bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Three‐Dimensional Shear Wave Elastography of Skeletal Muscle: Preliminary Study
Authors: Yin Li , Lu Ruigang , Cao Wen , Zhang Lingling , Li Wenjing , Sun Hong , Guo Ruijun
Published: February 2018

Objectives

Two‐dimensional (2D) shear wave elastography (SWE) can measure the elasticity of skeletal muscle, tendons, and ligaments. Three‐dimensional (3D) SWE has been used to detect breast cancer but has not been applied to the musculoskeletal system. This study aimed to investigate whether 3D SWE could be used in skeletal muscles in vivo.

Methods

The study enrolled 20 healthy volunteers at Beijing Chaoyang Hospital from August to October 2016. Two‐dimensional and 3D SWE scans were used to measure the Young modulus of the flexor carpi radialis in the relaxed state. Longitudinal and transverse scanning was performed. Data were analyzed by a 1‐way analysis of variance/least significant difference post hoc test, a paired t test, and Bland‐Altman plots.

Results

The participants included 10 male and 10 female volunteers with a mean age ± SD of 25 ± 5 years. The Young modulus did not differ between 3D and 2D SWE for the sagittal plane (longitudinal scanning, 34.9 ± 5.7 versus 32.7 ± 5.2 kPa; P = .096) or transverse plane (transverse scanning, 9.1 ± 2.1 versus 9.2 ± 1.6 kPa; P = .877). The Young modulus did not differ between sagittal, transverse, and coronal planes for 3D SWE longitudinal scanning (34.9 ± 5.7, 34.3 ± 5.8, and 34.8 ± 5.9 kPa, respectively; P = .936) or 3D SWE transverse scanning (9.1 ± 2.0, 9.1 ± 2.1, and 8.8 ± 2.1 kPa; P = .838). However, the Young modulus for each individual plane (sagittal, transverse, or coronal) differed significantly between longitudinal and transverse scanning (P < .001).

Conclusions

Both 2D SWE and 3D SWE are suitable techniques for clinical use, depending on the examiner's experience/preference. However, 3D SWE provides a multiplanar/multislice view that better illustrates the spatial characteristics of muscle tissue. Three‐dimensional SWE may be a new method for fully visualizing the musculoskeletal system.
The survival impact of surgical therapy in squamous cell carcinoma of the hard palate
Authors: Alonso Jose E. , Han Albert Y. , Kuan Edward C. , Strohl Madeline , Clair Jon Mallen‐St. , St. John Maie A. , Ryan William R. , Heaton Chase M.
Published: February 2018

Objective

To describe the incidence and determinants of survival of patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the hard palate (SCCHP) between the years of 1973 to 2014 using the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database.

Methods

Retrospective, population‐based cohort study of patients in the SEER tumor registry who were diagnosed with SCCHP from 1973 to 2014. Outcomes and measures included overall survival (OS) and disease‐specific survival (DSS).

Results

A total of 1,489 cases of primary SCCHP were identified. Of those, 53.2% were females and 47.8% presented with stage IV disease. The mean age at diagnosis was 69.8 years. Overall survival at 2, 5, and 10 years was 44%, 33%, and 21%, respectively. A total of 66.2% of patients underwent surgery (with or without radiation therapy [RT]); 20.1% received RT; and 22.4% had both surgical and RT. On multivariate analysis, RT, advanced age, stage, and grade were associated with worse OS and DSS (P < 0.05). Surgical therapy (with or without radiation) was an independent favorable predictor of OS and DSS (P < 0.05).

Conclusion

SCCHP is relatively infrequent tumor that portends an overall poor prognosis when advanced stage and a greater prognosis when early stage. Surgical therapy was found to be an independent predictor for improved OS and DSS, whereas RT was associated with reduced OS and DSS.

Level of Evidence

4. Laryngoscope, 128:2050–2055, 2018
Electronic device generated light increases reactive oxygen species in human fibroblasts
Authors: Austin Evan , Huang Amy , Adar Tony , Wang Erica , Jagdeo Jared
Published: February 2018

Objectives

Our skin is constantly exposed to light from solar radiation and electronic devices, which impact skin physiology and aging. The biological altering properties of ultraviolet (UV) solar radiation on skin have been well established. There is significant scientific and public interest on the effects of electronic device generated light (EDGL) on skin. Currently, the effects of EDGL on skin are largely unknown. EDGL includes UV, visible, and infrared light from consumer electronics such as smartphones, computers, and televisions. In this study, we measured the wavelength specific irradiance from electronic devices, and irradiated fibroblasts with white EDGL to determine changes in reactive oxygen species generation, apoptosis, and necrosis.

Methods

To determine the EDGL output of commonly used consumer electronic devices, we measured the irradiance from electronic devices at the manufacturers’ recommended reading distances and at 1 cm. To determine the effect of EDGL on human skin cells, we irradiated AG13145 fibroblasts with EDGL for 1 hour at a distance of 1 cm and measured changes in reactive oxygen species generation, apoptosis, and necrosis.

Results

ROS increased significantly by 81.71%, 85.79%, and 92.98% relative to control following 1 hour of white EDGL from iPhone 8+, iPhone 6, and iPad (first generation), respectively. There was a non‐significant change in apoptosis following irradiation with an iPhone 8+, iPhone 6, and iPad. Total necrosis was less than 2% for all treatment and control groups.

Conclusions

Our results suggest that short exposures of EDGL increase ROS generation, but the long‐term effects associated with repeated exposures of EDGL are unknown. As electronic devices become more widely used and integrated into society globally, we anticipate greater scientific research and general public interest on the effects of visible EDGL on skin. Lasers Surg. Med. 50:689–695, 2018. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The blood flow characteristics of polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy and the choroidal remodelling process after photodynamic therapy
Authors: Chen Yutong , Yang Zhi , Xia Fan , Ning Hong , Hua Rui
Published: February 2018

Objectives

To investigate the blood flow characteristics of polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy (PCV) using optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) and to analyse photodynamic therapy (PDT) effects on choroidal remodelling in PCV.

Materials and Methods

Diagnostic indocyanine green angiography and OCTA were performed. All patients underwent PDT with full‐dose verteporfin and were followed up with enhanced‐depth imaging optical coherence tomography.

Results

At baseline, a branching vascular network (BVN) was clearly demonstrated in all patients with PCV who underwent OCTA examinations as opposed to polyps. Additionally, the choroidal thickness (266 [range: 74–456] µm) showed a positive relationship with polyp size (0.59 [range: 0.33–0.94] mm2, r = 0.679, P = 0.0022). The subfoveal choroidal thickness and choroidal thickness at polyp sites increased within 1 day after PDT and atrophied 1–3 months after PDT.

Conclusions

The differences in imaging characteristics between BVNs and polyps on OCTA were presumably due to both blood turbulence (different flow orientations) within polyps and the velocities detectable on OCTA. Moreover, the choroidal remodelling effects of PDT in PCV suggested the occurrence of transitional reactive inflammatory choroidal vascular hyperpermeability and choroidal exudation. PCV involved the entire choroids rather than only focal lesions. Lasers Surg. Med. 50:427–432, 2018. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Post‐Treatment‐Free Main Chain Donor and Side Chain Acceptor (D‐s‐A) Copolymer for Efficient Nonfullerene Solar Cells with a Small Voltage Loss
Authors: Liao Zhihui , Wang Yilin , An Yongkang , Tan Yun , Meng Xiangchuang , Wu Feiyan , Chen Lie , Chen Yiwang
Published: February 2018

Main chain donor and side chain acceptor (D‐s‐A) copolymers are an important branch of the D–A copolymer family. However, the development of D‐s‐A copolymers significantly falls behind the alternative D–A copolymers, especially for organic solar cells, because a breakthrough in device performance is not yet obtained with a reported power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 2%–4%. Herein, a newly developed D‐s‐A copolymer PDRCNBDT, bearing 2‐(1, 1‐dicyanomethylene) rhodanine pendant group as the donor material, delivers a high PCE of 5.3% for nonfullerene solar cells. To the best of our knowledge, this is the best value reported for D‐s‐A copolymers to date. The improved PCE is observed to be associated with a very small energy loss (Eloss) of 0.57 eV, accompanied by a high open‐circuit voltage (Voc) of 1.015 eV. It is important to note that this efficient D‐s‐A copolymer is employed in organic solar cells (OSCs), free of additive and annealing treatments.
Functionalization of polyisobutylene and polyisobutylene oligomers via the ritter reaction
Authors: Parada Corey M. , Storey Robson F.
Published: February 2018

The Ritter reaction, that is, reaction of a carbocation with a nitrile, was carried out on polyisobutylene (PIB) using a variety of reaction conditions. End quenching of PIB carbocations with acrylonitrile under living polymerization conditions (methyl chloride (MeCl)/hexane 60/40 (v/v) solvent mixtures at −70 °C) resulted in either tert‐chloride end groups or loss of chain‐end fidelity via carbocation rearrangement, as evidenced by NMR spectroscopy. Exo‐olefin functionalized PIB substrates were also reacted with nitriles under a variety of reaction conditions including various acid and solvent medium combinations. In all cases, the result was either no reaction or PIB that had undergone severe backbone degradation, as determined via NMR spectroscopy and gel permeation chromatography. Finally, the Ritter reaction was performed on a series of exo‐olefin functionalized oligoisobutylenes using acrylonitrile as the nitrile and either 60/40 dichloromethane/hexane or excess acrylonitrile as the solvent. In 60/40 dichloromethane/hexane, significant carbocation rearrangement and/or degradation resulted in a variety of isomeric, acrylamide‐functionalized oligomers. In excess acrylonitrile, the desired Ritter reaction was the only reaction observed, resulting in the smooth formation of the terminal acrylamide. The various N‐oligoisobutylacrylamides thus obtained represent new hydrophobic monomers useful for the introduction of hydrophobic moieties into acrylamide‐based water‐soluble polymers. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2018, 56, 840–852
Control of porosity in hierarchically porous polymers derived from hyper‐crosslinked block polymer precursors
Authors: Kim Soobin , Seo Myungeun
Published: February 2018

We report an approach to control the pore characteristics of hierarchically porous polymers (HPPs) containing micropores in a well‐defined 3D continuous mesoporous framework, by the hyper‐crosslinking reaction of a crosslinked block polymer precursor polylactide‐b‐poly(vinylbenzyl chloride‐co‐styrene‐co‐divinylbenzene) (PLA‐b‐P(VBzCl‐co‐S‐co‐DVB)) consisting of bicontinuous PLA and P(VBzCl‐co‐S‐co‐DVB) microdomains. We investigated the hyper‐crosslinking reaction of P(VBzCl‐co‐S‐co‐DVB)s synthesized by reversible addition‐fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) copolymerization, and then examined the effect of VBzCl, S, DVB, and polylactide macrochain transfer agent (PLA‐CTA) contents in the polymerization mixture on the pore characteristics of the HPPs. We demonstrate that while the VBzCl content responsible for the hyper‐crosslinking reaction primarily governs microporosity, the DVB content has a strong influence on the mesopore structure, as it determines the onset of the gelation of the polymerization mixture, which arrests the emerging disordered bicontinuous morphology induced by the polymerization‐induced microphase separation process. Because the PLA microdomains template the percolating mesoporous space, mesoporosity was mainly controlled by the PLA‐CTA contents. The synergistic combination of hyper‐crosslinking and block polymer self‐assembly in the HPP formation provided a highly reinforced mesoporous framework, stable against pore collapse, and interconnected mesopores. These facilitated diffusion to the microporous surfaces, suggesting its utility for advanced absorbents and catalytic supports. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2018, 56, 900–913
Copper Template Design for the Synthesis of Bimetallic Copper–Rhodium Nanoshells through Galvanic Replacement
Authors: Preston Arin S. , Hughes Robert A. , Demille Trevor B. , Neretina Svetlana
Published: February 2018

Galvanic replacement reactions are widely used in the synthesis of bimetallic nanoshells. Essential to these syntheses is the design of template materials with electrochemical potentials that are low enough to facilitate the replacement of a wide variety of metals. While Cu is an attractive template from this standpoint, it has only rarely been used due to its propensity for oxidation and the associated difficulties in achieving chemically stable colloids. Here, a synthetic scheme is demonstrated for the design of supported Cu templates and their subsequent replacement with Rh where the detrimental influences of oxidation are not only mitigated but used to place shape and compositional controls on the reaction product. It is shown that the CuRh nanoshells can be produced that are shaped as substrate‐truncated nanocubes or cuboctahedrons depending upon the degree of exposure that the Cu templates have to dissolved oxygen. Moreover, it is demonstrated that the intentional surface oxidation of the Cu template followed by Cu2O removal results in galvanic replacement reactions yielding porous nanoshells with far greater Rh replacement. The study forwards the design of Cu templates for galvanic replacement reactions and presents opportunities for their use in other template‐mediated syntheses.
pEDOT:Vitamin K1 Composites: An Electrochemical Study on Stable, Water‐Permeable, Proton‐Bonding Thin‐Film Electrodes
Authors: Mayevsky David , Winther‐Jensen Bjorn
Published: February 2018

Herein we report detailed electrochemical studies of a conducting polymer composite that is engineered to selectively react with protons and that has reactive sites across the entirety of the volume due to the excellent water permeability throughout the film. This chemically modified electrode (CME) utilises a conducting polymer as the source of charge carrier and Vitamin‐K as the water‐insoluble redox species that bonds protons in reduction and releases protons in oxidation. The overall number of active proton bonding sites was found to be 1.36 × 1016 sites/cm2, with a redox capacity of ∼64 mAh/g, which makes this CME comparable to modern inorganic cathodes. The electrode exhibited insignificant degradation after 500 cycles. The composite is relatively simple to manufacture as it requires no purification steps as part of the processing.
A New Fluorescent Probe Based on Aggregation Induced Emission for Selective and Quantitative Determination of Copper(II) and its Further Application to Cysteine Detection
Authors: Zhao Yun‐Hui , Luo Yueyang , Wang Han , Guo Tao , Zhou Hangbin , Tan Hailong , Zhou Zhihua , Long Yunfei , Tang Zilong
Published: February 2018

A new fluorescent chemosensor 2,2′‐((1E,1′E)‐hydrazine‐1,2‐diylidenebis(methanylylidene))bis(4‐(1,2,2‐triphenylvinyl)phenol) TPESAA incorporated with salicylaldehyde azine motif was developed based on aggregation‐induced emission (AIE). The probe TPESAA was prepared from 4‐hydroxy tetraphenyl ethylene which underwent formylation followed by condensation with hydrazine hydrate. It showed ratiometric fluorescence quenching behavior to Cu2+, which could induce naked‐eye color changes from colorless to pale yellow. Moreover, it displayed excellent sensitivity and selectivity toward Cu2+ without interference from other metal ions. The extent of quenching is dependent on the concentration of Cu2+ in the range of 0.5–7.5 μM, and a remarkable detection limit (30.9 nM) can be achieved. Furthermore, the obtained Cu2+ complex could be applied to quantitative determination of cysteine in the range of 0.2–2 μM with a good linear relationship.
Synthesis and Characterization of Chalcone‐Pyridinium Hybrids as Potential Anti‐Cancer and Anti‐Microbial Agents
Authors: Gondru Ramesh , Saini Ratni , Vaarla Krishnaiah , Singh Sarika , Sirassu Narsimha , Bavantula Rajitha , Saxena Anil K.
Published: February 2018

A series of pyridinium salts (5 a‐p) have been synthesized and were screened for their in vitro anticancer activity against MCF‐7 (breast cancer), HeLa (cervical cancer), U‐87MG (human glioblastoma) and HEK293 (Human Embryonic Kidney 293 cells) cell lines by taking doxorubicin as a positive control. The compounds derived from 4‐methoxyphenyl (5 c) and 4‐nitrophenyl (5 h) have showed significant and broad spectrum antiproliferative activity against the tested cancer cell‐lines and also displayed potential in vivo against Ehrlich ascites carcinoma (EAC) in mice. Also, screened the compounds for their antimicrobial and anti‐acetylcholinesterase (anti‐AchE) activities. It was observed form the in vitro results that, compounds derived from 4‐methylphenyl (5 b), 4‐chlorophenyl (5 f), coumarinyl (5 i) and napthyl (5 j) have exhibited potential antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus and the derivatives 5 b and 4‐fluorophenyl (5 e) have showed promising antifungal activity and the compound 5 c showed moderate AChE inhibitory activity.
Economic Freedom and Exercise: Evidence from State Outcomes
Authors: Hall Joshua C. , Humphreys Brad R. , Ruseski Jane E.
Published: February 2018

Exercise is an important part of a healthy lifestyle and influences a variety of health outcomes. Regions vary in their levels of exercise due to geography, climate, culture, and policy. The extent to which a country's policies are consistent with economic freedom has been found to be positively associated with greater participation in physical activity. We empirically investigate the relationship between economic freedom and exercise across U.S. states. Contrary to the cross‐country results, we find that states with higher levels of economic freedom have lower rates of participation in exercise.
Inborn errors of metabolism and the human interactome: a systems medicine approach
Authors: Woidy Mathias , Muntau Ania C. , Gersting Søren W.
Published: February 2018

The group of inborn errors of metabolism (IEM) displays a marked heterogeneity and IEM can affect virtually all functions and organs of the human organism; however, IEM share that their associated proteins function in metabolism. Most proteins carry out cellular functions by interacting with other proteins, and thus are organized in biological networks. Therefore, diseases are rarely the consequence of single gene mutations but of the perturbations caused in the related cellular network. Systematic approaches that integrate multi‐omics and database information into biological networks have successfully expanded our knowledge of complex disorders but network‐based strategies have been rarely applied to study IEM. We analyzed IEM on a proteome scale and found that IEM‐associated proteins are organized as a network of linked modules within the human interactome of protein interactions, the IEM interactome. Certain IEM disease groups formed self‐contained disease modules, which were highly interlinked. On the other hand, we observed disease modules consisting of proteins from many different disease groups in the IEM interactome. Moreover, we explored the overlap between IEM and non‐IEM disease genes and applied network medicine approaches to investigate shared biological pathways, clinical signs and symptoms, and links to drug targets. The provided resources may help to elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying new IEM, to uncover the significance of disease‐associated mutations, to identify new biomarkers, and to develop novel therapeutic strategies.
Large-scale synthesis of coiled-like shaped carbon nanotubes using bi-metal catalyst
Authors: Krishna Vemula Mohana , Somanathan T. , Manikandan E. , Umar Ahmad , Maaza M.
Published: February 2018

Carbon nanomaterials (CNMs), especially carbon nanotubes (CNTs) with coiled structure exhibit scientifically fascinating. They may be projected as an innovative preference to future technological materials. Coiled carbon nanotubes (c-CNTs) on a large-scale were successfully synthesized with the help of bi-metal substituted α-alumina nanoparticles catalyst via chemical vapor deposition (CVD) technique. Highly spring-like carbon nanostructures were observed by field emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM) examination. Furthermore, the obtained material has high purity, which correlates the X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) analysis. Raman spectroscopy reveals that the carbon multi layers are well graphitized and crystalline, even if they have defects in its structure due to coiled morphology. High-resolution transmission electron microscope (HRTEM) describes internal structure and dia of the product. Ultimately, results support the activity of bi-metal impregnated α-alumina nanoparticles catalyst to determine the high yield, graphitization and internal structure of the material. We have also studied the purified c-CNTs magnetic properties at room temperature and will be an added advantage in several applications.
Detecting Mobility in Early Iron Age Thessaly by Strontium Isotope Analysis
Authors: Panagiotopoulou Eleni , Montgomery Janet , Nowell Geoff , Peterkin Joanne , Doulgeri-Intzesiloglou Argiro , Arachoviti Polixeni , Katakouta Stiliani , Tsiouka Fotini
Published: February 2018

This article presents evidence of population movements in Thessaly, Greece, during the Early Iron Age (Protogeometric period, eleventh–ninth centuriesbc). The method we employed to detect non-local individuals is strontium isotope analysis (87Sr/86Sr) of tooth enamel integrated with the contextual analysis of mortuary practices and osteological analysis of the skeletal assemblage. During the Protogeometric period, social and cultural transformations occurred while society was recovering from the disintegration of the Mycenaean civilization (twelfth centurybc). The analysis of the cemeteries of Voulokaliva, Chloe, and Pharsala, located in southern Thessaly, showed that non-local individuals integrated in the communities we focused on and contributed to the observed diversity in burial practices and to the developments in the formation of a social organization.
SONG HISTORY NARRATIVES AS GRAND ALLEGORY
Authors: Hartman Charles
Published: February 2018

My interest in Song history emerged well after my initial training in pre-modern Chinese literature. When I first began to read Song historical texts, I knew nothing about historiographical theory, so I blithely used the same techniques for close reading that I had used to decipher Tang-Song poetry. Using these strategies for reading literature—nothing much beyond old school European philology—I was able to document the different chronological layers in the Song History (Songshi 宋史) biography of Qin Gui 秦檜 (1090–1155). When this article appeared in 1998, several colleagues more attuned to theoretical issues than I was told me its approach and findings were very much au courant. It seems, stumbling around in the dark, I had unwittingly taken the linguistic turn.
SIMPLE MODULES IN THE AUSLANDER–REITEN QUIVER OF PRINCIPAL BLOCKS WITH ABELIAN DEFECT GROUPS
Authors: KOSHITANI SHIGEO , LASSUEUR CAROLINE
Published: February 2018

Given an odd prime
$p$
, we investigate the position of simple modules in the stable Auslander–Reiten quiver of the principal block of a finite group with noncyclic abelian Sylow
$p$
-subgroups. In particular, we prove a reduction to finite simple groups. In the case that the characteristic is
$3$
, we prove that simple modules in the principal block all lie at the end of their components.
Voting Rights and Immigrant Incorporation: Evidence from Norway
Authors: Ferwerda Jeremy , Finseraas Henning , Bergh Johannes
Published: February 2018

How do political rights influence immigrant integration? This study demonstrates that the timing of voting rights extension plays a key role in fostering political incorporation. In Norway, non-citizens are eligible to vote in local elections after three years of residency. Drawing on individual-level registry data and a regression discontinuity design, the study leverages the exogenous timing of elections relative to the start of residency periods to identify the effect of early access to political institutions. It finds that immigrants who received early access were more likely to participate in subsequent electoral contests, with the strongest effects visible among immigrants from dictatorships and weak democracies. It also observes evidence consistent with spillover effects for other aspects of political engagement. These findings suggest that early access to voting rights influences subsequent trajectories of immigrant incorporation, in particular among immigrants from less developed states who may otherwise face high integration barriers.
TWO MODELS FOR DISCHARGE OF A CONTRACT BY REPUDIATION
Authors: Carter J.W. , Courtney Wayne , Tolhurst Gregory
Published: February 2018

This article compares two models of discharge for repudiation. The first – termed the “mirror image model” – has come to the fore only in recent years. It treats the applicable principles as the mirror image of those that govern discharge for failure to perform a contractual term. Under the second model – the “differentiated model” – repudiation is analysed in terms of various criteria that respond to conceptual diversity within the basis for discharge. The two models diverge, at the heart of the repudiation doctrine, when the issue is whether a reasonable person would regard the promisor as having refused to perform the contract. It is argued that the differentiated model is the better model, and also the preferred view of the common law.
In Crisis or Decline? Selecting Women to Lead Provincial Parties in Government
Authors: Thomas Melanee
Published: February 2018

The majority of Canada's women premiers were selected to that office while their parties held government. This is uncommon, both in the comparative literature and among premiers who are men. What explains this gendered selection pattern to Canada's provincial premiers’ offices? This paper explores the most common explanation found in the comparative literature for women's emergence as leaders of electorally competitive parties and as chief political executives: women are more likely to be selected when that party is in crisis or decline. Using the population of women provincial premiers in Canada as case studies, evidence suggests three of eight women premiers were selected to lead parties in government that were in crisis or decline; a fourth was selected to lead a small, left-leaning party as predicted by the literature. However, for half of the women premiers, evidence of their party's decline is partial or inconclusive. As a result of this exploration, more research is required to draw generalizations about the gendered opportunity structures that shape how women enter (and exit) the premier's office in Canada.
Contextualizing the Crisis: The Framing of Syrian Refugees in Canadian Print Media
Authors: Wallace Rebecca
Published: February 2018

This project examines the framing of the Syrian refugee crisis in Canadian print media from January 1, 2012, to December 31, 2016, in eight English-language major dailies. Using automated coding to uncover central themes in the coverage, this analysis explores the changes in news frames over the course of the conflict and the concomitant federal election in Canada, as well as across regional and national news sources. The results indicate that the conflict frame dominates the coverage of Syrian refugees in the pre-election period but shifts markedly following the release of the iconic Alan Kurdi photo toward a more humanizing depiction of refugee families and their resettlement. This analysis speaks to the importance of news media in reflecting and reproducing depictions of refugees among the Canadian public, highlighting the value of examining changes in the portrayals of refugees over time and across news outlets.
Dirofilaria (Nochtiella) linstowi n.sp. a Filarioid of Monkeys in Ceylon
Authors: Dissanaike A. S.
Published: February 2018

A new species of Dirofilaria, D. (Nochtiella) linstowi n.sp. is described from the subcutaneous tissues of the Grey langur, Presbytis entellus thersites, in Ceylon. The adult worms differ from the hitherto described African and South-east Asian species in several respects, especially spicule size and ratio, arrangement and number of caudal papillae and dimensions of the microfilariae.
On the use of the Ziehl-Neelsen Technique for Specific Identification of Schistosome Eggs
Authors: Muller R. L. , Taylor M. G.
Published: February 2018

By means of the standard Ziehl-Neelsen staining technique for eggs in tissue sections S. intercalatum can be differentiated from its sibling species S. haematobium, S. mattheei and S. bovis, since only S. intercalatum egg shells stain red.

This technique could be of great value in Africa in clinical diagnosis and in determining the geographical limits and host specificity of these schistosomes, which may easily be confused on the basis of egg morphology alone.
Host-parasite Relationships ofBulinus globosusandB. truncatuswith Strains ofSchistosoma haematobiutm
Authors: Webbe G. , James C.
Published: February 2018

It is apparent that under the conditions of the observations recorded in this study the host-parasite relationships of the two species of snails and their respective strains ofS. haematobiumexhibit marked similarity in certain respects but differ in others. Higher cercarial infection rates were obtained inB. globosusthan inB. truncalusat relatively low miracidial exposure levels but the daily mean cercarial outputs of each species at the same miracidial exposure level were similar. A higher frequency of production of large numbers of cercariae was recorded for infividualB. globosusthan forB. truncatus. The mean cercarial prepatent periods forB. globosusandB. truncatusat a level of 7 miracidia were each 32 days, but infectedB. globosuslived appreciably longer than infectedB. truncatus. The hourly output of both species exposed to stimuli for the same period of time was broadly similar. Peaks of cercarial production were generally reached earlier by individualB. truncatus(2 weeks) after onset of shedding than by individualB. globosus(4–5 weeks), although erratic shedding was observed for both species.
Responses of benthic invertebrates and their avian predators to the experimental removal of macroalgal mats
Authors: Lewis Lesley J. , Davenport John , Kelly Thomas C.
Published: February 2018

A field experiment investigating the effects of algal removal on benthic invertebrates and estuarine birds was carried out during September and October 2001. A randomized block experimental design was employed and three treatments were used: sites with algal cover maintained, when necessary by the addition of algae, sites with algal cover removed and control sites that were not manipulated in any way. Total invertebrate numbers increased during the experiment, but species varied in their response to the different treatments. Although Hydrobia ulvae showed the greatest increase in cleared sites after two months, there was no significant difference between treatments. Corophium volutator showed significant colonization of cleared sites during the experimental period, and numbers of Phyllodocemaculata also increased in the cleared sites. Results showed that while more sedentary benthic infauna are less capable of adjusting to the affects of algal clearance, more mobile epifauna and polychaetes show an ability to disperse to cleared sites in a relatively short period of time. Wading birds, however, did not enter the study site in any abundance during the experiment. Black-headed gulls (Larus ridibundus) were significantly more abundant in cleared sites than in algal cover-maintained or control sites when foraging.
Polychaetes from the Irving, Meteor and Plato seamounts, North Atlantic ocean: origin and geographical relationships
Authors: Gillet Patrick , Dauvin Jean-Claude
Published: February 2018

Data came from the Irving, Meteor and Plato seamounts and, were obtained during the Seamount 2 Expedition on board the RV ‘Le Suroît’ in 1993. On the three seamounts, polychaetes were sampled at 44 sites from 260 to 1800 m: 8 sites on Irving, 27 on Meteor and 9 on Plato. In all five seamounts, 1753 individuals were collected: 403 on Atlantis, 346 on Hyeres, 523 on Irving, 387 on Meteor and 94 on Plato. The species richness from the five seamounts is 53: 31 on Atlantis, 24 on Hyeres, 20 on Irving, 28 on Meteor and 21 species on Plato. Only nine species are present on all five seamounts. Three families Onuphidae, Amphinomidae and Eunicidae are dominant. Two groups of seamounts were identified by cluster analysis: Atlantis and Hyeres and, Irving, Meteor and, Plato. The distribution of the polychaetes collected on these five seamounts are compared with the polychaete fauna from the North Atlantic ocean.
Effects of TAG/DNA ratio and age of cyprids on post-metamorphic growth and survival in the barnacle Balanus amphitrite
Authors: Thiyagarajan Vengatesen , Harder Tilmann , Qian Pei-Yuan
Published: February 2018

The nauplii of Balanus amphitrite (Cirripedia: Thoracica) were cultured on a daily diet of Chaetoceros gracilis at different concentrations. Both young (zero-day old) and aged (six-day old) cyprids were subject to attachment assays, followed by studies of juvenile growth and survival for two weeks under laboratory conditions. The TAG/DNA ratio of cyprid increased in the following order of food concentrations: 106>105>104 cells ml−1. More than 70% of cyprids metamorphosed in the presence of conspecific settlement factor, irrespective of their TAG/DNA ratio. The juvenile growth and survival in young cyprids surpassed that of the aged cyprids. The TAG/DNA ratio had no significant effect on juvenile growth and survival in both young and aged cyprids. The negative effect of delayed metamorphosis on juvenile growth and survival appeared to be independent of the TAG/DNA ratio.
Effects of frond length on diverse gastropod assemblages in coralline turf
Authors: Kelaher Brendan P.
Published: February 2018

Habitat mimics were used to investigate the role of coralline algal frond length in determining spatial patterns in diverse gastropod assemblages on a rocky shore near Sydney, Australia. Frond length represents the vertical scale component of habitat structure, which is rarely experimentally manipulated. Length of fronds did not explain differences between gastropod assemblages at different tidal heights or among patches of turf separated by tens of metres in mid-shore areas. In contrast, changes in frond length caused large differences in the structure of gastropod assemblages in low-shore areas. Contrary to previous studies, the total abundance and diversity of gastropods was greater in turf with short fronds than with long fronds. Possible mechanisms for this negative relationship are discussed. Overall, the vertical scale component of habitat structure can have strong effects on associated faunal assemblages, but the magnitude of these effects depend heavily on local environmental conditions (e.g. different tidal heights).
Siphonophores from surface waters of the Colombian Pacific Ocean
Authors: Uribe-Palomino Julian , López Raúl , Gibbons Mark J. , Gusmão Felipe , Richardson Anthony J.
Published: February 2018

Siphonophores are colonial hydrozoans that feed on zooplankton including fish larvae, and occur throughout the world's oceans from surface waters to ocean depths. Here we describe the composition of hyponeustonic siphonophores (0–3 m depth) from the tropical Colombian Pacific Ocean based on 131 plankton samples collected between June–October from 2001–2004. Samples were dominated by species of Calycophorae, with only three species of Physonectae identified, consistent with their deeper depth distribution.Muggiaea atlantica, Chelophyes contorta, Diphyes dispar, andEudoxoides mitrawere the most common of the 21 species identified. We found moderate structuring of the siphonophore community by the salinity gradient from inshore to offshore, and greater richness during the night because of diel vertical migration. Temperature did not play a significant role in structuring siphonophore communities, perhaps because of the narrow temperature range observed (3.5 °C). We extend the known temperature and salinity range of several species, includingM. atlanticaup to temperatures of 28.6 °C and salinities down to 24.7. Interestingly, only polygastric stages ofM. atlanticawere found, suggesting the reproductive stage ofM. atlanticain tropical waters might be found in deeper waters.Chelophyes appendiculatawas rare in our study andC. contortawas common, providing evidence they have a potential allopatric relationship, withC. contortareplacingC. appendiculatain warm water. Finally, we found siphonophore abundance was positively related to the abundance of copepods and fish eggs, with the top 13 most abundant species all having positive correlations, suggesting siphonophore abundances are tightly controlled by their food.
Gastropod relevance in predator–prey interactions on a benthic shallow sandy ecosystem at Mar del Plata, Argentina (38°S)
Authors: Arrighetti F. , Teso V. , Brey T. , Penchaszadeh P.E.
Published: February 2018

The shallow sandy marine subtidal ecosystem off Mar del Plata, Argentina, is the scene of multiple fisheries activities, in particular the prawn–shrimp Artemesia longinaris and Pleoticus muelleri grounds. We examined the δ13C vs δ15N isotope signatures of 22 species commonly found in the area in order to understand how this ecosystem supports the fishery, with special emphasis on imposex-affected gastropod populations. Our results indicate that the main food source for Olivancillaria urceus and Buccinanops monilifer were bivalves and crustaceans. Buccinanops duartei and Olivancillaria carcellesi feed on bivalves and also on macroalgae. These findings indicate, for the first time, a slight selectivity of some of the gastropods studied for local drifted algal sources and how gastropods may scavenge available food from by-catch returned to the sea. The fishes Urophysis brasiliensis and Callorhynchus callorhynchus appeared to be the top predators of this area with B. duartei and O. carcellesi constituting important components of their diet.
Sites of Herbicidal Action on Photosynthesis: A Fluorescence Assay Study
Authors: Böhme H. , Kunert K. J. , Böger P.
Published: February 2018

The effect of the bleaching and non-bleaching phenylpyridazinones, norflurazon [4-chloro-5-(methylamino)-2-(α,α,α-trifluoro-m-tolyl)-3(2H)-pyridazinone] and BAS 29095 [4,5-dimethoxy-2-phenyl-3(2H)-pyridazinone], on chlorophyll fluorescence of the green alga,Scenedesmus acutus, was investigated and compared to other bleaching herbicides, difunon3[EMD-IT 5914, 5(dimethylamino-methylene)-2-oxo-4-phenyl-2,5-dihydrofuranecarbonitrile-(3)] and the diphenyl ether, oxyfluorfen [2-chloro-1-(3-ethoxy-4-nitrophenoxy)-4-(trifluoromethyl)benzene]. Following chlorophyll fluorescence during short-term cultivation in the presence of herbicides and comparing it to physiological parameters such as chlorophyll content and packed cell volume allowed for rapid screening to detect different primary herbicidal modes of action. Two primary bleaching effects caused by either inhibition of carotene biosynthesis (certain substituted pyridazinones and difunon) or peroxidative degradation of membrane lipids (certain diphenyl ethers) led to completely different fluorescence signals. Growth of algae in the presence of a carotene biosynthesis inhibitor resulted in a rapid rise to maximum fluorescence, followed by a single decay phase, whereas bleaching diphenyl ethers led to a rapid loss of total fluorescence. Non-bleaching phenylpyridazinones, which act as weak electron transport inhibitors, inhibited variable fluorescence. Detoxication during algal growth became evident by recovery of the fluorescence induction.
Combinations of MSMA with Preemergence Herbicides for Large Crabgrass (Digitaria sanguinalis) Control in Turf
Authors: Johnson B. J.
Published: February 2018

Combinations of MSMA (monosodium methanearsonate) with bensulide [O,O-diisopropyl phosphorodithioateS-ester withN-(2-mercaptoethyl)benzenesulfonamide], DCPA (dimethyl tetrachloroterephthalate), or prosulfalin {N-[[4-(dipropylamino)-3,5-dinitrophenyl] sulfonyl]-S,S-dimethylsulfilimine} were applied at various dates of treatment to bermudagrass [Cynodon dactylon(L.) Pers.] and Kentucky bluegrass (Poa pratensisL.) in the spring for large crabgrass [Digitaria sanguinalis(L.) Scop.] control. Bensulide controlled a higher percentage of weeds than did DCPA, regardless of treatment dates. When treatments were delayed until late April in Griffin and mid May in Blairsville, Georgia, large crabgrass control was improved from combinations of MSMA with bensulide compared to bensulide alone. Combinations of MSMA with DCPA improved large crabgrass control when applied in March and April at Griffin and in May at Blairsville. Combinations of MSMA with either bensulide or DCPA performed equally well whether applied as a single tank-mix treatment or as separate applications on the same day. Large crabgrass control was not improved at any date from combinations of MSMA with prosulfalin when compared with prosulfalin alone.
Effects of Seed and Root Lipids on the Susceptibility of Plants to Trifluralin and Oryzalin
Authors: Ndon Bassey A. , Harvey R. G.
Published: February 2018

Extensive variability in total lipid composition was observed in seeds of different plant species as well as cultivars within the same species. Susceptibility of plants to soil-incorporated trifluralin (α,α,α-trifluoro-2,6-dinitro-N,N-dipropyl-p-toluidine) and oryzalin (3,5-dinitro-N4,N4-dipropyisulfanilamide) under greenhouse conditions decreased as the percentage of total lipid in dry seeds increased. Species with high seed lipid levels such as jimsonweed (Datura stramoniumL.), soybean [Glycine max(L.) Merr.], and velvetleaf (Abutilon theophrastiMedic.) were less susceptible to these herbicides than were oat [Avena sativa(L.), giant foxtail (Setaria faberiHerrm.), and sorghum [Sorghum bicolor(L.) Moench.] with low seed lipid levels. Velvetleaf was the most tolerant to the herbicides. Corn (Zea maysL.) cultivars with a wide range of seed lipid content (4.45 to 17.0% of dry weight) were germinated in herbicide-free soil, but their roots were allowed to grow through trifluralin- or oryzalin-treated soil. Roots of seedlings from seeds with high lipid content had higher lipid contents than those from low-lipid seeds. There was a significant correlation between root lipid content and sensitivity to trifluralin or oryzalin. Roots high in lipids were less susceptible than those with low amounts of lipids. Similar results were obtained for oat cultivars. The fatty acid composition of plant roots differed among plant species and also among cultivars of the same species. The individual fatty acids did not significantly correlate with susceptibility of roots to trifluralin or oryzalin. Root lipid and fatty acid compositions were not significantly altered by trifluralin or oryzalin treatment.
Velvetleaf (Abutilon theophrasti) Seed Populations in Six Continuous-Corn (Zea mays) Fields
Authors: Khedir K. D. , Roeth Fred W.
Published: February 2018

To assess velvetleaf (Abutilon theophrastiMedic.) seed populations and trends in continuous corn (Zea maysL.), six fields were selected and sampled in August and November of 1977 and 1978 at the 0- to 10- and 10- to 20-cm depths, and at the 20- to 30-cm depth in August of both years. The overall population mean was 51 million viable velvetleaf seeds/ha in the top 20 cm of soil. Means of individual fields ranged from 34 to 88 million seeds/ha. The population mean increased 13 million (28%) from 1977 to 1978. Individual fields had increases ranging from 8 million (14%) to 24 million (112%) seeds/ha. The seed population increased 16 million (37%) from August to November in these 2 yr, and 70% of the seeds were found in the top 10 cm of soil. The 20- to 30-cm depth contained 7% (3 million) of the seed extracted in the August sampling. A comparison of techniques for estimating the number of velvetleaf seeds in a soil sample showed that wet sieving was more efficient and accurate than were soaking and sieving, dry sieving, or direct incubation and germination. Seed immersion in water at 70 C for 5 min increased velvetleaf germination from 11% to 84%, compared to 52% for sulfuric acid, 48% for scarification, and 62% for seed-coat puncture. In the greenhouse, velvetleaf control with atrazine [2-chloro-4-(ethylamino)-6-(isopropylamino)-s-triazine] and metribuzin [4-amino-6-ten-butyl-3-(methylthio)-as-triazin-5(4H)-one] declined as the seed population increased.
Influence of Sublethal Concentrations of Herbicides and Growth Regulators on Mouseearcress (Arabidopsis thaliana) Progeny
Authors: Henzell Ron , Phillips John , Diggle Peter
Published: February 2018

The influence of sublethal levels of a number of herbicides and plant growth regulators on the germinability of the seeds and the growth and development of seedlings of mouseearcress [Arabidopsis thaliana(L.) Heynh. ♯ ARBTH] was determined. Only 7 of the 22 chemicals tested had a persistent effect on progeny. Amitrole (3-amino-s-triazole) was one of the most effective compounds. It caused a characteristic bleaching only in shoot tips and pods in parent plants and appeared to act directly on the progeny by accumulation in the seed. Two auxin transport inhibitors, TIBA (2,3,5-triiodobenzoic acid) and CPII (5-O-carboxyphenyl-3-phenylisoxazole), and four of the six photosynthetic electron transport inhibitors included in the study also affected progeny. They appeared to act indirectly by interfering with seed development.
Auxinlike Activity and Metabolism of Mefluidide in Corn (Zea mays) and Soybean (Glycine max) Tissue
Authors: Glenn Scott , Rieck Charles E.
Published: February 2018

Mefluidide {N-[2,4-dimethyl-5-[[(trifluoromethyl) sulfonyl] amino] phenyl] acetamide} was evaluated for effects on corn [Zea mays(L.) ‘Pioneer 3535’] coleoptile elongation. Mefluidide at 10-8M, 10-7M, and 10-6M stimulated elongation approximately equal to growth stimulations with 10-6M indoleacetic acid (IAA). Polar transport of14C-IAA from donor agar blocks through corn coleoptiles and into receiver agar blocks after 12 h was increased 246% by 10-4M mefluidide and inhibited 82% by 10-3M mefluidide. Mefluidide-related chemicals (10-4M) lacking a trifluoromethyl-sulfonyl-amino chain at the 1-position of the phenyl ring did not alter14C-IAA transport. IAA transport was increased 97% when the acetamide chain at the 5-position was absent and 255% when the methyl in the 4-position was absent, and it decreased 65% when the methyl at the 2-position was absent. Polar transport of14C-IAA through soybean [Glycine max(L.) Merr. ‘Williams’] hypocotyls was not altered by 10-4M mefluidide; however, 10-3M mefluidide increased IAA transport 116%. After 6 h, corn coleoptiles metabolized 14% of the mefluidide absorbed and soybean metabolized 54% of the mefluidide absorbed from14C-mefluidide solutions (10-6M). Differences in the rate of metabolism of mefluidide in meristematic tissue of corn and soybean may explain differences in mefluidide effects on auxin transport in corn and soybean.