bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Endoscope or microscope‐guided pediatric tympanoplasty? Comparison of grafting technique and outcome
Authors: James Adrian L.
Published: March 2017

Objectives/Hypothesis

To review experience from the introduction of totally endoscopic ear surgery (TEES) to a pediatric tympanoplasty practice to identify factors influencing technique selection and successful outcome.

Study Design

Prospective cohort study.

Methods

Analysis of prospectively acquired data from a consecutive series of 295 surgeries for tympanic membrane perforation over a 12‐year period. Success of perforation closure was compared between microscope and TEES grafting techniques. Impact of the acquisition of endoscopic techniques and equipment were compared with annual proportion of cases completed by TEES.

Results

Of 267 tympanoplasties, 109 (41%) were completed with TEES and 158 by a postauricular approach. The proportion completed with TEES increased gradually to 97% of cases as equipment and expertise were acquired. Young age did not prevent TEES tympanoplasty. Two hundred nineteen of 250 (88%) perforations were closed successfully by tympanoplasty, with equivalent closure rates between TEES and postauricular approaches. Underlay of tragal perichondrium was less successful than lateral graft technique using TEES (P = .04, Fisher exact test). “Push‐through” myringoplasty using a microscope or endoscope was least successful (19 of 28 (68%), P = .005). The median length of stay was 13 hours shorter for TEES than postauricular tympanoplasty (P = .04, Mann‐Whitney rank sum test). Wound complications occurred in five (3%) postauricular cases and one TEES case.

Conclusions

TEES tympanoplasty is feasible in a large majority of children given appropriate equipment and surgical experience. Nonautogenous graft material is ideal for this minimally invasive approach. TEES is recommended as providing equivalent likelihood of perforation closure to the post‐auricular approach but with less postoperative morbidity.

Level of Evidence

2b. Laryngoscope, 127:2659–2664, 2017
Functionalizing Nanoemulsions with Carboxylates: Impact on the Biodistribution and Pharmacokinetics in Mice
Authors: Attia Mohamed F. , Dieng Sidy M. , Collot Mayeul , Klymchenko Andrey S. , Bouillot Caroline , Serra Christophe A. , Schmutz Marc , Er‐Rafik Meriem , Vandamme Thierry F. , Anton Nicolas
Published: March 2017

Efficiency of drug administration is related to the inhibition of adverse effects, and can be improved by drug targeting through lipid nanocarriers encapsulation. Targeting technology generally goes along with the nanocarrier functionalization that can be surface modification and/or ligand grafting. The great advantage of nanoemulsions is their loading capability and the possibilities to encapsulate several entities in a single droplet, however, the decoration of the lipid droplets with strongly anchored reactive functions is challenging. This study proposes a reliable and innovative method to functionalize lipid droplets, based on the lipophilic polymer poly(maleic anhydride‐alt‐1‐octadecene), solubilized in the droplet core, and able to hydrolyze at the oil/water interface. Interfacial chemistry and physicochemical properties of nanodroplets are characterized. In vitro studies reveal that the presence of carboxylates at interface has a strong impact on the interactions with cells, as the internalization of functionalized droplets is much higher than control ones. This difference is confirmed with longitudinal computed tomography studies in mice after i.v. administration, strongly impacting the pharmacokinetics and biodistributions. This work establishes the proof‐of‐concept of a new method for functionalizing lipid droplets and demonstrates that surface modification can have a significant impact on their interaction with cells, pharmacokinetics, and biodistribution.

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Is the methanogenic community reflecting the methane emissions of river sediments?—comparison of two study sites
Authors: Chaudhary Prem Prashant , Rulík Martin , Blaser Martin
Published: March 2017

Studies on methanogenesis from freshwater sediments have so far primarily focused on lake sediments. To expand our knowledge on the community composition of methanogenic archaea in river sediments, we studied the abundance and diversity of methanogenic archaea at two localities along a vertical profile (top 50 cm) obtained from sediment samples from Sitka stream (the Czech Republic). In this study, we compare two sites which previously have been shown to have a 10‐fold different methane emission. Archaeal and methanogen abundance were analyzed by real‐time PCR and T‐RFLP. Our results show that the absolute numbers for the methanogenic community (qPCR) are relatively stable along a vertical profile as well as for both study sites. This was also true for the archaeal community and for the three major methanogenic orders in our samples (Methanosarcinales, Methanomicrobiales, and Methanobacteriales). However, the underlying community structure (T‐RFLP) reveals different community compositions of the methanogens for both locations as well as for different depth layers and over different sampling times. In general, our data confirm that Methanosarcinales together with Methanomicrobiales are the two dominant methanogenic orders in river sediments, while members of Methanobacteriales contribute a smaller community and Methanocellales are only rarely present in this sediment. Our results show that the previously observed 10‐fold difference in methane emission of the two sites could not be explained by molecular methods alone.
31P magnetization transfer magnetic resonance spectroscopy: Assessing the activation induced change in cerebral ATP metabolic rates at 3 T
Authors: Chen Chen , Stephenson Mary C. , Peters Andrew , Morris Peter G. , Francis Susan T. , Gowland Penny A.
Published: March 2017

Purpose

In vivo 31P magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) magnetization transfer (MT) provides a direct measure of neuronal activity at the metabolic level. This work aims to use functional 31P MRS‐MT to investigate the change in cerebral adenosine triphosphate (ATP) metabolic rates in healthy adults upon repeated visual stimuli.

Methods

A magnetization saturation transfer sequence with narrowband selective saturation of γ‐ATP was developed for 31P MT experiments at 3 T.

Results

Using progressive saturation of γ‐ATP, the intrinsic T1 relaxation times of phosphocreatine (PCr) and inorganic phosphate (Pi) at 3 T were measured to be 5.1 ± 0.8 s and 3.0 ± 1.4 s, respectively. Using steady‐state saturation of γ‐ATP, a significant 24% ± 14% and 11% ± 7% increase in the forward creatine kinase (CK) pseudo‐first‐order reaction rate constant, k1, was observed upon visual stimulation in the first and second cycles, respectively, of a paradigm consisting of 10‐minute rest followed by 10‐minute stimulation, with the measured baseline k1 being 0.35 ± 0.04 s−1. No significant changes in forward ATP synthase reaction rate, PCr/γ‐ATP, Pi/γ‐ATP, and nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide/γ‐ATP ratios, or intracellular pH were detected upon stimulation.

Conclusion

This work demonstrates the potential of studying cerebral bioenergetics using functional 31P MRS‐MT to determine the change in the forward CK reaction rate at 3 T. Magn Reson Med 79:22–30, 2018. © 2017 The Authors Magnetic Resonance in Medicine published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine. This is an open access article under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits use, distribution and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
The Effects of the Facial Expression of Beneficiaries in Charity Appeals and Psychological Involvement on Donation Intentions
Authors: Cao Xiaoxia , Jia Lei
Published: March 2017

To increase the effectiveness of fundraising campaigns, many human‐need charities include pictures of beneficiaries in their ads. However, it is unclear when and why the facial expression of these beneficiaries (sad versus happy) may influence the effectiveness of charity ads. To answer these questions, an experiment was conducted to investigate the effect of the facial expression on donation intentions, while considering the moderating role of psychological involvement with charities. It found that psychological involvement with charities moderated the impact of the facial expression on donation intentions in that seeing a picture of a sad versus happy person increased intentions to give among participants with lower levels of psychological involvement, whereas the reverse was true for highly involved participants. The moderating effect of psychological involvement was fully explained by the perceived efficacy of one's donation. The findings not only contribute to our understanding of the effect of the facial expression of people pictured in charity appeals on donation behavior, but also suggest that nonprofits should tailor their ads to target potential donors with various levels of psychological involvement with charities.
Effects of surface‐dissolution process multivariables on the morphology, mechanical properties, and crystallization of all‐aramid composites
Authors: Zhang Jian Min , Mousavi Zeinab , Soykeabkaew Nattkan , Peijs Ton
Published: March 2017

A new type of self‐reinforced composite based on high‐performance aramid fibers was developed to produce an “all‐aramid” composite by applying a surface‐dissolution method to fuse poly(p‐phenyleneterephthalamide) (PPTA) fibers together. After immersion in concentrated (95%) sulphuric acid (H2SO4) for a selected period of time, partially dissolved fiber surfaces are converted into a PPTA matrix phase. Following extraction of sulphuric acid and drying, a consolidated composite structure is formed. By examining the microstructure and mechanical properties of all‐aramid composites, it was found in our previous study that the optimal immersion time of aramid fibers in 95% sulphuric acid was 120 s. In this article, other processing variables—including initial and final coagulation, coagulation time, consolidation pressure, and time—were regulated and their effects on the morphology, mechanical properties and, crystallization of all‐aramid composites were investigated and discussed. A series of optimal surface‐dissolution processing conditions were achieved to obtain the best‐achievable microstructure and mechanical properties of all‐aramid composites. All‐aramid composites prepared with these optimum conditions possess excellent mechanical properties along the direction of orientation with tensile strength of 1.44 GPa and tensile modulus of 76.8 GPa. As fiber, matrix, and interphase in all‐aramid composites are based on the same high‐temperature‐resistant PPTA polymer, these materials have the prospective potential for high‐temperature applications. POLYM. COMPOS., 39:3307–3316, 2018. © 2017 Society of Plastics Engineers
Solvent effects on the intramolecular charge transfer character of N,N‐diaryl dihydrophenazine catalysts for organocatalyzed atom transfer radical polymerization
Authors: Ryan Matthew D. , Theriot Jordan C. , Lim Chern‐Hooi , Yang Haishen , G. Lockwood Andrew , Garrison Nathaniel G. , Lincoln Sarah R. , Musgrave Charles B. , Miyake Garret M.
Published: March 2017

The nature of intramolecular charge transfer (CT) of N,N‐diaryl dihydrophenazine photocatalysts (PCs) in different solvents is explored in context of their performance in organocatalyzed atom transfer radical polymerization (O‐ATRP). PCs having a computationally predicted lowest energy excited state exhibiting CT character can operate a highly controlled O‐ATRP in a wide range of solvent polarities, from non‐polar hexanes to highly polar N,N‐dimethylacetamide. For PCs having a computationally predicted lowest energy excited state not possessing CT character, their ability to operate a controlled O‐ATRP is decreased. This study confirms the importance of CT character in the excited state for N,N‐diaryl dihydrophenazine PCs, and a deeper understanding of the activity of CT PCs has enabled the synthesis of polymers of low dispersity (<1.10) in a controlled fashion. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2017, 55, 3017–3027
Time‐resolved imaging of electrical discharge development in multiple bubbles immersed in water
Authors: Tu Yalong , Xian Yubin , Yang Yong , Lu Xinpei , Pan Yuan
Published: March 2017

The formation and development of plasma in multiple air bubbles submerged in water was investigated using a pin‐pin electrode system. The discharge dynamics with different bubble‐bubble and bubble‐electrode distance was investigated using a 300 000 frame per second high‐speed charge‐coupled device (CCD) camera. It was observed that the proximity of bubbles and electrodes is crucial for the breakdown process. Depending on the position of the bubbles and electrodes, the breakdown could be categorized into three modes: (1) the axial mode, where the streamer propagates along the axis of the bubbles; (2) the surface mode, where the streamer propagates along the inner curved surface of the bubbles; and (3) the hybrid mode, where the streamer propagates both along the axis and the inner surface simultaneously. For larger electrode gap, the discharge only initiates at the tip of the electrode, and does not propagate into the bubble.
Comparative subproteomic analysis of clinically acquired fluoroquinolone resistance and ciprofloxacin stress in Salmonella Typhimurium DT104B
Authors: Correia Susana , Hébraud Michel , Chafsey Ingrid , Chambon Christophe , Viala Didier , Sáenz Yolanda , Capelo José Luis , Poeta Patrícia , Igrejas Gilberto
Published: March 2017

Purpose

Antimicrobial resistance is a worldwide public health threat and Salmonella enterica subsp. enterica serotype Typhimurium phage type DT104B multiresistant strains with additional quinolone resistance have been responsible for global outbreaks and high mortality. Quinolone resistance is known to be multifactorial but is still far from a complete understanding. To give new insights about the resistance mechanisms involved, this work aimed to evaluate subproteome changes between an S. Typhimurium DT104B clinical strain that acquired fluoroquinolone resistance after treatment (Se20) and its pretreatment parental strain (Se6), and also subproteome variations in Se20 under ciprofloxacin (CIP) stress (Se20+CIP).

Experimental design

The proteomes were compared at the intracellular and membrane levels by a 2‐DE∼LC‐MS/MS and a shotgun LC‐MS/MS approach, respectively.

Results

In total, 14 differentially abundant proteins were identified when comparing Se6 with Se20 and 91 were identified between Se20 and Se20+CIP. Several proteins with known and possible roles in quinolone resistance (AAC(6′)‐Ib‐cr4, OmpD, OmpX, GlmS, GlmU, H‐NS, etc.) were identified and discussed.

Conclusions and clinical relevance

The great number of proteins identified in this study provides important information about mechanism‐related differential protein expression which supports the current knowledge and might lead to new testable hypotheses on the mechanism of action of fluoroquinolone drugs.
Mobility experience and mobility decision‐making: An experiment on permanent migration and residential multilocality
Authors: Petzold Knut
Published: March 2017

In the course of increasing labour market flexibility, more complex forms of circular mobility, such as residential multilocality, have evolved. A life course approach may help understand moving intentions and moving behaviours across the life span. However, the dependencies between various phases of circular residential mobility in individual biographies have been under‐explored. Applying a general cost–benefit approach, we assume that a previous experience with circular mobility may help reduce uncertainties in decision‐making on subsequent residential mobility, and may strengthen specific mobility dispositions. A factorial survey experiment was employed to analyse whether and how the prior experience with residential multilocality affects subsequent decision‐making on permanent migration and residential multilocality. A sample of academic staff of a university for science and technology in Switzerland (ETH Zurich) received hypothetical job offers in order to measure their mobility intentions. Results show that, on receiving a sufficiently beneficial job offer, multilocality is slightly favoured by respondents having experience in this kind of mobility. Migration costs impede migration intentions and encourage intentions for multilocality. The assessment of the transition costs varies and housing costs play a minor role. When considering multilocal living, respondents with and without experience with residential multilocality exhibited substantial differences in how transition and housing costs are evaluated. This was not the case, however, when they considered migrating.
Mobile medical app development with a focus on traceability
Authors: Trektere Kitija , Regan Gilbert , Caffery Fergal Mc , Flood Derek , Lepmets Marion , Barry Grainne
Published: March 2017

Today, the growth of medical devices and mobile medical applications is increasing enormously, thanks to the efficiency and enhancement of new technology. When it comes to mobile medical apps, developers need to understand what is required when a mobile application fulfils the definition of a medical device. Such applications have to be developed in compliance with medical device regulations. This can be a challenge for mobile medical application developers, as medical device software is normally developed in a manner that will also ensure the production of regulatory documentation that is essential to market such devices. In this paper, we identify the need for a mobile medical application development framework, the key criteria for such a framework, and describe how the results were collected through performing a Medical Device Software Development workshop. Furthermore, we describe how MDevSPICE together with an agile software development approach can be tailored to support a mobile medical applications development framework. We detail one of the key criteria for mobile medical application development framework—traceability.
Evaluation of the Safety, Tolerability, and Pharmacokinetics of Gammaplex® 10% Versus Gammaplex® 5% in Subjects with Primary Immunodeficiency
Authors: Wasserman Richard L. , Melamed Isaac R. , Stein Mark R. , Jolles Stephen , Norton Miranda , Moy James N. ,   for the GMX07 Study Group
Published: March 2017

Purpose

This phase 3, multicenter, open-label, randomized, two-period, crossover bioequivalence trial evaluated the safety, tolerability, and pharmacokinetics of intravenous immunoglobulins (IVIGs) Gammaplex 5% and Gammaplex 10% in 33 adults and 15 children with primary immunodeficiency diseases (PIDs).

Methods

Eligible adults received five Gammaplex 5% infusions followed by five Gammaplex 10% infusions, or vice versa, stratified by a 21- or 28-day dosing regimen. Pediatric subjects received five Gammaplex 10% infusions only.

Results

The primary objective, to demonstrate the bioequivalence of Gammaplex 10% and Gammaplex 5% at the 28-day dosing interval, was met based on the Gammaplex 10%/Gammaplex 5% ratio of area under the concentration versus time curve (AUC0–28) values. Throughout the study, total immunoglobulin G trough levels were well maintained, with total values generally ≥600 mg/dL (minimum level for study inclusion). At the dosing schedules and infusion rates used in this study, safety and tolerability were comparable and acceptable in adult and pediatric PID subjects treated with Gammaplex 10% and 5%.

Conclusions

In this study, the first direct comparison of 5% IVIG and 10% IVIG products in PID subjects, the pharmacokinetic analysis demonstrated bioequivalence of Gammaplex 10% and Gammaplex 5% at the 28-day dosing interval. The Gammaplex 10% formulation was safe and well tolerated in pediatric and adult PID subjects. Based on the results from this bridging study in PID subjects, Gammaplex 10% could be expected to have a therapeutic effect similar to the licensed Gammaplex 5%, which has demonstrated efficacy and tolerability in patients with PID and idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura.
Foaming Properties of Commercial Lauramide Amide Oxide in High‐Salinity Water
Authors: Wang Yang , Ge Jijiang , Zhang Guicai
Published: March 2017

The original purpose of our work was finding commercial foaming agents for high‐salinity reservoirs. During the study, the commercial lauramide amide oxide solution displayed different foaming properties in high‐salinity water (salinity 220,000 mg/L) at different aging times and relatively low temperature (25 °C). Foam volume decreases drastically first with the increase of aging time. Then, with further aging, foam volume increases. However, in low‐salinity water or at high temperature, no obvious foam volume variation was observed. Lauric acid in the commercial surfactant plays a key role. Under proper temperature and pH conditions, lauric acid will react with Ca2+. Calcium laurate generated from lauric acid in the commercial form and Ca2+ from water influences the foaming property significantly. At the beginning of calcium laurate generation, surfactants adsorb on calcium laurate and decelerate the diffusion velocity of lauramide amide oxide from the bulk phase to the air–water interface. With the increase of aging time, calcium laurate gathers, thus adsorption of lauramide amide oxide by calcium laurate decreases. Hence, the foaming volume increases.
Economic Assimilation and Skill Acquisition: Evidence From the Occupational Sorting of Childhood Immigrants
Authors: Bacolod Marigee , Rangel Marcos A.
Published: March 2017

We study the economic assimilation of childhood immigrants to the United States. The linguistic distance between English and the predominant language in one’s country of birth interacted with age at arrival is shown to be closely connected to occupational sorting in adulthood. By applying big-data techniques to occupations’ detailed skill requirements, we provide evidence that childhood immigrants from English-distant countries who arrived after the primary school years reveal comparative advantages in tasks distinct from those for which (close to) Anglophone immigrants are better suited. Meanwhile, those who arrive at younger ages specialize in a bundle of skills very similar to that supplied by observationally equivalent workers. These patterns emerge even after we net out the effects of formal education. Such findings are compatible with the existence of different degrees of complementarity between relative English-learning potential at arrival and the acquisition of multiple capabilities demanded in the U.S. labor market (math/logic, socioemotional, physical, and communication skills). Consistent with the investment-complementarity argument, we show that linguistic distance and age at arrival also play a significant role on the choice of college major within this population.
Contributions of specific causes of death to lost life expectancy in severe mental illness
Authors: Jayatilleke N. , Hayes R.D. , Dutta R. , Shetty H. , Hotopf M. , Chang C.-K. , Stewart R.
Published: March 2017

The life expectancy gap between people with severe mental illness (SMI) and the general population persists and may even be widening. This study aimed to estimate contributions of specific causes of death to the gap. Age of death and primary cause of death were used to estimate life expectancy at birth for people with SMI from a large mental healthcare case register during 2007–2012. Using data for England and Wales in 2010, death rates in the SMI cohort for each primary cause of death category were replaced with gender- and age-specific norms for that cause. Life expectancy in SMI was then re-calculated and, thus, the contribution of that specific cause of death estimated. Natural causes accounted for 79.2% of lost life-years in women with SMI and 78.6% in men. Deaths from circulatory disorders accounted for more life-years lost in women than men (22.0% versus 17.4%, respectively), as did deaths from cancer (8.1% versus 0%), but the contribution from respiratory disorders was lower in women than men (13.7% versus 16.5%). For women, cancer contributed more in those with non-affective than affective disorders, while suicide, respiratory and digestive disorders contributed more in those with affective disorders. In men, respiratory disorders contributed more in non-affective disorders. Other contributions were similar between gender and affective/non-affective groups. Loss of life expectancy in people with SMI is accounted for by a broad range of causes of death, varying by gender and diagnosis. Interventions focused on multiple rather than individual causes of death should be prioritised accordingly.
Self-Reported Neuropathic Pain Characteristics of Women with Provoked Vulvar Pain: A Preliminary Investigation
Authors: Dargie Emma , Gilron Ian , Pukall Caroline F.
Published: March 2017

Background

Provoked vestibulodynia (PVD) is a common chronic genital pain condition affecting approximately 12% of premenopausal women. Although parallels have been drawn between PVD and neuropathic pain (NP), no studies have examined self-reported NP characteristics in PVD.

Aim

To explore pain symptoms that resemble NP reported by those with PVD and compare responses with those with an established NP condition.

Methods

Women with provoked vulvar pain (PVP; n = 65) completed online questionnaires designed to assess characteristics of NP. Responses were compared with those of women with postherpetic neuralgia (PHN; n = 30).

Outcomes

In addition to a range of descriptive questions, participants completed the McGill Pain Questionnaire, the Self-Complete Leeds Assessment of Neuropathic Signs and Symptoms (S-LANSS), the Neuropathic Pain Symptom Inventory (NPSI), and the Pain Quality Assessment Scale (PQAS).

Results

PVP exhibits some neuropathic characteristics, typically evoked pain (as opposed to the more constant pain of PHN) indicative of allodynia and hyperalgesia. Specifically, women with PVP scored, on average, higher than the NP cutoff on the S-LANSS, and there were no significant differences between women with PVP and those with PHN on some NPSI subscales. However, women with PHN reported more NP symptoms on the PQAS, S-LANSS, and other NPSI subscales.

Clinical Implications

Validated NP questionnaires could be of particular use for health care professionals who need a more efficient way to assess symptoms of patients with PVP and should be included in future studies investigating the mechanisms and treatment of this pain.

Strengths and Limitations

This study takes a unique approach to the examination of PVP by using multiple validated NP measures to compare pain characteristics with those of a group of participants with PHN, an established NP condition. However, it is limited by self-reported data not confirmed with clinical examination, small size of the PHN group, and the severity of the pain experienced in the PVP group.

Conclusion

Women with PVP report some symptoms suggestive of NP characteristics, and future research should use NP measures in addition to physical examinations to further investigate the mechanisms that maintain this pain condition.
Scopulariopsisand scopulariopsis-like species from indoor environments
Authors: Woudenberg J.H.C. , Meijer M. , Houbraken J. , Samson R.A.
Published: March 2017

Scopulariopsis-like species are often reported from the indoor environment, as well as from clinical samples. The lack of type isolates and thorough phylogenetic studies in theMicroascaceaehampered the correct identification of these isolates. Based on recent phylogenetic studies, which resulted in multiple name changes, the aim is to molecularly identify theScopulariopsisand scopulariopsis-like species which occur in the indoor environment and give an overview of the current species in these genera and their habitats. Strains from the CBS culture collection were supplemented with almost 80 indoor strains of which the internal transcribed spacer 1 and 2 and intervening 5.8S nrDNA (ITS), beta-tubulin (tub2) and translation elongation factor 1-alpha (tef1) gene regions were sequenced for phylogenetic inference. The multi-gene phylogenies recognise 33Microascusspecies and 12Scopulariopsisspecies and showed that the recently established genusFuscoannellis, typified byScopulariopsis carbonaria, should be synonymized with the genusYunnania. Seven newMicroascusspecies, four newScopulariopsisspecies, and one newYunnaniaspecies, are described, and a new name inMicroascusand two new name combinations (one inMicroascus, and one inYunnania) are proposed. In the indoor environment 14Microascusspecies and threeScopulariopsisspecies were found.Scopulariopsis brevicaulis(22 indoor isolates) andMicroascus melanosporus(19 indoor isolates) are the most common indoor species, in number of isolates, followed byM. paisii(8 indoor isolates) andS. candida(7 indoor isolates). A genus phylogeny based on the ITS,tef1and the large subunit 28S nrDNA (LSU) of the type or representative isolates of all here recognised species is provided depicting all species habitats. No correlation between phylogenetic relationship and habitat preference could be observed. Ten species which are found indoor are also found in relation with human-derived samples. A table showing recent name changes and a key to common species ofScopulariopsisand scopulariopsis-like genera found indoors is included.
The description of bilingualism
Authors: Mackey William F.
Published: March 2017

Bilingualism is not a phenomenon of language; it is a characteristic of its use. It is not a feature of the code but of the message. It does not belong to the domain of “langue” but of “parole.”

If language is the property of the group, bilingualism is the property of the individual. An individual’s use of two languages supposes the existence of two different language communities; it does not suppose the existence of a bilingual community. The bilingual community can only be regarded as a dependent collection of individuals who have reasons for being bilingual. A self-sufficient bilingual community has no reason to remain bilingual, since a closed community in which everyone is fluent in two languages could get along just as well with one language. As long as there are different monolingual communities, however, there is likelihood of contact between them; this contact results in bilingualism.
English -sion, -tion nouns
Authors: Trager Felicia Harben
Published: March 2017

This study presents a partial analysis of nouns ending in orthographic -sion, -tion (or -ion) and morphophonemic variations between these nouns and related stems. It deals with an area traditionally called derivation.

The frame of reference is that of Trager and Smith, Outline of English Structure, supplemented by subsequent revisions and additions to the general theory developed by the authors in their teaching. For the purposes of this study the morphemic analysis will be limited to “postmorphemes,” i.e., morphemes occurring at the end of the word. Everything which precedes the postmorpheme(s) will be called the “stem” and will not be further segmented. The “stem” may occur elsewhere as an independent word (mutation: mutate) or in composition with different postmorpheme(s) (ambition: ambitious). The following special symbols will be used: √ … “morphemes”; √ … “allomorphs”; √ …/ “morphophonemes”; ∽ “varies with.” In three cases (Y, T, S) a small capital letter is used as a morphophonemic symbol; these are denned below.
The structure and development of a counter-rotating wing-tip vortex pair
Authors: Devenport William J. , Zsoldos Jeffrey S. , Vogel Christine M.
Published: March 2017

Experiments have been performed to examine the turbulence structure and development of a pair of counter-rotating wing-tip vortices. The vortices were generated by two rectangular NACA 0012 half wings placed tip to tip, separated by 0.25 chordlengths. Preliminary studies showed the vortices to be insensitive to the introduction of a probe and subject only to small wandering motions. Meaningful measurements could therefore be made using hot-wire probes. Three-component velocity measurements were made 10 and 30 chordlengths downstream of the wing leading edges for a chord Reynolds number of 260000.

At 10 chordlengths the vortex cores are laminar. True turbulence levels within them are low and vary little with radius. The turbulence that surrounds the cores is formed by the roll-up of and interaction of the wing wakes that spiral around them. This turbulence is stretched and organized but apparently not produced by the circulating mean velocity fields of the vortices.

At 30 chordlengths the vortex cores have become turbulent. True turbulence levels within them are larger and increase rapidly with radius. The turbulent region surrounding the cores has doubled in size and turbulence levels have not diminished, apparently being sustained by outward diffusion from the core regions. The distribution of the turbulence has also changed, the wake spirals having been replaced by a much more core-centred turbulence field.

This change in flow structure contrasts sharply with what is seen in the equivalent isolated tip vortex, produced when one of the wings is removed. Here the vortex core remains laminar and the turbulence surrounding it decays rapidly with downstream distance. This implies that the transition to turbulence in the cores of the vortex pair is stimulated by interaction between the vortices. Spectral measurements at 10 chordlengths suggest that short-wave instability may be the cause.
Variation in the diet of the red cod with size and season around the Falkland Islands (south-west Atlantic)
Authors: Arkhipkin A. , Brickle P. , Laptikhovsky V. , Butcher L. , Jones E. , Potter M. , Poulding D.
Published: March 2017

Ontogenetic and seasonal variations in the diet were studied for a benthopelagic fish, the red cod Salilota australis (Pisces: Moridae) from the Falkland Islands shelf. The study revealed that small fish (<39 cm total length, TL) fed mainly on benthic gammarid amphipods, with squid Loligo gahi, Illex argentinus and the fish Patagonotothen spp. being of secondary importance. In medium sized fish (40–60 cm TL) the importance of fish in their diet increased, but benthic gammarid amphipods remained important, although their role decreased in the percentage by weight. Large fish (>61 cm TL) fed mainly upon Patagonotothen spp. which consisted of 90% by weight. Seasonal variations were analysed only for medium-sized fish. In February–June, S. australis fed mainly on benthic amphipods and Patagonotothen spp. In July–October, the squid Loligo gahi became the most common prey. In November–January benthic crustaceans reappeared in the diet, and Patagonotothen spp. became the most important prey item followed by benthic gammarid amphipods and the isopod Seriolis sp. The niche breadth was found to be similar in the different size groups (2·03–2·66), indicating that the fish fed on one to two abundant prey items in each group. The niche breadth of medium-sized fish varied seasonally reflecting the diversity of prey items utilized throughout the year.
Effect of Fatty Acid Methyl Esters on the Herbicidal Effect of Essential Oils on Corn and Weeds
Authors: Synowiec Agnieszka , Halecki Wiktor , Wielgusz Katarzyna , Byczyńska Małgorzata , Czaplicki Sylwester
Published: March 2017

In this study, we tested whether the addition of fatty acid methyl esters (FAME) of edible oils would influence the herbicidal effect of the essential oils (EO) of fiber hemp and peppermint (Mentha×piperitaL.) against common lambsquarters, barnyardgrass, and corn. The herbicidal properties of a 2.5% concentration of each EO in water mixtures with FAME were evaluated as sprays in a pot experiment. The oil-FAME mixtures showed phytotoxic effects against common lambsquarters and barnyardgrass expressed by a reduction in plant length and aboveground and root biomass, as measured three weeks after foliar spraying. Corn was the most tolerant species to the tested mixtures. Sunflower FAME alone was safe on corn but reduced the growth of weeds. Peppermint EO alone was the most phytotoxic on all tested species. In conclusion, the mixture of peppermint EO with oilseed rape FAME was the best treatment; however, improvement onCh. albumwould be desirable for commercial-level control.
Another view
Authors: Harker K. Neil , Mallory-Smith Carol , Maxwell Bruce D. , Mortensen David A. , Smith Richard G.
Published: March 2017

Weed resistance to herbicides occurs when herbicides are overused and can be mitigated by reducing their use. Consensus on herbicide resistance management strategies is problematic given strong industrial profit motive links in the weed science discipline.
What Caused the Fatal 2014 Eruption of Japan's Mount Ontake?
Authors: Cook Terri
Published: March 2017

Analysis of the change in the stratovolcano's tilt just prior to the explosion suggests that the cracking of a previously intact fluid barrier caused the country's deadliest eruption since 1926.
Water Quality Database Offers New Tools to Study Aquatic Systems
Authors: Strelich Lily
Published: March 2017

Researchers assess the federal Water Quality Portal, a Web portal that unites disparate water quality data sets and resources.
An ideal dielectric coat to avoid prosthesis RF-artefacts in Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Authors: Zanovello U. , Matekovits L. , Zilberti L.
Published: March 2017

The number of people submitted to total hip or knee arthroplasty increased in the last years and it is likely to grow further. Hence, the importance of a proper investigation tool that allows to determine and recognize the potential presence of perioperative and/or postoperative diseases becomes clear. Although the Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) technique demonstrated several advantages over the other common tomography tools, it suffers from the arise of image artefacts if it is performed in presence of metallic prostheses. In particular, the so-called RF-artefacts are caused by the inhomogeneity in the radiofrequency magnetic field of MRI, due to the electric currents induced on the metal surface by the field itself. In this work, a near-zero permittivity dielectric coat is simulated to reduce those currents and, therefore, the RF-artefacts onset in the final image. Numerical results confirm that the dielectric coat strongly reduces the magnetic field inhomogeneity, suggesting a possible solution to a well-known problem in the MRI field.
Na-rich layered Na2Ti1−xCrxO3−x/2 (x = 0, 0.06): Na-ion battery cathode materials with high capacity and long cycle life
Authors: Song Shufeng , Kotobuki Masashi , Chen Yingqian , Manzhos Sergei , Xu Chaohe , Hu Ning , Lu Li
Published: March 2017

Rechargeable lithium batteries have been well-known and indispensable for portable electronic devices, and have the potential to be used in electric vehicles and smart grids. However, the growing concerns about the availability of lithium resources for large-scale applications have revived interest in sodium ion batteries. Of many obstacles to commercialization of Na-ion batteries, achieving simultaneously a large reversible capacity and good cycling capability of electrode materials remains a major challenge. Here, we report a new cathode material, Na-rich layered oxide Na2Ti0.94Cr0.06O2.97, that delivers high reversible capacity of 336 mAh g−1 at current density of 18.9 mA g−1 along with promising cycling capability of 74% capacity retention over 1000 cycles at current of 378 mA g−1. The high capacity is associated to the redox reaction of oxygen, which is confirmed here by a combined experimental and theoretical study. The present work therefore shows that materials beyond mainstream layered oxides and polyanion compounds should be considered as candidate high-performance cathodes for Na-ion batteries.
Plasminogen Activator Inhibitor-1 Protects Mice Against Cardiac Fibrosis by Inhibiting Urokinase-type Plasminogen Activator-mediated Plasminogen Activation
Authors: Gupta Kamlesh K. , Donahue Deborah L. , Sandoval-Cooper Mayra J. , Castellino Francis J. , Ploplis Victoria A.
Published: March 2017

Plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) is known to protect mice against cardiac fibrosis. It has been speculated that PAI-1 may regulate cardiac fibrosis by inactivating urokinase-type plasminogen activator (uPA) and ultimately plasmin (Pm) generation. However, the in vivo role of PAI-1 in inactivating uPA and limiting the generation of Pm during cardiac fibrosis remains to be established. The objective of this study was to determine if the cardioprotective effect of PAI-1 is mediated through its ability to directly regulate urokinase -mediated activation of plasminogen (Pg). An Angiotensin II (AngII)-aldosterone (Ald) infusion mouse model of hypertension was utilised in this study. Four weeks after AngII-Ald infusion, PAI-1-deficient (PAI-1−/−) mice developed severe cardiac fibrosis. However, a marked reduction in cardiac fibrosis was observed in PAI-1−/−/uPA−/− double knockout mice that was associated with reduced inflammation, lower expression levels of TGF-β and proteases associated with tissue remodeling, and diminished Smad2 signaling. Moreover, total ablation of cardiac fibrosis was observed in PAI-1−/− mice that express inactive plasmin (Pm) but normal levels of zymogen Pg (PAI-1−/−/PgS743A/S743A). Our findings indicate that PAI-1 protects mice from hypertension-induced cardiac fibrosis by inhibiting the generation of active Pm.
Alleviation of mercury toxicity to a marine copepod under multigenerational exposure by ocean acidification
Authors: Li Yan , Wang Wen-Xiong , Wang Minghua
Published: March 2017

Ocean acidification (OA) may potentially modify the responses of aquatic organisms to other environmental stressors including metals. In this study, we investigated the effects of near-future OA (pCO2 1000 μatm) and mercury (Hg) on the development and reproduction of marine copepod Tigriopus japonicus under multigenerational life-cycle exposure. Metal accumulation as well as seven life history traits (survival rate, sex ratio, developmental time from nauplius to copepodite, developmental time from nauplius to adult, number of clutches, number of nauplii/clutch and fecundity) was quantified for each generation. Hg exposure alone evidently suppressed the number of nauplii/clutch, whereas single OA exposure negligibly affected the seven traits of copepods. However, OA exposure significantly alleviated the Hg inhibitory effects on number of nauplii/clutch and fecundity, which could be explained by the reduced Hg accumulation under OA. Such combined exposure also significantly shortened the development time. Thus, in contrast to earlier findings for other toxic metals, this study demonstrated that OA potentially mitigated the Hg toxicity to some important life traits in marine copepods during multigenerational exposure.
Altered spontaneous brain activity in chronic smokers revealed by fractional ramplitude of low-frequency fluctuation analysis: a preliminary study
Authors: Wang Chao , Shen Zhujing , Huang Peiyu , Yu Hualiang , Qian Wei , Guan Xiaojun , Gu Quanquan , Yang Yihong , Zhang Minming
Published: March 2017

Although a substantial body of previous functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) studies have revealed different brain responses to external stimuli in chronic cigarette smokers compared with nonsmokers, only a few studies assessed brain spontaneous activity in the resting state in chronic smokers. The aim of this study was to investigate alterations of brain activity during the resting state in chronic smokers using fractional amplitude of low-frequency fluctuation (fALFF). In the present study, 55 smokers and 49 healthy nonsmokers were included. All the subjects underwent resting-state fMRI scans and the data were analyzed by the fALFF approach. The smokers showed significantly decreased fALFF in the left precuneus, right inferior temporal and occipital gyrus(ITG/IOG), while significantly increased fALFF in the right caudate. Subsequent correlation analysis revealed that the fALFF values of the left precuneus and right ITG/IOG were positively correlated with years of smoking across the smokers. This resting-state fMRI study suggests that the changed spontaneous neuronal activity, as reflected by the fALFF, in these regions may be implicated in the underlying the pathophysiology of smoking.
X-ray dark-field radiography facilitates the diagnosis of pulmonary fibrosis in a mouse model
Authors: Hellbach Katharina , Yaroshenko Andre , Willer Konstantin , Conlon Thomas M. , Braunagel Margarita B. , Auweter Sigrid , Yildirim Ali Ö. , Eickelberg Oliver , Pfeiffer Franz , Reiser Maximilian F. , Meinel Felix G.
Published: March 2017

The aim of this study was to evaluate whether diagnosing pulmonary fibrosis with projection radiography can be improved by using X-ray dark-field radiograms. Pulmonary X-ray transmission and dark-field images of C57Bl/6N mice, either treated with bleomycin to induce pulmonary fibrosis or PBS to serve as controls, were acquired with a prototype grating-based small-animal scanner. Two blinded readers, both experienced radiologists and familiar with dark-field imaging, had to assess dark-field and transmission images for the absence or presence of fibrosis. Furthermore readers were asked to grade their stage of diagnostic confidence. Histological evaluation of the lungs served as the standard of reference in this study. Both readers showed a notably higher diagnostic confidence when analyzing the dark-field radiographs (p < 0.001). Diagnostic accuracy improved significantly when evaluating the lungs in dark-field images alone (p = 0.02) or in combination with transmission images (p = 0.01) compared to sole analysis of absorption images. Interreader agreement improved from good when assessing only transmission images to excellent when analyzing dark-field images alone or in combination with transmission images. Adding dark-field images to conventional transmission images in a murine model of pulmonary fibrosis leads to an improved diagnosis of this disease on chest radiographs.
Phospholipid imprinted polymers as selective endotoxin scavengers
Authors: Sulc Robert , Szekely Gyorgy , Shinde Sudhirkumar , Wierzbicka Celina , Vilela Filipe , Bauer David , Sellergren Börje
Published: March 2017

Herein we explore phospholipid imprinting as a means to design receptors for complex glycolipids comprising the toxic lipopolysaccharide endotoxin. A series of polymerizable bis-imidazolium and urea hosts were evaluated as cationic and neutral hosts for phosphates and phosphonates, the latter used as mimics of the phospholipid head groups. The bis-imidazolium hosts interacted with the guests in a cooperative manner leading to the presence of tight and well defined 1:2 ternary complexes. Optimized monomer combinations were subsequently used for imprinting of phosphatidic acid as an endotoxin dummy template. Presence of the aforementioned ternary complexes during polymerization resulted in imprinting of lipid dimers – the latter believed to crudely mimic the endotoxin Lipid A motif. The polymers were characterized with respect to template rebinding, binding affinity, capacity and common structural properties, leading to the identification of polymers which were thereafter subjected to an industrially validated endotoxin removal test. Two of the polymers were capable of removing endotoxin down to levels well below the accepted threshold (0.005 EU/mg API) in pharmaceutical production.