Fused bisindoles can be directly accessed from the cyclization products.
Palladium(II) complexes of aminothiazole‐based phosphines: Synthesis, structural characterization, density functional theory calculations and catalytic application in heck reaction
Authors: Gholivand Khodayar , Kahnouji Mohammad , Mark Roe S. , Gholami Akram , Fadaei Farzaneh T.
Published: April 2017

Three Pd(II) complexes of some hemilabile ligands, aminothiazole‐based phosphines, were synthesized to investigate the catalytic activity of them in Heck cross‐coupling reactions. The crystal structures of complexes PdCl2[(Ph2P)HN(C3H2NS)] (C1) and PdCl2[(Ph2P)HN(C7H4NS)] (C3) were determined using X‐ray crystallography, which reveals that the ligand coordinates in a chelating mode through P and N (endocyclic) atoms in square planar geometry. Experimental and theoretical studies (atoms in molecules and natural bond orbital analyses) show that the Pd(II) interacts more strongly with the P atom than the N atom in the chelated ligand, N^P. This trait can promote catalytic activity of the complexes in comparison with our previous work in which chelated ligands with two phosphorus atoms, P^P, were used. The influence of non‐covalent intermolecular interactions on the assembly of the solid‐state structures is also discussed in terms of geometrical analysis. The prepared complexes turn out to be useful pre‐catalysts in Heck cross‐coupling reactions owing to the coordinative flexibility of the hemilabile ligands. The protocol affords the corresponding products in greater yield than the same reactions with bis(phosphino)amine Pd(II) complexes, as the catalysts in our previous work.
Immobilized polytriazole complexes of copper(I) onto graphene oxide as a recyclable nanocatalyst for synthesis of triazoles
Authors: Naeimi Hossein , Ansarian Zahra
Published: April 2017

An efficient solid‐supported catalyst for the Huisgen [3 + 2] cycloaddition reaction between azides and alkynes was prepared from copper(I) iodide and 1,2,3‐triazole‐functionalized graphene oxide. This catalyst was then used for the efficient synthesis of β‐hydroxy‐1,2,3‐triazoles giving access to these products in excellent yields. In this protocol, the catalyst was shown to have high activity, air‐stability and recyclability. The formation of copper triazolide is very straightforward and energetically desirable. The catalyst can be isolated from copper‐catalysed azide–alkyne cycloaddition reactions.
Smad4 Inhibits VEGF‐A and VEGF‐C Expressions via Enhancing Smad3 Phosphorylation in Colon Cancer
Authors: Li Xuemei , Li Xinlei , Lv Xiaohong , Xiao Jianbing , Liu Baoquan , Zhang Yafang
Published: April 2017

Smad4 is a critical factor in the TGF‐β pathway and is involved in tumor progression and metastasis, but the role of Smad4 in colon cancer cells is unclear. The aim of this study is to explore the effect and the underlying mechanism of Smad4 on the growth, migration and apoptosis of colon cancer cells as well as vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)‐A and VEGF‐C secreted by these cells. In this study, we showed that Smad4, VEGF‐A, and VEGF‐C are independent prognostic factors of colon cancer, and Smad4 expression was negatively correlated with VEGF‐A and ‐C in samples. We found that Smad4 mRNA and protein levels in colon cancer cells, particularly in HCT‐116 cells, were significantly lower than those in the human intestinal epithelial cell line (HIEC). Smad4 overexpression promoted tumor cell apoptosis, inhibited VEGF‐A and ‐C expression in vitro and in vivo, but had no effect on cell proliferation and migration. Tail vein injection of the virus inhibited xenograft growth in nude mice. Importantly, we also demonstrated that Smad4 could increase the phosphorylation level of Smad3, but not Smad2, which may be one of the mechanisms underlying these effects of Smad4 in colon cancer. Therefore, Smad4 may be a new target for the treatment of colon cancer. Anat Rec, 300:1560–1569, 2017. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
LiDAR‐guided Archaeological Survey of a Mediterranean Landscape: Lessons from the Ancient Greek Polis of Kolophon (Ionia, Western Anatolia)
Authors: Grammer Benedikt , Draganits Erich , Gretscher Martin , Muss Ulrike
Published: April 2017

In 2013, an airborne laser scan survey was conducted in the territory of the Ionian city of Kolophon near the western coast of modern Turkey as part of an archaeological survey project carried out by the Mimar Sinan University of Istanbul (Turkey) and the University of Vienna (Austria). Several light detection and ranging (LiDAR) studies have been carried out in the temperate climate zones of Europe, but only a few in Mediterranean landscapes. Our study is based on the first LiDAR survey carried out for an archaeological purpose in Turkey and one of the first in the Mediterranean that have been planned, measured and filtered especially for archaeological research questions. The interpretation of LiDAR data combined with ground‐observations proved extremely useful for the detection and documentation of archaeological remains below Mediterranean evergreen vegetation and dense maquis. This article deals with the methodological aspects of interpreting LiDAR data, using the Kolophon data as a case study. We offer a discussion of the strengths and limitations of LiDAR as an archaeological remote sensing method and suggest a best practice model for interpreting LiDAR data in a Mediterranean context. © 2017 The Authors. Archaeological Prospection published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
A Multidimensional Investigation of the Effects of Publication Retraction on Scholarly Impact
Authors: Shuai Xin , Rollins Jason , Moulinier Isabelle , Custis Tonya , Edmunds Mathilda , Schilder Frank
Published: April 2017

During the past few decades, the rate of publication retractions has increased dramatically in academia. In this study, we investigate retractions from a quantitative perspective, aiming to answer two fundamental questions. One, how do retractions influence the scholarly impact of retracted papers, authors, and institutions? Two, does this influence propagate to the wider academic community through scholarly associations? Specifically, we analyzed a set of retracted articles indexed in Thomson Reuters Web of Science (WoS), and ran multiple experiments to compare changes in scholarly impact against a control set of nonretracted articles, authors, and institutions. We further applied the Granger Causality test to investigate whether different scientific topics are dynamically affected by retracted papers occurring within those topics. Our results show two key findings: first, the scholarly impact of retracted papers and authors significantly decreases after retraction, and the most severe impact decrease correlates with retractions based on proven, purposeful scientific misconduct; second, this retraction penalty does not seem to spread through the broader scholarly social graph, but instead has a limited and localized effect. Our findings may provide useful insights for scholars or science committees to evaluate the scholarly value of papers, authors, or institutions related to retractions.
Self‐Assembly of Luminescent Lanthanide Mesocates as Efficient Catalysts for Transforming Carbon Dioxide into Cyclic Carbonates
Authors: Han Qingxin , Wang Li , Shi Zhaohua , Xu Cong , Dong Zhe , Mou Zuolin , Liu Weisheng
Published: April 2017

Four dinuclear lanthanide mesocates were fabricated through a spontaneous self‐assembly method, and the formation of these complexes was well studied by their absorption and emission spectra. These stable complexes were also found to exhibit superior performance in catalyzing the coupling reaction between epoxides and CO2 with excellent recyclability. Moreover, the catalysts could be prepared on large scale. Moreover, the Yb and Lu complexes featured emissions in the near‐infrared and visible regions, respectively, and their intensities and lifetimes could be used for identification purposes. Thus, this new approach can be used to construct promising lanthanide complexes as efficient catalysts and it identifies the possibility to better study a catalytic reaction with a luminescent catalyst.
Performance and reliability analysis of a repairable discrete‐time Geo/G/1 queue with Bernoulli feedback and randomized policy
Authors: Lan Shaojun , Tang Yinghui
Published: April 2017

This paper is concerned with a discrete‐time Geo/G/1 repairable queueing system with Bernoulli feedback and randomized
‐policy. The service station may be subject to failures randomly during serving customers and therefore is sent for repair immediately. The
‐policy means that when the number of customers in the system reaches a given threshold value N, the deactivated server is turned on with probability p or is still left off with probability 1−p. Applying the law of total probability decomposition, the renewal theory and the probability generating function technique, we investigate the queueing performance measures and reliability indices simultaneously in our work. Both the transient queue length distribution and the recursive expressions of the steady‐state queue length distribution at various epochs are explicitly derived. Meanwhile, the stochastic decomposition property is presented for the proposed model. Various reliability indices, including the transient and the steady‐state unavailability of the service station, the expected number of the service station breakdowns during the time interval
and the equilibrium failure frequency of the service station are also discussed. Finally, an operating cost function is formulated, and the direct search method is employed to numerically find the optimum value of N for minimizing the system cost. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Identification of a novel miRNA that increases transient protein expression in combination with valproic acid
Authors: Meyer Hermann‐Josef , Reilly Dorothea , Martin Scott E. , Wong Athena W.
Published: April 2017

Transient gene expression in mammalian cells is an efficient process to produce recombinant proteins for various research applications and large molecule therapeutics development. For the first time, we report a screen to identify human microRNAs (miRNAs) that increase titers after polyethylenimine (PEI) mediated transient transfection of a HEK293 cell line. From a library of 875 miRNAs, we identified 2 miRNAs, miR‐26a‐5p and miR‐337‐5p, that increased human IgG1 (huIgG1) yields by 50 and 25%, respectively. The titer increase was achievable by expressing miR‐26a‐5p from oligonucleotides or a plasmid. Furthermore, combining miR‐26a‐5p with valproic acid (VPA) treatment doubled huIgG1 titers. Assessment of miR‐26a‐5p and VPA treatment across a panel of 32 human and murine antibodies demonstrates that the level of yield enhancement was molecule‐dependent, with most exhibiting a range of 50–100% titer increase. These findings exemplify that combining genetic and chemical manipulation can be an effective strategy to enhance transient transfection productivity. © 2017 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Biotechnol. Prog., 33:1139–1145, 2017
The computer‐aided teaching of apple tree pruning and training
Authors: Kolmanič Simon , Tojnko Stanislav , Unuk Tatjana , Kohek Štefan
Published: April 2017

Fruit growers have to master tree training and pruning to achieve high yields, but learning these skills is time consuming. A special tree training and pruning teaching application EduAPPLE has been developed, but before including it in the higher education, we tested, if benefits of EduAPPLE use can be observed.
Mycobacterium genavense invading the bone marrow in a HIV‐positive patient
Authors: Bourlon Christianne , Vargas‐Serafín Cesar , López‐Karpovitch Xavier
Published: April 2017

Key Clinical Message

Nontuberculous mycobacteria infrequently cause disseminated infections in immunocompetent hosts. However, they are increasingly being recognized in immunocompromised patients. We present the case of a 40‐year‐old HIV‐positive male presenting with lymphadenopathies and pancytopenia in whom disseminated infection, with bone marrow involvement by Mycobacterium genavense (M. genavense) was diagnosed.
Growth Mechanism of Hollow Sodium Chloride Single Crystals Grown from a Mixed Solvent of Cyclohexane and Acetone
Authors: Kaneko Shiro , Hirasawa Izumi
Published: April 2017

Recently, hollow sodium chloride crystals have been proposed as potential high‐value‐added crystals. The crystal growth mechanism of such crystals is elucidated using X‐ray diffraction (XRD), optical microscopic imaging, and analysis of both the chloride ions and water content in the mixed solvent of cyclohexane and acetone. A series of experimental conditions, including the stirring time after injecting the aqueous sodium chloride solutions into the mixed solvent and the ratio of cyclohexane and acetone, are evaluated in detail. Based on experimental data, possible growth mechanisms are proposed to explain the formation of hollow sodium chloride crystals.
Particle Engineering of an Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient for Improved Micromeritic Properties
Authors: Sowa Michał , Klapwijk Anneke R. , Ostendorf Michael , Beckmann Wolfgang
Published: April 2017

A range of particle‐engineering techniques were applied to modify unfavorable bulk solid properties of an active pharmaceutical ingredient (API), with the solid‐state form of the compound remaining constant. The compound under investigation has been crystallized as needle‐like particles, which lead to poor powder‐flow properties, ineffective processing, and problematic formulation behavior. The results show that design and optimization of a cooling crystallization procedure as well as application of alternative approaches, i.e., spherical agglomeration, additive‐controlled crystallization, or ultrasonication, can improve the solid‐state properties of the studied compound. The improvements were quantified by measuring bulk density and flowability, and by comparing the jet‐milling behavior.
Extensive Sodium Metal Plating and Stripping in a Highly Concentrated Inorganic−Organic Ionic Liquid Electrolyte through Surface Pretreatment
Authors: Basile Andrew , Makhlooghiazad Faezeh , Yunis Ruhamah , MacFarlane Douglas R. , Forsyth Maria , Howlett Patrick C.
Published: April 2017

The front cover artwork was designed by Dr. A. Basile. The image shows the abundance of sodium relative to other alkali metals, underscoring the recent shift toward sodium in energy storage research. Read the full text of the Communication at 10.1002/celc.201600784.
Peripheral artery disease and risk of adverse outcomes in heart failure with preserved ejection fraction
Authors: Sandesara Pratik B. , Hammadah Muhammad , Samman‐Tahhan Ayman , Kelli Heval M. , O'Neal Wesley T.
Published: April 2017

Background

Peripheral artery disease (PAD) in heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) is associated with an increased mortality risk, but the risk of individual outcomes associated with PAD in this patient group is less clear.

Hypothesis

PAD is associated with adverse outcomes in HFpEF, including hospitalization and specific cardiovascular outcomes.

Methods

We examined the association between PAD and adverse outcomes in 3385 patients with HFpEF (mean age, 69 ± 9.6 years; 49% male; 89% white) from the Treatment of Preserved Cardiac Function Heart Failure With an Aldosterone Antagonist Trial (TOPCAT). Baseline PAD was identified by self‐reported history and medical‐record review. The following outcomes were adjudicated by a clinical endpoint committee: hospitalization, hospitalization for heart failure (HF), myocardial infarction, stroke, death, and cardiovascular death.

Results

Over a median follow‐up of 3.4 years (interquartile range, 2.0–4.9 years), an increased risk for hospitalization (hazard ratio [HR]: 1.36, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.16‐1.60), myocardial infarction (HR: 1.69, 95% CI: 1.07‐2.67), death (HR: 1.56, 95% CI: 1.22‐1.99), and cardiovascular death (HR: 1.53, 95% CI: 1.12‐2.10) was observed for those with PAD compared with those without PAD. PAD was not associated with incident stroke. The association between PAD and hospitalization for HF was limited to participants with prior history of HF hospitalization (n = 2449; HR: 1.51, 95% CI: 1.09‐2.13).

Conclusions

PAD increases the risk for adverse outcomes in HFpEF and is associated with HF rehospitalization. Practitioners should be aware of the inherent risk associated with PAD in HFpEF.
Review on Biosorption of Arsenic From Contaminated Water
Authors: Dadwal Anica , Mishra Vishal
Published: April 2017

Arsenic contamination in water is a worldwide problem. It is spreading in the environment as a result of numerous natural and anthropogenic sources having a massive influence on health of human and ecological systems. In order to mitigate this problem, there are various conventional technologies available for the removal of arsenic like oxidation, coagulation and flocculation, ion exchange, and membrane processes. However, there are various limitations associated with these techniques such as high cost and generation of toxic byproducts due to which attention has been paid to biosorption in the past few years, as it is an eco‐friendly as well as cost‐effective technique. Arsenic biosorption by various low‐cost adsorbents and biosorbents such as activated carbons, algae, submerged plants, bacteria, fungi, plant, and fruit wastes have been surveyed and critically reviewed in this paper along with their sorption efficiencies. Furthermore, the nonlinear models of adsorption dynamics and thermodynamic feasibility of arsenic biosorption together with detailed analysis of biological mechanisms of arsenic ion uptake by bacteria, fungi and algae has been discussed in detail in the present work. Alternatives of disposal of arsenic loaded sludge obtained after the biosorption of arsenic has also been addressed.
The Relative Bioavailability of Ibuprofen After Administration With a Novel Soft Chewable Drug Formulation
Authors: Hattrem Magnus N. , Dille Morten J. , Seternes Tore , Ege Thorfinn , Draget Kurt I.
Published: April 2017

The first aim of the present study was to evaluate the bioavailability of ibuprofen dispersed in a novel soft chewable formulation compared with a traditional ibuprofen tablet; its second was to map the quality of taste masking and patient product satisfaction. In a phase 1, single‐center, open‐label, randomized, crossover study, healthy subjects received a soft‐chew formulation or a hard tablet (reference), both containing 100 mg ibuprofen. Serial blood samples were collected over 24 hours to assess ibuprofen bioavailability. Taste and satisfaction after chewing the novel formulation 3 or 8 times were evaluated with a questionnaire. The soft‐chew formulation showed comparable bioavailability to the reference tablet. The highest peak plasma concentration was observed after 3 chews, and the relative bioavailability was approximately 8% higher compared to 8 chews. The overall flavor was well appreciated, and chewing 3 times was significantly preferred (P = .043) over chewing 8 times. Soft chewable drug formulations may improve compliance and potentially benefit several subpopulations who experience dysphagia.
Large population cell characterization using quantitative phase cytometer
Authors: Jin Di , Sung Yongjin , Lue Niyom , Kim Yang‐Hyo , So Peter T. C. , Yaqoob Zahid
Published: April 2017

A major challenge in cellular analysis is the phenotypic characterization of large cell populations within a short period of time. Among various parameters for cell characterization, the cell dry mass is often used to describe cell size but is difficult to be measured directly with traditional techniques. Here, we propose an interferometric approach based on line‐focused beam illumination for high‐content precision dry mass measurements of adherent cells in a non‐invasive fashion—we call it quantitative phase cytometry (QPC). Besides dry mass, abundant cellular morphological features such as projected area, sphericity, and phase skewness can be readily extracted from the QPC interferometric data. To validate the utility of our technique, we demonstrate characterizing a large population of ∼104 HeLa cells. Our reported QPC system is envisioned as a promising quantitative tool for label‐free characterization of a large cell count at single cell resolution. © 2017 International Society for Advancement of Cytometry
Similarity in volatile communities leads to increased herbivory and greater tropical forest diversity
Authors: Massad Tara J. , Martins de Moraes Marcílio , Philbin Casey , Oliveira Celso , Cebrian Torrejon Gerardo , Fumiko Yamaguchi Lydia , Jeffrey Christopher S. , Dyer Lee A. , Richards Lora A. , Kato Massuo J.
Published: April 2017

A longstanding paradigm in ecology is that there are positive associations between herbivore diversity, specialization, and plant species diversity, with a focus on taxonomic diversity. However, phytochemical diversity is also an informative metric, as insect herbivores interact with host plants not as taxonomic entities, but as sources of nutrients, primary metabolites, and mixtures of attractant and repellant chemicals. The present research examines herbivore responses to phytochemical diversity measured as volatile similarity in the tropical genusPiper. We quantified associations between naturally occurring volatile variation and herbivory by specialist and generalist insects. Intraspecific similarity of volatile compounds across individuals was associated with greater overall herbivory. A structural equation model supported the hypothesis that plot level volatile similarity caused greater herbivory by generalists, but not specialists, which led to increased understory plant richness. These results demonstrate that using volatiles as a functional diversity metric is informative for understanding tropical forest diversity and indicate that generalist herbivores contribute to the maintenance of diversity.
Dietary protein content for an optimal diet: a clinical view
Authors: Santarpia Lidia , Contaldo Franco , Pasanisi Fabrizio
Published: April 2017

The dietary protein role in different clinical nutritional conditions and some physio‐pathological perspectives is a current and hot topic to discuss. Recent Proceedings of the Protein Summit 2, joining more than 60 nutrition scientists, health experts, and nutrition educators, suggest to increase plant but, in particular, animal protein intake because richer in leucine and consequently more effective to influence anabolic protein metabolism. The Panel conclusions are in apparent contradiction with the nutritional ecology statements, which strongly sustain the reduction of animal origin foods in the human diet and are currently concerned about the excessive, mainly animal protein intake in western and westernized Countries. In conclusion, it is time to carefully evaluate protein and aminoacid intake accurately considering quality, digestibility, daily distribution and individual characteristics.
Long term radiographic findings of breast brachytherapy: Implications of surgical volume
Authors: Wallace Audrey S. , Tchatalbachev Vladislav , Nelson Jay , Wang Zhenyu , Dale Paul , Biedermann Gregory B.
Published: April 2017

Purpose

Little is known about long‐term radiographic findings after treatment with accelerated partial breast irradiation (APBI).

Methods

Univariate and multivariate analysis of factors leading to formation and resolution of seroma were performed in patients treated with lumpectomy and APBI.

Results

Post‐treatment images of 129 patients were reviewed by one radiologist. Median surgical excision volume was 108.9 cc (range 20.5‐681.9). Primary mode of imaging was mammogram. Median time from end of RT to first and last surveillance image was 6 and 54 months, respectively. Median number of images was 7 (range 3‐12). Seroma was identified in 98 (76%) patients, with median maximum diameter of 3.9 cm. Forty (41%) patients experienced resolution of seroma, at a median time of 29 months (range 6‐74). On univariate analysis, surgical excision volume was associated with seroma formation, and tumor stage and margin re‐excision were significant on univariate and multivariate analysis. No factors were associated with seroma resolution.

Conclusion

Seroma formation after APBI resolves around 2.5 years for many patients, but persists for others possibly due to primary tumor and surgical excision volumes. With revised criteria on the definition of positive margins, smaller volumes may lead to decreased risk of seroma formation for future patients.
Implantable Doppler monitoring of buried free flaps during vascularized lymph node transfer
Authors: Teven Chad M. , Ooi Adrian S. H. , Inbal Amir , Chang David W.
Published: April 2017

Background and Objectives

Reliable flap monitoring is crucial to the success of free tissue transfer, including vascularized lymph node transfer (VLNT). However, no large‐scale study has examined implantable Doppler monitoring in VLNT. We aimed to determine whether an implantable Doppler system can reliably monitor flap perfusion during VLNT and also to calculate the sensitivity and specificity of this system for detecting compromise in the monitored vessel.

Methods

An analysis of prospectively collected data of patients who underwent buried VLNT with implantable Doppler monitoring between 2014 and 2015 was performed.

Results

A consecutive series of 100 patients underwent VLNT with implantable Doppler monitoring. Five cases required return to the operating room for flap exploration due to a change in Doppler signal quality. All compromised flaps were salvaged. The sensitivity of the implantable Doppler system for flap monitoring was 100%, the specificity was 97.9%, the positive predictive value was 60%, and the negative predictive value was 100%. The false‐positive rate was 2%.

Conclusions

This is the largest reported series of implantable Doppler monitoring of free flap perfusion during VLNT. Our experience suggests that this is a safe and effective technique for postoperative monitoring of VLNT.
Controlling and Monitoring Intracellular Delivery of Anticancer Polymer Nanomedicines
Authors: Battistella Claudia , Klok Harm‐Anton
Published: April 2017

Polymer nanomedicines are very attractive to improve the delivery of chemotherapeutics. Polymer conjugates and other polymer‐based nanocarriers allow to increase plasma half‐life and drug bioavailability and can also be guided toward tumors using passive and active targeting strategies. Since many chemotherapeutics act on targets that are located in well‐defined subcellular compartments, other important factors that contribute to an efficient therapy include cellular internalization and subsequent intracellular trafficking of the polymer nanomedicines and/or its payload to the appropriate organelle in the cytoplasm. This article provides an overview of the different approaches that have been developed to control intracellular delivery of polymer nanomedicines and discusses the different techniques that can be used to monitor these processes.

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