bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
New Crambescidin-Type Alkaloids from the Indonesian Marine Sponge Clathria bulbotoxa
Authors: Kasmiati Kasmiati , Yoshioka Yukio , Okamoto Tetsuji , Ojika Makoto
Published: March 2018

A crude methanolic extract of the Indonesian sponge Clathria bulbotoxa showed a potent cytotoxic activity against the human epidermoid carcinoma A431 cells. An investigation of the active components led to the isolation of three new compounds named crambescidins 345 (1), 361 (2), and 373 (3), together with the known related metabolites crambescidins 359 (4), 657 (5), and 800 (6). The structures of the compounds were determined by spectroscopic analysis. These compounds 1–4 that possess a simple pentacyclic guanidine core exhibited moderate cytotoxicity against the A431 cells with the IC50 values of 7.0, 2.5, 0.94, and 3.1 μM, respectively, while the known compounds 5 and 6 that possess a long aliphatic side chain were found to be significantly cytotoxic. On the other hand, in an anti-oomycete activity test against the fungus-like plant pathogen Phytophthora capsici, 1–4 showed a higher activity than that of 5 and 6, suggesting that the long aliphatic side chain plays a significant role for cytotoxicity, but is not effective or suppressive for anti-oomycete activity.
Purification and Characterization of a Novel Alginate Lyase from the Marine Bacterium Bacillus sp. Alg07
Authors: Chen Peng , Zhu Yueming , Men Yan , Zeng Yan , Sun Yuanxia
Published: March 2018

Alginate oligosaccharides with different bioactivities can be prepared through the specific degradation of alginate by alginate lyases. Therefore, alginate lyases that can be used to degrade alginate under mild conditions have recently attracted public attention. Although various types of alginate lyases have been discovered and characterized, few can be used in industrial production. In this study, AlgA, a novel alginate lyase with high specific activity, was purified from the marine bacterium Bacillus sp. Alg07. AlgA had a molecular weight of approximately 60 kDa, an optimal temperature of 40 °C, and an optimal pH of 7.5. The activity of AlgA was dependent on sodium chloride and could be considerably enhanced by Mg2+ or Ca2+. Under optimal conditions, the activity of AlgA reached up to 8306.7 U/mg, which is the highest activity recorded for alginate lyases. Moreover, the enzyme was stable over a broad pH range (5.0–10.0), and its activity negligibly changed after 24 h of incubation at 40 °C. AlgA exhibited high activity and affinity toward poly-β-d-mannuronate (polyM). These characteristics suggested that AlgA is an endolytic polyM-specific alginate lyase (EC 4.2.2.3). The products of alginate and polyM degradation by AlgA were purified and identified through fast protein liquid chromatography and electrospray ionization mass spectrometry, which revealed that AlgA mainly produced disaccharides, trisaccharides, and tetrasaccharide from alginate and disaccharides and trisaccharides from polyM. Therefore, the novel lysate AlgA has potential applications in the production of mannuronic oligosaccharides and poly-α-l-guluronate blocks from alginate.
Evaluation of Microwave Intensified Vanadium Bearing-High Carbonaceous Shale Acid Extraction Process
Authors: Wang Jingpeng , Zhang Yimin , Liu Tao , Huang Jing
Published: March 2018

The microwave assisted leaching of the vanadium bearing-high carbonaceous shale process was investigated using surface response methodology (RSM) based on Box–Behnken design (BBD). The effect of important factors such as CaF2 usage, H2SO4 concentration, leaching time and microwave power, as well as the interactive coefficients, the signification of the model and factors were analyzed. With the condition of 9.8 wt % CaF2, 23.0 vol % H2SO4, 170.6 min and 350 W, the actual values of vanadium (V) leaching efficiency in microwave heating (MH) and conventional heating (CH) were 85.43% and 79.64%, which agreed well with the predicted values. Meanwhile, the influence order of the factors in MH and CH was CaF2 dosage > H2SO4 concentration > leaching time. Microwave was an efficacious impetus for V extraction, but the microwave power itself was not a significant factor when the temperature of leaching system was high enough. The further characterization of mineral components before and after leaching confirmed that the prior dissolving of muscovite and pyrite in MH was intensified, while both minerals were in fine grains and filled with black carbon. The selective heating of carbon and pyrite sequenced the large temperature gradient between solids and liquids, which accelerated the dissolving reaction of muscovite with CaF2 present in MH condition.
Leaf and Canopy Level Detection of Fusarium Virguliforme (Sudden Death Syndrome) in Soybean
Authors: Herrmann Ittai , Vosberg Steven , Ravindran Prabu , Singh Aditya , Chang Hao-Xun , Chilvers Martin , Conley Shawn , Townsend Philip
Published: March 2018

Pre-visual detection of crop disease is critical for food security. Field-based spectroscopic remote sensing offers a method to enable timely detection, but still requires appropriate instrumentation and testing. Soybean plants were spectrally measured throughout a growing season to assess the capacity of leaf and canopy level spectral measurements to detect non-visual foliage symptoms induced by Fusarium virguliforme (Fv, which causes sudden death syndrome). Canopy reflectance measurements were made using the Piccolo Doppio dual field-of-view, two-spectrometer (400 to 1630 nm) system on a tractor. Leaf level measurements were obtained, in different plots, using a handheld spectrometer (400 to 2500 nm). Partial least squares discriminant analysis (PLSDA) was applied to the spectroscopic data to discriminate between Fv-inoculated and control plants. Canopy and leaf spectral data allowed identification of Fv infection, prior to visual symptoms, with classification accuracy of 88% and 91% for calibration, 79% and 87% for cross-validation, and 82% and 92% for validation, respectively. Differences in wavelengths important to prediction by canopy vs. leaf data confirm that there are different bases for accurate predictions among methods. Partial least square regression (PLSR) was used on a late-stage canopy level data to predict soybean seed yield, with calibration, cross-validation and validation R2 values 0.71, 0.59 and 0.62 (p < 0.01), respectively, and validation root mean square error of 0.31 t·ha−1. Spectral data from the tractor mounted system are thus sensitive to the expression of Fv root infection at canopy scale prior to canopy symptoms, suggesting such systems may be effective for precision agricultural research and management.
A Reliable Methodology for Determining Seed Viability by Using Hyperspectral Data from Two Sides of Wheat Seeds
Authors: Zhang Tingting , Wei Wensong , Zhao Bin , Wang Ranran , Li Mingliu , Yang Liming , Wang Jianhua , Sun Qun
Published: March 2018

This study investigated the possibility of using visible and near-infrared (VIS/NIR) hyperspectral imaging techniques to discriminate viable and non-viable wheat seeds. Both sides of individual seeds were subjected to hyperspectral imaging (400–1000 nm) to acquire reflectance spectral data. Four spectral datasets, including the ventral groove side, reverse side, mean (the mean of two sides’ spectra of every seed), and mixture datasets (two sides’ spectra of every seed), were used to construct the models. Classification models, partial least squares discriminant analysis (PLS-DA), and support vector machines (SVM), coupled with some pre-processing methods and successive projections algorithm (SPA), were built for the identification of viable and non-viable seeds. Our results showed that the standard normal variate (SNV)-SPA-PLS-DA model had high classification accuracy for whole seeds (>85.2%) and for viable seeds (>89.5%), and that the prediction set was based on a mixed spectral dataset by only using 16 wavebands. After screening with this model, the final germination of the seed lot could be higher than 89.5%. Here, we develop a reliable methodology for predicting the viability of wheat seeds, showing that the VIS/NIR hyperspectral imaging is an accurate technique for the classification of viable and non-viable wheat seeds in a non-destructive manner.
A Miniaturized Colorimeter with a Novel Design and High Precision for Photometric Detection
Authors: Yan Jun-Chao , Chen Yan , Pang Yu , Slavik Jan , Zhao Yun-Fei , Wu Xiao-Ming , Yang Yi , Yang Si-Fan , Ren Tian-Ling
Published: March 2018

Water quality detection plays an increasingly important role in environmental protection. In this work, a novel colorimeter based on the Beer-Lambert law was designed for chemical element detection in water with high precision and miniaturized structure. As an example, the colorimeter can detect phosphorus, which was accomplished in this article to evaluate the performance. Simultaneously, a modified algorithm was applied to extend the linear measurable range. The colorimeter encompassed a near infrared laser source, a microflow cell based on microfluidic technology and a light-sensitive detector, then Micro-Electro-Mechanical System (MEMS) processing technology was used to form a stable integrated structure. Experiments were performed based on the ammonium molybdate spectrophotometric method, including the preparation of phosphorus standard solution, reducing agent, chromogenic agent and color reaction. The device can obtain a wide linear response range (0.05 mg/L up to 7.60 mg/L), a wide reliable measuring range up to 10.16 mg/L after using a novel algorithm, and a low limit of detection (0.02 mg/L). The size of flow cell in this design is 18 mm × 2.0 mm × 800 μm, obtaining a low reagent consumption of 0.004 mg ascorbic acid and 0.011 mg ammonium molybdate per determination. Achieving these advantages of miniaturized volume, high precision and low cost, the design can also be used in automated in situ detection.
Using Bi-Seasonal WorldView-2 Multi-Spectral Data and Supervised Random Forest Classification to Map Coastal Plant Communities in Everglades National Park
Authors: Wendelberger Kristie , Gann Daniel , Richards Jennifer
Published: March 2018

Coastal plant communities are being transformed or lost because of sea level rise (SLR) and land-use change. In conjunction with SLR, the Florida Everglades ecosystem has undergone large-scale drainage and restoration, altering coastal vegetation throughout south Florida. To understand how coastal plant communities are changing over time, accurate mapping techniques are needed that can define plant communities at a fine-enough resolution to detect fine-scale changes. We explored using bi-seasonal versus single-season WorldView-2 satellite data to map three mangrove and four adjacent plant communities, including the buttonwood/glycophyte community that harbors the federally-endangered plant Chromolaena frustrata. Bi-seasonal data were more effective than single-season to differentiate all communities of interest. Bi-seasonal data combined with Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) elevation data were used to map coastal plant communities of a coastal stretch within Everglades National Park (ENP). Overall map accuracy was 86%. Black and red mangroves were the dominant communities and covered 50% of the study site. All the remaining communities had ≤10% cover, including the buttonwood/glycophyte community. ENP harbors 21 rare coastal species threatened by SLR. The spatially explicit, quantitative data provided by our map provides a fine-scale baseline for monitoring future change in these species’ habitats. Our results also offer a method to monitor vegetation change in other threatened habitats.
Circular Business Model Challenges and Lessons Learned—An Industrial Perspective
Authors: Oghazi Pejvak , Mostaghel Rana
Published: March 2018

Both practitioners and researchers are concerned about resource deficiencies on the planet earth and agree that circular business models (CBMs) represent solutions to move towards zero waste, improving environmental impacts and increasing economic profit. Despite all of the benefits of CBMs, the implications are not widely available, and failure rates are high. Thus, there is a need to identify the obstacles that stand in the way of CBM transition. This paper aims to identify the primary challenges of CBMs. Multiple case studies are employed, incorporating six companies and data gleaned from 17 in-depth interviews. Theoretical and managerial implications are described at the end of the study.
Effects of Fertilizer Broadcasting on the Excessive Use of Inorganic Fertilizers and Environmental Sustainability
Authors: Rahman K. , Zhang Dunfu
Published: March 2018

The excessive use of inorganic fertilizers causes serious environmental degradation, resulting in lower crop yields in Bangladesh. Seventy percent of Bangladesh farmers practice traditional fertilizer broadcasting. In the 1960s, the Bangladesh state authority launched a ‘Grow More Food’ campaign to feed the country’s increasing population. Farmers were supplied with chemical fertilizers and pesticides at a subsidized price. Farmers increased the frequency of fertilizer applications to enhance yields. These practices are still used and have caused significant environmental degradation. In this study, we examined the effects of fertilizer broadcasting on excessive use of fertilizer and environmental risks. We collected data from 211 Bangladesh infield farmers in 2016. Respondents were interviewed using a semi-structured questionnaire. Data were analyzed by applying a binary logistic regression model to test the degree of effects between the testable variables. The study found that the effect of broadcasting on the excessive use of fertilizers is strongly significant, at 1%. It also found that younger farmers have a significant effect at 10% on the excessive use of fertilizers. Bangladesh policymakers can formulate policy on sustainable fertilizer management, introducing different placement methods on the basis of this finding. After that, the Directorate of Agricultural Extension (DAE) can carry out the policy at the field level.
Bovine Vaccinia: Insights into the Disease in Cattle
Authors: Matos Ana , Rehfeld Izabelle , Guedes Maria , Lobato Zélia
Published: March 2018

Bovine vaccinia (BV), caused by Vaccinia virus (VACV), is a zoonosis characterized by exanthematous lesions in the teats of dairy cows and the hands of milkers and is an important public health issue. Severe VACV-induced lesions in the teats and udder of cows and buffaloes could lead to mastitis and other secondary infections, thereby reducing productivity and resulting in economic losses to the dairy industry. In Brazil, BV re-emerged in the late 1990s and is now endemic in most of the Brazilian territory. In the last 15 years, much effort has been made to know more about this disease and its epidemiology, etiologic agents, and interactions with the host and the environment. In this review, we describe the known dynamics of VACV infection in cattle and the viral shedding routes, as well as the relevance of BV for animal and public health.
Nonlinear Response of Streamflow to Climate Change in High-Latitude Regions: A Case Study in Headwaters of Nenjiang River Basin in China’s Far Northeast
Authors: Wu Yanfeng , Zhang Guangxin , Shen Hong , Xu Y.
Published: March 2018

Assessment of the response of streamflow to future climate change in headwater areas is of a particular importance for sustainable water resources management in a large river basin. In this study, we investigated multiscale variation in hydroclimatic variables including streamflow, temperature, precipitation, and evapotranspiration in the Headwater Areas of the Nenjiang River Basin (HANR) in China’s far northeast, which are sensitive to climate change. We analyzed 50-year-long (1961–2010) records of the hydroclimatic variables using the ensemble empirical mode decomposition (EEMD) method to identify their inherent changing patterns and trends at the inter-annual and inter-decadal scales. We found that all these hydroclimatic variables showed a clear nonlinear process. At the inter-annual and inter-decadal scales, streamflow had a similar periodic changing pattern and transition years to that of precipitation; however, within a period, streamflow showed a close association with temperature and evapotranspiration. The findings indicate that the response of streamflow in headwater regions to climate change is a nonlinear dynamic process dictated by precipitation at the decadal scale and modified by temperature and evapotranspiration within a decade.
Runoff Dynamics and Associated Multi-Scale Responses to Climate Changes in the Middle Reach of the Yarlung Zangbo River Basin, China
Authors: Liu Jinping , Zhang Wanchang , Liu Tie , Li Qilun
Published: March 2018

Long-term hydro-climatic datasets and sophisticated change detection methods are essential for estimating hydro-climatic trends at regional and global scales. Here, we use the ensemble empirical mode decomposition method (EEMD) to investigate runoff oscillations at different time scales and its response to climatic fluctuations in the middle of the Yarlung Zangbo River Basin (MYZRB) over the period 1961–2009. In the study region, results revealed that the runoff presented an overall nonlinear and nonstationary decreasing-increasing alternative trend with weak quasi-three-year and unobvious quasi-five-year cycles at the inter-annual scale, while, significance was discovered with quasi-12-year and quasi-46-year cycles at the inter-decadal scale. Variance contribution rates of the hydrological components suggested that the inter-annual oscillations played an essential role in the runoff variations in the MYZRB. According to the reconstructed inter-decadal runoff series, the runoff may keep declining in future. For the response of runoff to climate change, overall, the runoff had a positive correlation with precipitation and a negative correlation with extreme temperature. But the runoff did not show obvious correlation with mean temperature. Furthermore, from a temporal scale point of view, the inter-annual runoff showed significant response to the inter-annual precipitation. The inter-decadal runoff strongly responded to the inter-annual extreme temperature. These findings will help us understand the hydro-climatic intrinsic mechanism in the MYZRB and develop better water resources management to account for climate change impact.
L’activité artisanale dans le territoire de la colonie romaine de Béziers : l’atelier de Troilus / T. Fanius Troilus
Authors: Christol Michel , Fediere Gilbert
Published: March 2018

L’inventaire des estampilles T• FANI• TROILI doit être complété par celui des marques digitales du potier Troilus, inscrites en monogramme. L’esclave, chargé par son maître de la responsabilité d’un atelier de fabrication de briques et de tuiles a poursuivi cette activité sur le même site lorsqu’il a été affranchi, mais dans un cadre juridique nouveau. On met ainsi en évidence la diversité des activités artisanales rattachées à la vie domaniale dans la partie occidentale du territoire de la colonie romaine de Béziers.
Exploring the Limits of AGN Feedback: Black Holes and the Star Formation Histories of Low-mass Galaxies
Authors: Martín-Navarro I. , Mezcua M.
Published: March 2018

Energy feedback, either from active galactic nuclei (AGNs) or from supernovae, is required to understand galaxy formation within a Λ-cold dark matter cosmology. We study a sample of 127 low-mass galaxies, comparing their stellar population properties to the mass of the central supermassive black hole, in order to investigate the effect of AGN feedback. We find a loose coupling between star formation history and black hole mass, which seems to suggest that AGN activity does not dominate baryonic cooling in low-mass galaxies. We also find that a break in the

–σ relation marks a transitional stellar mass, M
trans = (3.4 ± 2.1) × 1010

, remarkably similar to

. Our results are in agreement with a bi-modal star formation process where the AGN-dominated feedback of high-mass galaxies transitions toward a supernovae-driven regime in low-mass systems, as suggested by numerical simulations.
Penumbral Waves Driving Solar Fan-shaped Chromospheric Jets
Authors: Reid A. , Henriques V. M. J. , Mathioudakis M. , Samanta T.
Published: March 2018

We use Hα imaging spectroscopy taken via the Swedish 1 m Solar Telescope to investigate the occurrence of fan-shaped jets at the solar limb. We show evidence for near-simultaneous photospheric reconnection at a sunspot edge leading to the jets appearance, with upward velocities of 30 km s−1, and extensions up to 8 Mm. The brightening at the base of the jets appears recurrent, with a periodicity matching that of the nearby sunspot penumbra, implying running penumbral waves could be the driver of the jets. The jets’ constant extension velocity implies that a driver counteracting solar gravity exists, possibly as a result of the recurrent reconnection erupting material into the chromosphere. These jets also show signatures in higher temperature lines captured from the Solar Dynamics Observatory, indicating a very hot jet front, leaving behind optically thick cool plasma in its wake.
What are the main local drivers determining richness and fishery yields in tropical coastal fish assemblages?
Authors: Souza Cynthia Diniz , Batista Vandick S. , Fabré Nidia Noemi
Published: March 2018

Seasonal ecological effects caused by temperature and photoperiod are typically considered minimal in the tropics. Nevertheless, annual climate cycles may still influence the distribution and abundance of tropical species. Here, we investigate whether seasonal patterns of precipitation and wind speed influence the structure of coastal fish assemblages and fishing yields in northeast Brazil. Research trips were conducted during the rainy and dry seasons using commercial boats and gear to sample the fish community. Diversity was analyzed using abundance Whittaker curves, diversity profiles and the Shannon index. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) was used to analyze associations between the abundance of species and various environmental variables related to seasonality. A total of 2,373 fish were collected, representing 73 species from 34 families – 20 of which were classified as both frequent and abundant. Species richness was greater and more equitable during the rainy season than the dry season – driven by changes in the precipitation rather than to wind speed. Species diversity profiles were slightly greater during the rainy season than the dry season, but this difference was not statistically significant. Using PCA was identified three groups of species: the first associated with wind speed, the second with precipitation, and the third with a wide range of sampling environments. This latter group was the largest and most ecologically heterogeneous. We conclude that tropical coastal fish assemblages are largely influenced by local variables, and seasonally mediated by annual changes related to precipitation intensity and wind speed, which in turn influences fishery yields.
The 7-Year Outcomes of Epithelium-Off Corneal Cross-linking in Progressive Keratoconus
Authors: Shafik Shaheen Mohamed , Lolah Mohamed M. , Piñero David P.
Published: March 2018

PURPOSE:

To evaluate the clinical results of epitheliumoff corneal cross-linking (CXL) during a 7-year follow-up.

METHODS:

This retrospective, non-randomized, single-center interventional study enrolled 34 consecutive eyes of 24 patients with progressive keratoconus undergoing CXL surgery with epithelium removal. Visual, refractive, corneal topographic, pachymetric, and anterior segment changes were evaluated at 1, 3, and 7 years after surgery.

RESULTS:

Significant reduction of refraction was observed at 1 year postoperatively (
P
≤ .006), with an additional significant reduction between the 1- and 3-year postoperative visits (
P
≤ .002) and no significant changes afterward (
P
≥ .156). Regarding corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA), a significant improvement was detected at 1 year after surgery (
P
< .001), with an additional improvement between 1 and 3 years postoperatively (
P
= .001), and no significant changes at the end of the follow-up (
P
= .518). Significant corneal flattening was observed at 1, 3, and 7 years after surgery (
P
≤ .041). Likewise, a significant central thinning was observed at 1 year postoperatively (
P
< .001), with no significant changes afterward (
P
≥ .112). Anterior maximum elevation only changed significantly between 1 and 3 years after surgery (
P
= .002), whereas the posterior maximum elevation changed significantly at all time points of the follow-up (
P
≤ .034). No significant changes with surgery in anterior segment volume (
P
≥ .377) and anterior chamber depth (
P
≥ .142) were detected.

CONCLUSIONS:

The effect of epithelium-off CXL in progressive keratoconus is maintained 7 years after surgery. Long-term corneal changes after this procedure may be influenced by an age-related corneal stiffening process.

[
J Refract Surg.
2018;34(3):181–186.]
Leaching of carbon from native and non-native leaf litter of subtropical riparian forests
Authors: Da Silva Daniel J. , Valduga Alice T. , Molozzi Joseline , Fornel Rodrigo , Restello Rozane M. , Hepp Luiz U.
Published: March 2018

We evaluated the leaching of dissolved organic and inorganic carbon (DOC and DIC, respectively) from leaf litter of plant species of the native Atlantic Forest and of Pinus elliottii (Engelm.) and Eucalyptus grandis (Hill ex Maiden) forests. We carried out experiments in which leaves from each forest system (native, E. grandis, and P. elliottii) were placed in reactors with sterile water. After 1/4 h, 1 h, 4 h, 12 h, 24 h, and 48 h of incubation, we quantified the concentrations of DIC and DOC of each leachate. The greatest quantity of DIC was leached in the native forest system, whereas the greatest quantity of DOC was leached in the E. grandis forest system. With respect to the period of year, the greatest quantity of DIC was leached in autumn, whereas that of DOC was leached in the summer. Our results demonstrated that the replacement of native species in riparian zones, by non-native forest monocultures, could alter the chemical composition of the water. Finally, the results presented in this paper reinforce the need for a more careful look at ecological processes.
Petrophysical analyses of hydrocarbon reservoirs and overpressure zones in Tertiary deep-marine strata in the northern Beaufort-Mackenzie Basin, Arctic Canada
Authors: Hu K , Dietrich J R , Chen Z , Hannigan P K
Published: March 2018

This report describes the petrophysical analyses of reservoir characteristics, hydrocarbon occurrences, and overpressure zones in deep-marine Tertiary strata in eight wells (Kenalooak J-94, Koakoak O-22, Kopanoar M-13, Kopanoar 2I-44, Nektoralik K-59, Nerlerk
M-98, Orvilruk O-03 and Siulik I-05) in the northern Beaufort-Mackenzie Basin. Well logs and drill stem test data, calibrated with available cores, are analyzed for each well, with interpretations of lithology, shale content, porosity, permeability, and water saturation. Log-identified (untested)
hydrocarbon reservoirs occur in sandstones and siltstones in most of the evaluated wells. Most of the tested hydrocarbon reservoirs in the northern Beaufort-Mackenzie Basin occur in porous and permeable sandstones and siltstones of the Oligocene Kugmallit Sequence. Additionally, the Nektoralik K-59
well encountered a hydrocarbon reservoir in a Pliocene limestone. Overpressure zones are identified in each of the studied wells. Most hydrocarbon reservoirs occur below or within overpressure zones. The stratigraphic framework of overpressure zones and hydrocarbon reservoirs, and observed sandstone
porosity-depth trends indicate probable linkages between rapid deposition of Pliocene Iperk sediments, overpressure development, and porosity preservation.
Computed Tomography-guided Pulmonary Nodule Microcoil Localization Technique, Misplacement Errors, and Complications: A Pictorial Essay
Authors: Alharbi Sultan R
Published: March 2018

Computed tomography-guided pulmonary nodule microcoil localization is done preoperatively to fluoroscopic-guided video-assisted thoracoscopic surgical resection. This pictorial essay explains and illustrates the microcoil localization technique, various microcoil placement errors, intraoperative fluoroscopy-guided resection, and postmicrocoil localization complications.
Efficacy and safety of radio-chemotherapy combined with thermotherapy for advanced cervical cancer in Chinese women: a meta-analysis
Authors: Baoning Qi , Chuandao Shi , Na Sun , Wang Xinan , Yuanping Han
Published: March 2018

Introduction: Pelvic deep hyperthermia is an important treatment method for cervical cancer, and it has been widely used in Chinese clinics. However, this approach has not been widely adopted all over the world because of its uncertain efficacy and safety. This meta-analysis aims to review the efficacy and safety of radio-chemotherapy combined with local hyperthermia (HT) in the treatment of cervical cancer.

Material and methods: We searched foreign and domestic databases, and also searched the related references for additional information. Data extraction and quality assessment were conducted by two reviewers independently. Rev Man 5.3 software was used to perform the meta-analysis.

Results: The thermotherapy group had a significantly higher 1-year tumor-free survival rate (OR = 2.84, 95% CI (1.14–7.09), p = 0.03), complete remission rate (OR = 2.41, 95% CI (1.94–3.01), p < 0.00001) and overall effective rate (OR = 4.11, 95% CI (3.11–5.44), p < 0.00001) than the sole radio-chemotherapy group. The thermotherapy group had a significantly lower disease stability rate (OR = 0.44, 95% CI (0.32–0.62), p < 0.00001) and disease progression rate (OR = 0.15, 95% CI (0.08–0.28), p < 0.00001) when compared with the sole radio-chemotherapy group. Both groups were statistically similar with respect to adverse reactions.

Conclusions: Radio-chemotherapy combined with thermotherapy could significantly improve short-term curative effects for patients with cervical cancer. However, due to the limited quantity and quality of the included studies, more high-quality studies with a large sample size and long-term follow-up are still needed to verify the above conclusion and explore its long-term efficacy.
People have access to implicit self-esteem unless they do not apply an ego defence
Authors: Fila-Jankowska Aleksandra Katarzyna
Published: March 2018

Background

Early definitions of implicit self-esteem (ISE) assumed its unconscious character. Although researchers have shown ways to achieve consistency between explicit and implicit self-esteem measures, no one has demonstrated that people may be aware of their ISE.

Participants and procedure

In the experiment with 85 participants aged from 19 to 45 years a “lie detector” procedure was used to overcome the self-enhancement bias. The definition of ISE, given to participants, referred to the phenomenon, manifested in popular ISE measures.

Results

In participants who were convinced that they were being assessed in the presence of a lie detector, a significant correlation between referred and actual ISE was shown. Individuals characterised by defensive high self-esteem in natural conditions were less accurate in ISE estimation than those with secure high self-esteem.

Conclusions

The results, demonstrating people’s access to their implicit self-esteem, may have important implications for clinical, well-being, self-acceptance, or educational issues.
Meaning in life in cancer patients: relationships with illness perception and global meaning changes
Authors: Krok Dariusz , Telka Ewa
Published: March 2018

Background

Meaning in life seems to play an important role at various stages of coping in cancer patients. It can influence the ways in which cancer patients perceive their illness and potential changes in beliefs and goals. The main aim of the current study is to examine how two dimensions – presence of and search for meaning – are related to illness perception and global meaning changes.

Participants and procedure

The research was conducted among 231 cancer patients (136 women and 95 men), between 27 and 86 years of age (M = 56.73, SD = 12.64). They were diagnosed with gastrointestinal cancer (stomach, colon, pancreas, liver, large intestine). The following research methods were used: the Meaning in Life Questionnaire, the Appraisal of the Disease Scale, and the Scale of Changes in Beliefs and Goals.

Results

Presence of meaning was associated with illness perceptions, changes of beliefs, and changes of goals. In contrast, there were no statistically significant relations between search for meaning and illness perception. The cluster analysis showed that the patients who were in presence style less negatively perceived their illness than those in presence and search style. The former also experienced fewer disruptions in important beliefs and goals than the latter. In addition, the patients in presence style were characterized by less negative illness perceptions and fewer disruptions in beliefs and goals than their compeers in indifferent style.

Conclusions

Having meaning in life is related to a more satisfactory image of the illness and fewer violations in the belief and goal system. Searching for meaning, even though accompanied by presence of meaning, is rather detrimental to illness perception and changes in beliefs and goals. The awareness of having a purpose and overarching aim in life helps cancer patients to interpret and organize their stressful experiences, and perceive the illness from a less negative perspective.
An exploratory examination of mindfulness, self-compassion, and mindful eating in relation to motivations to eat palatable foods and BMI
Authors: Mantzios Michail , Egan Helen
Published: March 2018

Background

Preliminary findings suggest that mindfulness and self-compassion training are associated with enhanced weight regulation. However, the associations between these traits and body mass index (BMI) are mixed.

Participants and procedure

In a cross-sectional investigation, university students (n = 183) were asked to fill in questionnaires on mindfulness, self-compassion, mindful eating, and motivations to eat palatable foods.

Results

The results suggest that mindfulness, self-compassion and mindful eating related negatively to motivations to eat palatable foods. Mindful eating displayed the most significant relationship. Further investigations showed that some subscales of self-compassion, mindfulness and mindful eating related to motivations to eat palatable foods and BMI more significantly. The ability to draw more and better conclusions by investigating the relationship of subscales to health behaviors and outcomes, especially with self-compassion, has been noted in previous rationales and theories. The notable relationships were (a) the enhancement subscale of the motivations to eat palatable foods, which appeared to relate positively to self-judgment, isolation, and over-identification, while (b) the coping subscale related to all subscales within the self-compassion scale.

Conclusions

The current findings support different lines of research that suggest that mindful eating, mindfulness and/or self-compassion support weight regulation. Mindfulness practices could potentially add the right motives to eat palatable foods (such as being motivated to eat when people are hungry), and potentially eat less of the foods that lead to weight dysregulation. The findings are discussed and suggested paths for further research are recommended.
Does belief in free will make us feel good and satisfied?
Authors: Kondratowicz-Nowak Blanka Beata , Zawadzka Anna Maria
Published: March 2018

Background

Recent studies have shown that maintaining a strong belief in free will may be associated with well-being at the workplace (Stillman, Baumeister, Vohs, Lambert, Fincham, & Brawer, 2010), more frequent attainment of pursued goals and emotional stability (Stillman, Baumeister, & Mele, 2011).

Participants and procedure

Two studies were conducted to investigate to what extent belief in free will (as opposed to belief in determinism) may be a good predictor of subjective well-being and ill-being (poor health condition). Study 1 investigated a sample of employees (N = 214): 106 women and 108 men. The second research was conducted among 436 students: 236 women and 198 men.

Results

The results of study 1 showed that those who believe in free will are satisfied with their lives and feel healthy. The results of study 2 showed that those who believe in free will feel better (have more positive emotions) and are more satisfied with their lives than those who believe in determinism.

Conclusions

Belief in free will has the potential for improving subjective well-being and belief in determinism (fate) lowers subjective well-being. What is more, the current study has also confirmed the results obtained by other researchers (Paulhus & Carey, 1994, Carey & Paulhus, 2013). The reliability of the free will subscale was replicated. Also, we confirmed a positive correlation between belief in free will and unpredictability, and between fatalistic determinism and unpredictability. The results of the present research proved that there is a need to develop and to promote belief in free will in societies and social policies because it can increase well-being.
De performativiteit van accounting in de gezondheidszorg
Authors: van Erp Wil , van der Steen Martijn
Published: March 2018

In dit artikel staat de performatieve werking van management accounting en control (MAC) centraal. Performativiteit betekent in dit verband dat accounting niet alleen de werkelijkheid beschrijft en verklaart maar deze ook vorm geeft. Deze performatieve werking wordt nader beschreven aan de hand van een case study van de toepassing van MAC bij Viventium, een grote zorgorganisatie in Nederland. Deze case beschrijft diverse door MAC bewerkstelligde performatieve effecten die varieerden naar gelang de plek in de organisatie en de betrokken personen. Tevens worden er uit de case handvaten afgeleid hoe als management om te gaan met de performativiteit van accounting.
High-resolution quantification of atmospheric CO2 mixing ratios in the Greater Toronto Area, Canada
Authors: Pugliese Stephanie C. , Murphy Jennifer G. , Vogel Felix R. , Moran Michael D. , Zhang Junhua , Zheng Qiong , Stroud Craig A. , Ren Shuzhan , Worthy Douglas , Broquet Gregoire
Published: March 2018

Abstract. Many stakeholders are seeking methods to reduce carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions in urban areas, but reliable, high-resolution inventories are required to guide these efforts. We present the development of a high-resolution CO2 inventory available for the Greater Toronto Area and surrounding region in Southern Ontario, Canada (area of  ∼ 2.8 × 105 km2, 26 % of the province of Ontario). The new SOCE (Southern Ontario CO2 Emissions) inventory is available at the 2.5 × 2.5 km spatial and hourly temporal resolution and characterizes emissions from seven sectors: area, residential natural-gas combustion, commercial natural-gas combustion, point, marine, on-road, and off-road. To assess the accuracy of the SOCE inventory, we developed an observation–model framework using the GEM-MACH chemistry–transport model run on a high-resolution grid with 2.5 km grid spacing coupled to the Fossil Fuel Data Assimilation System (FFDAS) v2 inventories for anthropogenic CO2 emissions and the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF) land carbon model C-TESSEL for biogenic fluxes. A run using FFDAS for the Southern Ontario region was compared to a run in which its emissions were replaced by the SOCE inventory. Simulated CO2 mixing ratios were compared against in situ measurements made at four sites in Southern Ontario – Downsview, Hanlan's Point, Egbert and Turkey Point – in 3 winter months, January–March 2016. Model simulations had better agreement with measurements when using the SOCE inventory emissions versus other inventories, quantified using a variety of statistics such as correlation coefficient, root-mean-square error, and mean bias. Furthermore, when run with the SOCE inventory, the model had improved ability to capture the typical diurnal pattern of CO2 mixing ratios, particularly at the Downsview, Hanlan's Point, and Egbert sites. In addition to improved model–measurement agreement, the SOCE inventory offers a sectoral breakdown of emissions, allowing estimation of average time-of-day and day-of-week contributions of different sectors. Our results show that at night, emissions from residential and commercial natural-gas combustion and other area sources can contribute > 80 % of the CO2 enhancement, while during the day emissions from the on-road sector dominate, accounting for > 70 % of the enhancement.
Monoterpene chemical speciation in a tropical rainforest:variation with season, height, and time of dayat the Amazon Tall Tower Observatory (ATTO)
Authors: Yáñez-Serrano Ana María , Nölscher Anke Christine , Bourtsoukidis Efstratios , Gomes Alves Eliane , Ganzeveld Laurens , Bonn Boris , Wolff Stefan , Sa Marta , Yamasoe Marcia , Williams Jonathan , Andreae Meinrat O. , Kesselmeier Jürgen
Published: March 2018

Abstract. Speciated monoterpene measurements in rainforest air are scarce, but they are
essential for understanding the contribution of these compounds to the
overall reactivity of volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions towards the
main atmospheric oxidants, such as hydroxyl radicals (OH), ozone (O3) and
nitrate radicals (NO3). In this study, we present the chemical speciation
of gas-phase monoterpenes measured in the tropical rainforest at the Amazon
Tall Tower Observatory (ATTO, Amazonas, Brazil). Samples of VOCs were
collected by two automated sampling systems positioned on a tower at 12 and
24 m height and analysed using gas chromatography–flame ionization detection. The samples were collected in October 2015, representing the dry
season, and compared with previous wet and dry season studies at the site. In
addition, vertical profile measurements (at 12 and 24 m) of total monoterpene
mixing ratios were made using proton-transfer-reaction mass spectrometry. The results showed a distinctly different chemical speciation
between day and night. For instance, α-pinene was more abundant
during the day, whereas limonene was more abundant at night. Reactivity
calculations showed that higher abundance does not generally imply higher
reactivity. Furthermore, inter- and intra-annual results demonstrate similar
chemodiversity during the dry seasons analysed. Simulations with a canopy
exchange modelling system show simulated monoterpene mixing ratios that
compare relatively well with the observed mixing ratios but also indicate
the necessity of more experiments to enhance our understanding of in-canopy
sinks of these compounds.
Environmentally dependent dust chemistry of a super Asian dust storm in March 2010: observation and simulation
Authors: Wang Qiongzhen , Dong Xinyi , Fu Joshua S. , Xu Jian , Deng Congrui , Jiang Yilun , Fu Qingyan , Lin Yanfen , Huang Kan , Zhuang Guoshun
Published: March 2018

Abstract. Near-surface and vertical in situ measurements of atmospheric particles
were conducted in Shanghai during 19–23 March 2010 to explore the transport
and chemical evolution of dust particles in a super dust storm. An air
quality model with optimized physical dust emission scheme and newly
implemented dust chemistry was utilized to study the impact of dust chemistry
on regional air quality. Two discontinuous dust periods were observed with
one traveling over northern China (DS1) and the other passing over the
coastal regions of eastern China (DS2). Stronger mixing extents between dust
and anthropogenic emissions were found in DS2, reflected by the higher
SO2 ∕ PM10 and NO2 ∕ PM10 ratios as well as
typical pollution elemental species such as As, Cd, Pb, and Zn. As a result,
the concentrations of SO42- and NO3- and the ratio of
Ca2+ ∕ Ca were more elevated in DS2 than in DS1 but opposite for the
[NH4+] ∕ [SO42-+NO3-] ratio, suggesting the
heterogeneous reactions between calcites and acid gases were significantly
promoted in DS2 due to the higher level of relative humidity and gaseous
pollution precursors. Lidar observation showed a columnar effect on the
vertical structure of particle optical properties in DS1 that dust dominantly
accounted for ∼ 80–90 % of the total particle extinction from near
the ground to ∼ 700 m. In contrast, the dust plumes in DS2 were
restrained within
lower altitudes while the extinction from spherical particles exhibited a
maximum at a high altitude of ∼ 800 m. The model simulation reproduced
relatively consistent results with observations that strong impacts of dust
heterogeneous reactions on secondary aerosol formation occurred in areas
where the anthropogenic emissions were intensive. Compared to the sulfate
simulation, the nitrate formation on dust is suggested to be improved in the
future modeling efforts.
Quality assessment of the Ozone_cci Climate Research Data Package (release 2017) – Part 1: Ground-based validation of total ozone column data products
Authors: Garane Katerina , Lerot Christophe , Coldewey-Egbers Melanie , Verhoelst Tijl , Koukouli Maria Elissavet , Zyrichidou Irene , Balis Dimitris S. , Danckaert Thomas , Goutail Florence , Granville Jose , Hubert Daan , Keppens Arno , Lambert Jean-Christopher , Loyola Diego , Pommereau Jean-Pierre , Van Roozendael Michel , Zehner Claus
Published: March 2018

Abstract. The GOME-type Total Ozone Essential Climate Variable (GTO-ECV) is a level-3 data record, which combines individual sensor products into one single cohesive record covering the 22-year period from 1995 to 2016, generated in the frame of the European Space Agency's Climate Change Initiative Phase II. It is based on level-2 total ozone data produced by the GODFIT (GOME-type Direct FITting) v4 algorithm as applied to the GOME/ERS-2, OMI/Aura, SCIAMACHY/Envisat and GOME-2/Metop-A and Metop-B observations. In this paper we examine whether GTO-ECV meets the specific requirements set by the international climate–chemistry modelling community for decadal stability long-term and short-term accuracy. In the following, we present the validation of the 2017 release of the Climate Research Data Package Total Ozone Column (CRDP TOC) at both level 2 and level 3. The inter-sensor consistency of the individual level-2 data sets has mean differences generally within 0.5 % at moderate latitudes (±50°), whereas the level-3 data sets show mean differences with respect to the OMI reference data record that span between −0.2 ± 0.9 % (for GOME-2B) and 1.0 ± 1.4 % (for SCIAMACHY). Very similar findings are reported for the level-2 validation against independent ground-based TOC observations reported by Brewer, Dobson and SAOZ instruments: the mean bias between GODFIT v4 satellite TOC and the ground instrument is well within 1.0 ± 1.0 % for all sensors, the drift per decade spans between −0.5 % and 1.0 ± 1.0 % depending on the sensor, and the peak-to-peak seasonality of the differences ranges from ∼ 1 % for GOME and OMI to  ∼ 2 % for SCIAMACHY. For the level-3 validation, our first goal was to show that the level-3 CRDP produces findings consistent with the level-2 individual sensor comparisons. We show a very good agreement with 0.5 to 2 % peak-to-peak amplitude for the monthly mean difference time series and a negligible drift per decade of the differences in the Northern Hemisphere of −0.11 ± 0.10 % decade−1 for Dobson and +0.22 ± 0.08 % decade−1 for Brewer collocations. The exceptional quality of the level-3 GTO-ECV v3 TOC record temporal stability satisfies well the requirements for the total ozone measurement decadal stability of 1–3 % and the short-term and long-term accuracy requirements of 2 and 3 %, respectively, showing a remarkable inter-sensor consistency, both in the level-2 GODFIT v4 and in the level-3 GTO-ECV v3 datasets, and thus can be used for longer-term analysis of the ozone layer, such as decadal trend studies, chemistry–climate model evaluation and data assimilation applications.