bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Intercomparison of fast response commercial gas analysers for nitrous oxide flux measurements under field conditions
Authors: Rannik Ü. , Haapanala S. , Shurpali N. J. , Mammarella I. , Lind S. , Hyvönen N. , Peltola O. , Zahniser M. , Martikainen P. J. , Vesala T.
Published: August 2014

Abstract. Four gas analysers capable of measuring nitrous oxide (N2O) concentration at a response time necessary for eddy covariance flux measurements were operated from spring till winter 2011 over a field cultivated with reed canary grass (RCG, Phalaris arundinaceae, L.), a perennial bioenergy crop in Eastern Finland. The instruments were TGA100A (Campbell Scientific Inc.), CW-TILDAS-CS (Aerodyne Research Inc.), N2O/CO-23d (Los Gatos Research Inc.) and QC-TILDAS-76-CS (Aerodyne Research Inc.). The period with high emission, lasting for about two weeks after fertilization in late May, was characterised by an up to two orders of magnitude higher emission, whereas during the rest of the campaign the N2O fluxes were small, from 0.1 to 1 nmol m−2 s−1. Two instruments, CW-TILDAS-CS and N2O/CO-23d, determined the N2O exchange with minor systematic difference throughout the campaign, when operated simultaneously. TGA100A produced cumulatively highest N2O estimates (with 29% higher value during the period when all instruments were operational). QC-TILDAS-76-CS obtained 36% lower fluxes than CW-TILDAS-CS during the first period, including the emission episode, whereas the correspondence with other instruments during the rest of the campaign was good. The reason for these episodic higher and lower estimates by the two instruments is not currently known, suggesting further need for detailed evaluation of instrument performance under field conditions with emphasis on stability, calibration and, in particular, simultaneous accurate determination of water vapour concentration due to its large impact on small N2O fluxes through spectroscopic and dilution corrections. The instrument CW-TILDAS-CS was characterised by the lowest noise level (std around 0.12 ppb at 10 Hz sampling rate), as compared to N2O/CO-23d and QC-TILDAS-76-CS (around 0.50 ppb) and TGA100A (around 2 ppb). Both instruments based on Continuous-Wave Quantum Cascade Lasers, CW-TILDAS-CS and N2O/CO-23d, were able to determine the same sample of low N2O fluxes with high mutual coefficient of determination at 30 min averaging level and with minor systematic difference over the observation period of several months.
Distributed Computation in a Quadrupedal Robotic System
Authors: Kuehn Daniel , Bernhard Felix , Burchardt Armin , Schilling Moritz , Stark Tobias , Zenzes Martin , Kirchner Frank
Published: August 2014

Today's and future space missions (will) have to deal with increasing requirements regarding autonomy and flexibility in the locomotor system. To cope with these requirements, a higher bandwidth for sensor information is needed. In this paper, a robotic system is presented that is equipped with artificial feet and a spine incorporating increased sensing capabilities for walking robots. In the proposed quadrupedal robotic system, the front and rear parts are connected via an actuated spinal structure with six degrees of freedom. In order to increase the robustness of the system's locomotion in terms of traction and stability, a foot-like structure equipped with various sensors has been developed. In terms of distributed local control, both structures are as self-contained as possible with regard to sensing, sensor preprocessing, control and communication. This allows the robot to respond rapidly to occurring events with only minor latency.
Silhouette Extraction from Street View Images
Authors: Mutlu Begüm , Hacıömeroğlu Murat , Serdar Guzel Mehmet , Dikmen Mehmet , Sever Hayri
Published: August 2014

This study addresses the issue of silhouette extraction of a street, and proposes two novel approaches to overcome this problem. The first, namely hybrid-stitching, considers the silhouette extraction as an image stitching problem and aims to use 2D street view images. The algorithm used in this method integrates a new composition technique into a conventional image stitching pipeline. The developed software using the proposed hybrid approach results in better stitching performances when compared with the popular stitching tools in the literature. Despite the results of the proposed method are better than the state-of-the-art image stitching techniques in many cases, they are not reliable enough to handle all of the street view image sets. Accordingly, a second solution has been proposed, including 3D location information, namely, 3D Silhouette Extraction Pipeline. The pipeline involves several techniques and post-processing steps to handle both the transformation and projection of the obtained point cloud, and the elimination of misleading location information. The results reveal that compared with the 2D solutions, the proposed algorithm is very effective and more reliable in silhouette extraction of a street, which is critical in urban transformation and environmental protection.
Analysis of fetch-limited wave growth using high-frequency radars in the Gulf of Tehuantepec
Authors: Toro Vladimir G , Ocampo-Torres Francisco J , Osuna Pedro , García-Nava Héctor , Flores-Vidal Xavier , Durazo Reginaldo
Published: August 2014

Fetch-limited wave growth was analyzed using high spatial and temporal resolution measurements obtained with high-frequency (HF) radars. To calculate the wave spectrum, the second-order echo (S2N) was extracted from the Doppler spectrum and mapped to the wave frequency domain. The conversion of S2N to the wave frequency spectrum was carried out using a linear parametric model dependent on wind speed. Wave growth, represented by the dimensionless energy and peak frequency as a function of dimensionless fetch, was determined from the spectra calculated for 25 cells (~400 km2) in the vicinity of a moored Air–Sea Interaction Spar buoy. The buoy data were used as reference and to provide the wind information required for the wave growth analysis. The simultaneous data from the buoy and HF radars showed a suitable agreement with the wave growth curves. The analysis of the 25 cells showed an adequate agreement and certain dispersion around the growth curves. Possible causes of this dispersion are related to errors in the estimation of the frequency spectrum and fetch, and the assumption of homogeneous wind conditions. From the limited data set used, it was not possible to prove any impact of swell on wave growth; however, it is possible that analysis over a wider range of swell heights may provide this evidence. Nevertheless, the results suggest that the linear parametric model is able to reproduce fetch-limited wave growth. This work represents the first effort focused on fetch-limited wave growth using HF radars.
Timing, rate, and magnitude of slip on the Buckskin‐Rawhide detachment fault, west central Arizona
Authors: Singleton John S. , Stockli Daniel F. , Gans Phillip B. , Prior Michael G.
Published: August 2014

We present thermochronologic and geochronologic data that constrain the slip history of the Buckskin‐Rawhide detachment fault in west central Arizona, one of the largest extensional fault systems in the North American Cordillera. (U‐Th)/He zircon and apatite thermochronology, integrated with 40Ar/39Ar geochronology of postdetachment volcanic rocks, indicate that large‐magnitude extension associated with the detachment fault initiated at ~21–20 Ma and continued until ~12–11 Ma in the southwestern portion of the Buckskin‐Rawhide metamorphic core complex. (U‐Th)/He footwall cooling ages from the breakaway zone in the western Bouse Hills to upper greenschist‐facies mylonites in the southern Buckskin Mountains indicate that the slip rate on the detachment fault was 3 + 1.5/−1 km/Myr during the early Miocene. Space‐time patterns of hanging wall tilting suggest that at 17–16 Ma, a secondary detachment fault breakaway developed ~12 km northeast of the primary detachment fault breakaway. Proximal conglomerates deposited in a supradetachment basin adjacent to the secondary breakaway scarp were displaced 6–11 km northeast in the middle Miocene by the Buckskin‐Rawhide detachment fault at a slip rate of 1.2–2.7 km/Myr. The total displacement across the detachment fault in the southwestern portion of the core complex is 24 ± 10 km, well short of the previous estimate of 66 ± 8 km across the entire core complex. Based on these data and new observations, we propose that total displacement on the Buckskin‐Rawhide detachment fault system increases in the slip direction to ~40–50 km at the northeastern end of the exposed footwall, corresponding to time‐averaged slip rates that ranged from ~2 km/Myr to ≤6 km/Myr across the entire core complex.
Pt‐Free Counter Electrode for Dye‐Sensitized Solar Cells with High Efficiency
Authors: Yun Sining , Hagfeldt Anders , Ma Tingli
Published: August 2014

Dye‐sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) have attracted widespread attention in recent years as potential cost‐effective alternatives to silicon‐based and thin‐film solar cells. Within typical DSSCs, the counter electrode (CE) is vital to collect electrons from the external circuit and catalyze the I3− reduction in the electrolyte. Careful design of the CEs can improve the catalytic activity and chemical stability associated with the liquid redox electrolyte used in most cells. In this Progress Report, advances made by our groups in the development of CEs for DSSCs are reviewed, highlighting important contributions that promise low‐cost, efficient, and robust DSSC systems. Specifically, we focus on the design of novel Pt‐free CE catalytic materials, including design ideas, fabrication approaches, characterization techniques, first‐principle density functional theory (DFT) calculations, ab‐initio Car‐Parrinello molecular dynamics (CPMD) simulations, and stability evaluations, that serve as practical alternatives to conventional noble metal Pt electrodes. We stress the merits and demerits of well‐designed Pt‐free CEs, such as carbon materials, conductive polymers, transition metal compounds (TMCs) and their corresponding hybrids. Also, the prospects and challenges of alternative Pt catalysts for their applications in new‐type DSSCs and other catalytic fields are discussed.
The Biocatalytic Repertoire of Natural Biaryl Formation
Authors: Aldemir Hülya , Richarz René , Gulder Tobias A. M.
Published: August 2014

The catalytic and selective construction of carbon–carbon bonds for the generation of complex molecules is one of the most important tasks in organic chemistry. This was clearly highlighted by the 2010 Nobel Prize in Chemistry, which was awarded for the development of Pd‐catalyzed cross‐coupling reactions. The underlying concept of cross‐linking building blocks to generate molecular complexity can also be widely found in natural product biosynthesis. Impressive examples for such natural cross‐coupling reactions are biosynthetic processes for the assembly of biaryl moieties in natural products—highly efficient enzymatic reactions that often achieve synthetically yet unmatched selectivities. This Minireview highlights selected examples that showcase these fascinating biotransformations.
Self‐assembly of regenerated silk fibroin from random coil nanostructures to antiparallel β‐sheet nanostructures
Authors: Zhong Jian , Ma Mengjia , Li Wenying , Zhou Juan , Yan Zhiqiang , He Dannong
Published: August 2014

In this work, we studied the effects of incubation concentration and time on the self‐assembly behaviors of regenerated silk fibroin (RSF). Our results showed the assembly ways of RSF were concentration‐dependent and there were four self‐assembly ways of RSF: (i) At relatively low concentration (≤0.015%), RSF molecules assembled into protofilaments (random coil), and then the thickness decreased and the secondary conformation changed to antiparallel β‐sheet; (ii) at the concentration of 0.015%, RSF molecules assembled into protofilaments (random coil), and then assembled into protofibrils (antiparallel β‐sheet). The protofibrils experienced the appearance and disappearance of phase periodic intervals in turn; (iii) at the concentration of 0.03%, RSF molecules assembled into bead‐like oligomers (random coil), and then assembled into protofibrils (antiparallel β‐sheet), and finally the height and phase periodic intervals of RSF protofibrils disappeared in turn; and (iv) at the relatively high concentration (≥0.15%), RSF molecules assembled into protofilaments (random coil), then aggregated into blurry cuboid‐like micelles (random coil), and finally self‐arranged to form smooth and clear cuboid‐like micelles (antiparallel β‐sheet). These results provide useful insights into the process by which the RSF molecules self‐assemble into protofilaments, protofibrils and micelles. Furthermore, our work will be beneficial to basic understanding of the nanoscale structure formations in different silk‐based biomaterials. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Biopolymers 101: 1181–1192, 2014.
Biocatalytic Photosynthesis with Water as an Electron Donor
Authors: Ryu Jungki , Nam Dong Heon , Lee Sahng Ha , Park Chan Beum
Published: August 2014

Efficient harvesting of unlimited solar energy and its conversion into valuable chemicals is one of the ultimate goals of scientists. With the ever‐increasing concerns about sustainable growth and environmental issues, numerous efforts have been made to develop artificial photosynthetic process for the production of fuels and fine chemicals, thus mimicking natural photosynthesis. Despite the research progress made over the decades, the technology is still in its infancy because of the difficulties in kinetic coupling of whole photocatalytic cycles. Herein, we report a new type of artificial photosynthesis system that can avoid such problems by integrally coupling biocatalytic redox reactions with photocatalytic water splitting. We found that photocatalytic water splitting can be efficiently coupled with biocatalytic redox reactions by using tetracobalt polyoxometalate and Rh‐based organometallic compound as hole and electron scavengers, respectively, for photoexcited [Ru(bpy)3]2+. Based on these results, we could successfully photosynthesize a model chiral compound (L‐glutamate) using a model redox enzyme (glutamate dehydrogenase) upon in situ photoregeneration of cofactors.
From Furfural to Fuel: Synthesis of Furoins by Organocatalysis and their Hydrodeoxygenation by Cascade Catalysis
Authors: Wegenhart Benjamin L. , Yang Linan , Kwan Soon Cheong , Harris Remi , Kenttämaa Hilkka I. , Abu‐Omar Mahdi M.
Published: August 2014

The synthesis of furoins from biomass‐derived furfural and 2‐methylfurfural is demonstrated in high yields in green and renewable solvents using N‐heterocyclic carbene organocatalysts. The resulting furoin molecules are used as precursors for fuels using cascade catalysis, first by using Pd/C with acidic co‐catalysts under very mild conditions to yield oxygenated C12 molecules. Two main products were formed, which we identified as 1,2‐bis(5‐methyltetrahydrofuran‐2‐yl)ethane and 1‐(5‐methyltetrahydrofuran‐2‐yl)heptanol. The use of a Pd/Zeolite‐β catalyst under more extreme conditions resulted in the complete hydrodeoxygenation of 5,5′‐dimethylfuroin to dodecanes in high yields (76 %) and exceptional selectivity (94 %) for n‐dodecane.
Unveiling the Chemistry behind the Green Synthesis of Metal Nanoparticles
Authors: Santos Sónia A. O. , Pinto Ricardo J. B. , Rocha Sílvia M. , Marques Paula A. A. P. , Neto Carlos Pascoal , Silvestre Armando J. D. , Freire Carmen S. R.
Published: August 2014

Nanobiotechnology has emerged as a fundamental domain in modern science, and metallic nanoparticles (NPs) are one of the largest classes of NPs studied because of their wide spectrum of possible applications in several fields. The use of plant extracts as reducing and stabilizing agents in their synthesis is an interesting and reliable alternative to conventional methodologies. However, the role of the different components of such extracts in the reduction/stabilization of metal ions has not yet been understood clearly. Here we studied the behavior of the main components of a Eucalyptus globulus Labill. bark aqueous extract during metal‐ion reduction followed by advanced chromatographic techniques, which allowed us to establish their specific role in the process. The obtained results showed that phenolic compounds, particularly galloyl derivatives, are mainly responsible for the metal‐ion reduction, whereas sugars are essentially involved in the stabilization of the NPs.
Generation and characterization of Lhx9‐GFPCreERT2 knock‐in mouse line
Authors: Balasubramanian Revathi , Bui Andrew , Xie Xiaoling , Deng Min , Gan Lin
Published: August 2014

LHX9 is a LIM‐homeodomain transcription factor essential for the development of gonads, spinal cord interneurons, and thalamic neurons to name a few. We recently reported the expression of LHX9 in retinal amacrine cells during development. In this study, we generated an Lhx9‐GFPCreERT2 (GCE) knock‐in mouse line by knocking‐in a GCE cassette at the Lhx9 locus, thus inactivating endogenous Lhx9. Lhx9GCE/+ mice were viable, fertile, and displayed no overt phenotypical characteristics. Lhx9GCE/GCE mice were all phenotypically female, smaller in size, viable, but infertile. The specificity and efficacy of the Lhx9‐GCE mouse line was verified by crossing it to a Rosa26‐tdTomato reporter mouse line, which reveals the Cre recombinase activities in retinal amacrine cells, developing limbs, testis, hippocampal neurons, thalamic neurons, and cerebellar neurons. Taken together, the Lhx9‐GCE mouse line could serve as a beneficial tool for lineage tracing and gene manipulation experiments. genesis 52:827–832, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Biological bank protection: trees are more effective than grasses at resisting erosion from major river floods
Authors: Rood Stewart B. , Bigelow Sarah G. , Polzin Mary Louise , Gill Karen M. , Coburn Craig A.
Published: August 2014

Although it is recognized that streamside vegetation can reduce river bank erosion, the relative effectiveness of forest versus grassland has been unclear. To compare erosion resistance of the two vegetation types, we studied the free‐flowing Elk River in British Columbia, Canada from 1993 to 2014, including major floods in June 1995 and 2013. Interpretation of aerial photographs from 1994 and 2000 were used to examine the correspondence between floodplain vegetation and the extent of channel change after the 1995 flood. Along a 23 km reach with alternating forest and grassland, 15 locations displayed substantial change as the river moved a channel width (45 m) or more with meander migration, or up to 200 m with channel avulsion. All ten locations with major change (>75 m) occurred where the floodplain zones were occupied by grasslands, sometimes with small shrubs. In contrast, channels flanked by forest were minimally altered (<15 m), and deciduous (black cottonwood, Populus trichocarpa) or mixed deciduous‐coniferous groves were effective at resisting erosion. Some changes accompanied the 1995 flood and further changes followed as the destabilized banks were vulnerable to smaller floods in 1996 and 1997. Providing another comparison, a position that was dramatically scoured in 1995 when it was grassland had subsequent cottonwood colonization, and the 4 m trees resisted erosion from the 2013 flood. Thus, trees were more resistant than grassland to flood‐associated bank erosion. We recommend that riparian forests should be conserved to provide bank stability and to maintain an equilibrium of river and floodplain dynamics. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Detailed Geometric and Electronic Structures of a One‐Electron‐Oxidized Ni Salophen Complex and Its Amido Derivatives
Authors: Lecarme Laureline , Chiang Linus , Philouze Christian , Jarjayes Olivier , Storr Tim , Thomas Fabrice
Published: August 2014

Invited for the cover of this issue is the group of Fabrice Thomas at Université Grenoble Alpes, France, collaborating with the group of Tim Storr at Simon Fraser University, Canada. The cover image shows the correlation between the low‐energy near‐infrared absorption spectrum and the spin density in three radical complexes, illustrating the delocalization of the spin density in salen radical complexes. Mountains that surround the cities of Grenoble and Vancouver fit nicely into the background.
Spatio‐temporal patterns of channel changes in response to a major flood event: the case of the Magra River (central–northern Italy)
Authors: Nardi Laura , Rinaldi Massimo
Published: August 2014

On October 25th 2011, the Magra River (central–northern Italy) was affected by a significant flood event with an estimated return interval ranging from 30 to 200 years. This study investigates the morphological responses of the Magra River to this major flood event with the aims of (i) documenting the channel changes which occurred in response to the flood; (ii) analysing this response within the context of the historical trend of width changes; (iii) investigating the possible factors controlling the spatial pattern and the intensity of the observed changes.

Significant channel widening was documented along the entire length studied (about 34 km), ranging from 3% to 90% of the pre‐flood channel width. Braided reaches were characterized by the most severe planimetric changes. Although characterized by high rates of change, these variations are, however, amply included in the historical range of channel width variability over approximately the last 150 years (from 1877 to present day), and are comparable with ( though generally lower than) the channel width of the 1950s.

Statistical analyses (simple and multiple regressions) between the observed changes in channel width and a series of selected morphological and hydraulic controlling factors showed no robust correlations to explain the spatial pattern and the variability of channel adjustments. Instead, major adjustments occurred along reaches characterized by the confluence of those streams draining the sub‐catchments where the storm was concentrated. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Interpreting characteristic drainage timescale variability across Kilombero Valley, Tanzania
Authors: Lyon Steve W. , Koutsouris Alexander , Scheibler Friedemann , Jarsjö Jerker , Mbanguka Rene , Tumbo Madaka , Robert Keven K. , Sharma Asha N. , van der Velde Ype
Published: August 2014

We explore seasonal variability and spatiotemporal patterns in characteristic drainage timescale (K) estimated from river discharge records across the Kilombero Valley in central Tanzania. K values were determined using streamflow recession analysis with a Brutsaert–Nieber solution to the linearized Boussinesq equation. Estimated K values were variable, comparing between wet and dry seasons for the relatively small catchments draining upland positions. For the larger catchments draining through valley bottoms, K values were typically longer and more consistent across seasons. Variations in K were compared with long‐term averaged, Moderate‐resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer‐derived monthly evapotranspiration. Although the variations in K were potentially related to evapotranspiration, the influence of data quality and analysis procedure could not be discounted. As such, even though recession analysis offers a potential approach to explore aquifer release timescales and thereby gain insight to a region's hydrology to inform water resources management, care must be taken when interpreting spatiotemporal shifts in K in connection with process representation in regions like the Kilombero Valley. © 2014 The Authors. Hydrological Processes published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
Circulating tumour cells in metastatic head and neck cancers
Authors: Kulasinghe Arutha , Perry Chris , Jovanovic Lidija , Nelson Colleen , Punyadeera Chamindie
Published: August 2014

Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is the sixth most common cancer with 650,000 new cases p/a worldwide. HNSCC causes high morbidity with a 5‐year survival rate of less than 60%, which has not improved due to the lack of early detection (Bozec et al. Eur Arch Otorhinolaryngol. 2013;270: 2745–9). Metastatic disease remains one of the leading causes of death in HNSCC patients. This review article provides a comprehensive overview of literature over the past 5 years on the detection of circulating tumour cells (CTCs) in HNSCC; CTC biology and future perspectives. CTCs are a hallmark of invasive cancer cells and key to metastasis. CTCs can be used as surrogate markers of overall survival and progression‐free survival. CTCs are currently used as prognostic factors for breast, prostate and colorectal cancers using the CellSearch® system. CTCs have been detected in HNSCC, however, these numbers depend on the technique applied, time of blood collection and the clinical stage of the patient. The impact of CTCs in HNSCC is not well understood, and thus, not in routine clinical practice. Validated detection technologies that are able to capture CTCs undergoing epithelial–mesenchymal transition are needed. This will aid in the capture of heterogeneous CTCs, which can be compiled as new targets for the current food and drug administration‐cleared CellSearch® system. Recent studies on CTCs in HNSCC with the CellSearch® have shown variable data. Therefore, there is an immediate need for large clinical trials encompassing a suite of biomarkers capturing CTCs in HNSCC, before CTCs can be used as prognostic markers in HNSCC patient management.
Gram negative bacteria increase non‐small cell lung cancer metastasis via toll‐like receptor 4 activation and mitogen‐activated protein kinase phosphorylation
Authors: Chow Simon C. , Gowing Stephen D. , Cools‐Lartigue Jonathan J. , Chen Crystal B. , Berube Julie , Yoon Hee‐Won , Chan Carlos H.F. , Rousseau Mathieu C. , Bourdeau France , Giannias Betty , Roussel Lucie , Qureshi Salman T. , Rousseau Simon , Ferri Lorenzo E.
Published: August 2014

Surgery is required for the curative treatment of lung cancer but is associated with high rates of postoperative pneumonias predominantly caused by gram negative bacteria. Recent evidence suggests that these severe infectious complications may decrease long term survival after hospital discharge via cancer recurrence, but the mechanism is unclear. Lung cancer cells have recently been demonstrated to express Toll‐like receptors (TLR) that mediate pathogen recognition. We hypothesized that incubation of non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cells with heat‐inactivated Escherichia coli can augment cancer cell adhesion, migration and metastasis via TLR4 signaling. Incubation of murine and human NSCLC cells with E. coli increased in vitro cell adhesion to collagen I, collagen IV and fibronectin, and enhanced in vitro migration. Using hepatic intravital microscopy, we demonstrated that NSCLC cells have increased in vivo adhesion to hepatic sinusoids after coincubation with gram negative bacteria. These enhanced cell adhesion and migration phenotypes following incubation with E. coli were attenuated at three levels: inhibition of TLR4 (Eritoran), p38 MAPK (BIRB0796) and ERK1/2 phosphorylation (PD184352). Incubation of murine NSCLC cells in vitro with E. coli prior to intrasplenic injection significantly augmented formation of in vivo hepatic metastases 2 weeks later. This increase was abrogated by NSCLC TLR4 blockade using Eritoran. TLR4 represents a potential therapeutic target to help prevent severe postoperative infection driven cancer metastasis.
Efficacy of interventions for prevention of chemotherapy‐induced alopecia: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Shin Hyoseung , Jo Seong Jin , Kim Do Hun , Kwon Ohsang , Myung Seung‐Kwon
Published: August 2014

Chemotherapy‐induced alopecia (CIA) is a highly distressing event for cancer patients, and hence, we here aimed to assess the efficacy of various interventions in the prevention of CIA. We searched PubMed, EMBASE and the Cochrane Library, from June 20, 2013 through August 31, 2013. Two of the authors independently reviewed and selected clinical trials that reported the efficacy of any intervention for prevention of CIA compared with that of controls. Two authors extracted data independently on dichotomized outcome in terms of CIA occurrence. Relative risks (RRs) and 95% confidential intervals (CIs) were calculated for efficacy of CIA prevention by using random‐effect or fixed‐effect models. Out of 691 articles retrieved, a total of eight randomized controlled trials and nine controlled clinical trials involving 1,098 participants (616 interventions and 482 controls), were included in the final analyses. Scalp cooling, scalp compression, a combination of cooling and compression, topical minoxidil and Panicum miliaceum were used as interventions. The participants were mainly breast cancer patients receiving doxorubicin‐ or epirubicin‐containing chemotherapy. Scalp cooling, which is the most popular preventive method, significantly reduced the risk of CIA (RR = 0.38, 95% CI = 0.32–0.45), whereas topical 2% minoxidil and other interventions did not significantly reduce the risk of CIA. No serious adverse effects associated with scalp cooling were reported. Our results suggest that scalp cooling can prevent CIA in patients receiving chemotherapy. However, the long‐term safety of scalp cooling should be confirmed in further studies.
HPV16 methyl‐haplotypes determined by a novel next‐generation sequencing method are associated with cervical precancer
Authors: Mirabello Lisa , Frimer Marina , Harari Ariana , McAndrew Thomas , Smith Benjamin , Chen Zigui , Wentzensen Nicolas , Wacholder Sholom , Castle Philip E. , Raine‐Bennett Tina , Schiffman Mark , Burk Robert D.
Published: August 2014

We have developed and evaluated a next‐generation bisulfite sequencing (NGS) assay to distinguish HPV16 cervical precancer (CIN2–3; N =59) from HPV16‐positive transient infections (N = 40). Cervical DNA was isolated and treated with bisulfite and HPV16 methylation was quantified by (i) amplification with barcoded primers and massively parallel single molecule sequencing and (ii) site‐specific pyrosequencing. Assays were evaluated for agreement using intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC). Odds ratios (OR) for high methylation vs. low methylation were calculated. Single site pyrosequencing and NGS data were correlated (ICC = 0.61) and both indicated hypermethylation was associated with precancer (ORs of 2–37). Concordant NGS and pyrosequencing results yieled ORs that were stronger when compared with using either assay separately. Within the L1 region, the ORs for CIN2–3 were 14.3 and 22.4 using pyrosequencing and NGS assays, respectively; when both methods agreed the OR was 153. NGS assays provide methylation haplotypes, termed methyl‐haplotypes from single molecule reads: cases had increased methyl‐haplotypes with ≥ 1 methylated CpG site(s) per fragment compared with controls, particularly in L1 (p = 3.0 × 10−8). The maximum discrimination of cases from controls for a L1 methyl‐haplotype had an AUC of 0.89 corresponding to a sensitivity of 92.5% and a specificity of 73.1%. The strengthening of the OR when the two assays were concordant suggests the true association of CpG methylation with precancer is stronger than with either assay. As cervical cancer prevention moves to DNA testing methods, DNA based biomarkers, such as HPV methylation could serve as a reflex strategy to identify women at high risk for cervix cancer.
Inflammation-based scores do not predict post-transplant recurrence of hepatocellular carcinoma in patients within milan criteria
Authors: Parisi Ioanna , Tsochatzis Emmanuel , Wijewantha Hasitha , Rodríguez-Perálvarez Manuel , Luca Laura De , Manousou Pinelopi , Fatourou Evangelia , Pieri Giulia , Papastergiou Vassilios , Davies Neil , Yu Dominic , Luong TuVinh , Dhillon Amar Paul , Thorburn Douglas , Patch David , O'Beirne James , Meyer Tim , Burroughs Andrew K.
Published: August 2014

Increased preoperative inflammation scores, such as neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR) and inflammation-based index (IBI) have been related to post-transplant HCC recurrence. We evaluated the association between inflammation-based scores (NLR, PLR, IBI) and post-LT HCC recurrence as well as tumor necrosis after transarterial embolization. 150 consecutive patients who underwent transplantation for HCC within the Milan criteria between 1996 and 2010 were included; data regarding inflammatory markers, patient and tumor characteristics were analyzed. NLR, PLR, and IBI were not significantly associated with post-LT HCC recurrence or worse overall survival. Increased NLR and PLR were associated with complete tumor necrosis in the subset of patients who received preoperative transarterial embolization (P < 0.05). Cox regression analysis revealed that absence of neoadjuvant transarterial therapy (OR = 4.33, 95% CI = 1.28-14.64; P = 0.02) and no fulfillment of the Milan criteria in the explanted liver (OR = 3.34, 95% CI = 1.08-10.35; P = 0.04) were independently associated with post-LT HCC recurrence inflammation-based scores did not predict HCC recurrence post-LT in our group of patients. NLR and PLR were associated with better response to TAE, as this was recorded histologically in the explanted liver. Histological fulfillment of the Milan criteria and absence of neoadjuvant transarterial treatment were significantly associated with post-LT HCC recurrence. Liver Transpl 20:1327-1335, 2014. © 2014 AASLD.
Two‐cardinal diamond star
Authors: Matet Pierre
Published: August 2014

Our main results are: (A) It is consistent relative to a large cardinal that holds but fails. (B) If holds and are two infinite cardinals such that and λ carries a good scale, then holds. (C) If are two cardinals such that κ is λ‐Shelah and , then there is no good scale for λ.
Controlled cyclopolymerization of 4,5‐disubstituted 1,7‐octadiynes and its application to the synthesis of a dendronized polymer using Grubbs catalyst
Authors: Park Hyeon , Lee Ho‐Keun , Kang Eun‐Hye , Choi Tae‐Lim
Published: August 2014

Cyclopolymerization of 1,7‐octadiynes using a ruthenium‐based Grubbs catalyst, to produce conjugated polymers containing six‐membered rings as repeat units is generally much slower than the corresponding polymerization of 1,6‐heptadiynes, and thus it is considered less useful. Here, we demonstrate the regioselective cyclopolymerization of 4,5‐disubstituted 1,7‐octadiynes with considerably enhanced reactivity. Using a third generation Grubbs catalyst with a rapid initiation step, various conjugated polymers with low polydispersity indices (PDIs) could be synthesized under optimized conditions. Among the various monomers tested, those with bulky substituents underwent controlled polymerization within 1 h at room temperature, which was a significant improvement over previous reports. This led us to a more efficient preparation of fully conjugated block copolymers. Finally, owing to the fast cyclopolymerization, a synthetically challenging dendronized polymer was successfully prepared from a macromonomer containing two second generation dendrons at the 4 and 5 positions of 1,7‐octadiyne, and its rod‐like conformation was visualized using atomic force microscopy. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2015, 53, 274–279
Intensive cropping systems select for greater seed dormancy and increased herbicide resistance levels in Lolium rigidum (annual ryegrass)
Authors: Owen Mechelle J , Goggin Danica E , Powles Stephen B
Published: August 2014

BACKGROUND

Lolium rigidum (annual ryegrass) is a widespread annual crop weed that has evolved high levels of resistance to selective herbicides. Anecdotal evidence suggests that intensive cropping also leads to higher seed dormancy in L. rigidum. This was quantified by measuring dormancy levels in L. rigidum populations collected from paired sites (one with nil to low cropping intensity, the other intensively cropped) located throughout the Western Australian grain belt.

RESULTS

Populations from non‐cropped fields or those with low cropping intensity showed higher and faster germination than populations from fields with a medium‐ or high‐intensity cropping regime. Resistance to selective herbicides was also higher in the medium‐ and high‐intensity cropping fields than in the low‐intensity cropping fields.

CONCLUSION

High‐intensity cropping systems are likely to impose greater selection pressures for seed dormancy and selective herbicide resistance, because late‐emerging seedlings avoid preplanting weed control practices (tillage and non‐selective herbicide application) but are exposed to selective in‐crop herbicides. © 2014 Society of Chemical Industry
Paraoxonase 1 activity in subchronic low‐level inorganic arsenic exposure through drinking water
Authors: Afolabi Olusegun K. , Wusu Adedoja D. , Ogunrinola Olufunmilayo O. , Abam Esther O. , Babayemi David O. , Dosumu Oluwatosin A. , Onunkwor Okechukwu B. , Balogun Elizabeth A. , Odukoya Olusegun O. , Ademuyiwa Oladipo
Published: August 2014

Epidemiological evidences indicate close association between inorganic arsenic exposure via drinking water and cardiovascular diseases. While the exact mechanism of this arsenic‐mediated increase in cardiovascular risk factors remains enigmatic, epidemiological studies indicate a role for paraoxonase 1 (PON1) in cardiovascular diseases. To investigate the association between inorganic arsenic exposure and cardiovascular diseases, rats were exposed to sodium arsenite (trivalent; 50, 100, and 150 ppm As) and sodium arsenate (pentavalent; 100, 150, and 200 ppm As) in their drinking water for 12 weeks. PON1 activity towards paraoxon (PONase) and phenylacetate (AREase) in plasma, lipoproteins, hepatic, and brain microsomal fractions were determined. Inhibition of PONase and AREase in plasma and HDL characterized the effects of the two arsenicals. While the trivalent arsenite inhibited PONase by 33% (plasma) and 46% (HDL), respectively, the pentavalent arsenate inhibited the enzyme by 41 and 34%, respectively. AREase activity was inhibited by 52 and 48% by arsenite, whereas the inhibition amounted to 72 and 67%, respectively by arsenate. The pattern of inhibition in plasma and HDL indicates that arsenite induced a dose‐dependent inhibition of PONase whereas arsenate induced a dose‐dependent inhibition of AREase. In the VLDL + LDL, arsenate inhibited PONase and AREase while arsenite inhibited PONase. In the hepatic and brain microsomal fractions, only the PONase enzyme was inhibited by the two arsenicals. The inhibition was more pronounced in the hepatic microsomes where a 70% inhibition was observed at the highest dose of pentavalent arsenic. Microsomal cholesterol was increased by the two arsenicals resulting in increased cholesterol/phospholipid ratios. Our findings indicate that decreased PON1 activity observed in arsenic exposure may be an incipient biochemical event in the cardiovascular effects of arsenic. Modulation of PON1 activity by arsenic may also be mediated through changes in membrane fluidity brought about by changes in the concentration of cholesterol in the microsomes. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Environ Toxicol 31: 154–162, 2016.
Wound Management in Disaster Settings
Authors: Wuthisuthimethawee Prasit , Lindquist Samuel J. , Sandler Nicola , Clavisi Ornella , Korin Stephanie , Watters David , Gruen Russell L.
Published: August 2014

Background

Few guidelines exist for the initial management of wounds in disaster settings. As wounds sustained are often contaminated, there is a high risk of further complications from infection, both local and systemic. Healthcare workers with little to no surgical training often provide early wound care, and where resources and facilities are also often limited, and clear appropriate guidance is needed for early wound management.

Methods

We undertook a systematic review focusing on the nature of wounds in disaster situations, and the outcomes of wound management in recent disasters. We then presented the findings to an international consensus panel with a view to formulating a guideline for the initial management of wounds by first responders and subsequent healthcare personnel as they deploy.

Results

We included 62 studies in the review that described wound care challenges in a diverse range of disasters, and reported high rates of wound infection with multiple causative organisms. The panel defined a guideline in which the emphasis is on not closing wounds primarily but rather directing efforts toward cleaning, debridement, and dressing wounds in preparation for delayed primary closure, or further exploration and management by skilled surgeons.

Conclusion

Good wound care in disaster settings, as outlined in this article, can be achieved with relatively simple measures, and have important mortality and morbidity benefits.
The advantage of professional organizations as advocates for improved funding of maternal and child health services in Uganda
Authors: Beyeza‐Kashesya Jolly , Kaharuza Frank , Murokora Daniel
Published: August 2014

The attainment of United Nations Millennium Development Goal 5 has proven elusive for many countries. Efforts to reduce maternal mortality require concerted evidence‐based efforts from all key players, including professional organizations. The Association of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Uganda used the results of maternal and perinatal death review to develop and pilot advocacy programs with parliamentarians, media, and government that aimed to improve maternal and newborn health in Uganda. This work translated to further parliamentary debate on the topic, increased resource allocation by government, and improved media‐related public education.
Service providers' perceptions of working in residential aged care: a qualitative cross-sectional analysis
Authors: BENNETT MICHELLE K. , WARD ELIZABETH C. , SCARINCI NERINA A. , WAITE MONIQUE C.
Published: August 2014

A number of professional disciplines employed internally and externally provide services in Residential Aged Care Facilities (RACFs). Literature has long highlighted numerous workplace issues in RACFs, yet little progress has been made in addressing these. As such there has been a call for greater understanding of shared issues among service providers. The aim of the current study is to explore and compare the perceptions of a cross-section of service providers regarding the challenges and motivators to working in RACFs. In-depth semi-structured interviews were conducted with 61 participants including: care managers, nurses, assistants in nursing, care, domestic and support staff, and speech pathologists. Analysis revealed few issues unique to any one service discipline, with four key themes identified: (a) working in RACFs is both personally rewarding and personally challenging; (b) relationships and philosophies of care directly impact service provision, staff morale and resident quality of life; (c) a perceived lack of service-specific education and professional support impacts service provision; and (d) service provision in RACFs should be seen as a specialist area. These data confirm there are key personal and professional issues common across providers. Providers must work collaboratively to address these issues and advocate for greater recognition of RACFs as a specialist service area. Acknowledging, accepting and communicating shared perceptions will reduce ongoing issues and enhance multi-disciplinary care.
Prevalence ofSalmonellain flocks housed in enriched cages
Authors: ZONGO P. , DUCROT A. , BURIE J.-B. , BEAUMONT C.
Published: August 2014

Salmonellosis is a foodborne disease of humans and animals caused by infection withSalmonella. The aim of this paper is to improve a deterministic model (DM) and an individual-based model (IBM) with reference toSalmonellapropagation in flocks of laying hens taking into account variations in hens housed in the same cage and to compare both models. The spatio-temporal evolution, the basic reproduction number,R0, and the speed of wave propagation were computed for both models. While in most cases the DM allows summary of all the features of the model in the formula for computation ofR0, slight differences between individuals or groups may be observed with the IBM that could not be expected from the DM, especially when initial environmental contamination is very low and some cages may get rid of bacteria. Both models suggest that the cage size plays a role on the risk and speed of propagation of the bacteria, which should be considered when designing new breeding systems.
Enzymatic synthesis of hyaluronic acid vinyl esters for two-photon microfabrication of biocompatible and biodegradable hydrogel constructs
Authors: Qin Xiao-Hua , Gruber Peter , Markovic Marica , Plochberger Birgit , Klotzsch Enrico , Stampfl Jürgen , Ovsianikov Aleksandr , Liska Robert
Published: August 2014

A novel class of photopolymerizable hydrogel system based on hyaluronan vinyl esters has been developed for two-photon 3D microfabrication of biocompatible hydrogel constructs.
The uniqueness and therapeutic value of natural products from West African medicinal plants, part II: terpenoids, geographical distribution and drug discovery
Authors: Ntie-Kang Fidele , Lifongo Lydia L. , Simoben Conrad V. , Babiaka Smith B. , Sippl Wolfgang , Mbaze Luc Meva'a
Published: August 2014

In this review series, an attempt has been made to give indepth coverage of natural products derived from West African medicinal plants with diverse biological activities.
Energy efficient generalised selection combining scheme considering circuit power dissipation
Authors: Chen Li , Zhang Chao , Wei Guo
Published: August 2014

Increasing the number of transmit antennas can improve the diversity gain of the system, and accordingly reduce the transmit power dissipation. However, the high circuit power dissipation incurred cannot be ignored. Generalised selection combining, which could provide a certain spatial diversity in the transmit diversity systems, performs a good balance between system performance and practical implementation cost. In this study, the authors propose an energy efficient generalised selection combining (EE‐GSC) scheme which obtains improved transmitter energy efficiency (EE) by providing a best tradeoff between the diversity gain and the circuit power dissipation of multiple antennas. Based on the classical results of order statistics, a theoretical analysis of EE‐GSC performance is carried out in detail over Rayleigh fading channels. Based on this analysis, the average number of active branches as well as the average power dissipation of the proposed scheme is also derived. Numerical results are also given to further illustrate the EE performance of the proposed scheme.
Reception of wideband signals from geostationary collocated satellites with antenna arrays
Authors: Torre Fernández Alberto
Published: August 2014

Reception of satellites in Ka‐band is complicated because of narrow beams of ground station antennas. Narrower beams bring about higher pointing losses and the impossibility to capture multiple geostationary collocated satellites with the same aperture. One way to solve both problems is by using arrays of small dishes. Besides, if rain diversity is used, several ground stations must be deployed in sites separated by several tens of kilometres. The signals received by these stations could be combined in a central site to gain additional margin in the link budget. This study shows the processing scheme necessary to combine the signals both at the remote sites and the central site. It is based on a subband beamformer with subband delay compensation in order to be able to cope with the delay difference between the satellites. In order to estimate the phase and delay offsets between far away ground stations, an algorithm that works with the subband signals is proposed. Theoretical and simulation results validate the proposed approach.