bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Nonlinear optoacoustic readings from diffusive media at near‐infrared wavelengths
Authors: Malekzadeh‐Najafabadi Jaber , Prakash Jaya , Ntziachristos Vasilis
Published: August 2017

Optoacoustic (photoacoustic) imaging assumes that the detected signal varies linearly with laser energy. However, nonlinear intensity responses as a function of light fluence have been suggested in optoacoustic microscopy, that is, within the first millimeter of tissue. In this study, we explore the presence of nonlinearity deeper in tissue (~4 mm), as it relates to optoacoustic mesoscopy, and investigate the fluence required to delineate a switch from linear to nonlinear behavior. Optoacoustic signal nonlinearity is studied for different materials, different wavelengths and as a function of changes in the scattering and absorption coefficient of the medium imaged. We observe fluence thresholds in the mJ/cm2 range and preliminary find that different materials may exhibit different nonlinearity patterns. We discuss the implications of nonlinearity in relation to image accuracy and quantification in optoacoustic tomography.
Wnt signaling pathway regulates differentiation of chicken embryonic stem cells into spermatogonial stem cells via Wnt5a
Authors: He Nana , Wang Yilin , Zhang Chen , Wang Man , Wang Yingjie , Zuo Qisheng , Zhang Yani , Li Bichun
Published: August 2017

In this study, we investigated the mechanism of signaling pathway‐mediated differentiation of embryonic stem cells (ESCs) into spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) in chicken. The Wnt signaling pathway was identified based on previous RNA Sequencing results and was proven a crucial signaling pathway that participates in the differentiation of ESCs into SSCs. In retinoic acid (RA) induction experiments in vitro, we found that Wnt signaling expression was inhibited by Wnt5a‐shRNA, resulting in decreased expression of corresponding marker genes in SSCs, C‐kit, Cvh, integrin α6 and integrin β1, but it was significantly promoted by RA treatment. Immunofluorescence assay showed that percentage of C‐kit, Cvh, and integrin α6 and integrin β1‐positive cells in RA treatment group and Wnt5a overexpression group was significantly higher than that in Wnt5a signaling interference group. Results of fluorescence‐activated cell sorting analysis (FACS) also showed that proportion of germ‐like cells was reduced by 14.3% (from 18.3% to 4.0%) at day 4 and 15.4% (from 18.6% to 3.2%) at day 12 after transfection, respectively. In experiments in vivo, shRNA‐Wnt5a was stably expressed in fertilized chicken embryos and significantly reduced germ cell formation by 11.3% (from 21.7% to 10.4%) and 3.7% (6.4% from 10.1%). Results of quantitative PCR (qRT‐PCR) and western blot assays showed that the expression of some specific germ cell marker genes, integrin α6 and integrin β1, was significantly suppressed following Wnt5a signaling interference in vivo. Taken together, our study suggests that Wnt signaling pathway could regulate positively the differentiation of chicken ESCs into SSCs through Wnt5a.
MurB as a target in an alternative approach to tackle the Vibrio cholerae resistance using molecular docking and simulation study
Authors: Ragunathan Adhithya , Malathi Kullappan , Anbarasu Anand
Published: August 2017

Cholera is a serious threat to a large population in the under developed countries. Though oral rehydration therapy is the preferred choice of treatment, the use of antibiotics could reduce the microbial load in the case of severity. The use of antibiotics is also sought in the scenarios where there is problem with access to clean water. However, Vibrio cholera (V. cholerae) strains have developed resistance to antibiotics such as amoxicillin, ampicillin, chloramphenicol, doxycycline, erythromycin, and tetracycline. In this work, we have addressed the resistance issue by targeting MurB protein which is essential for the cell wall biosynthesis in V. cholerae. 20 Phytochemical compounds were chosen to screen the potential inhibitors against V. cholerae to avoid the complications faced by synthesis of small molecules. The molecular docking and dynamics study indicates that quercetin is the most potential and stable inhibitor of Murb.
Crocin reduces Aspergillus fumigatus‐induced airway inflammation and NF‐κB signal activation
Authors: Du Junfeng , Chi Yumin , Song Zhan , Di Qingguo , Mai Zhitao , Shi Jian , Li Min
Published: August 2017

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a chronic airway inflammation and its exacerbation is often accompanied by Aspergillus fumigatus (A. fumigatus) infection. Increasing evidences demonstrated the potent antioxidant and ‐inflammatory effects of crocin. However, the role of crocin in A. fumigatus‐induced inflammation is still unknown. We aimed to evaluate the role of crocin in inflammation response induced by A. fumigatus in human bronchial epithelial cells and the possible mechanisms. BEAS‐2B and NHBE cells were pretreated with crocin for 24 h, and then A. fumigatus conidia were added for 24 h. A. fumigatus treatment exhibited a significant higher TNF‐α, IL‐8, IL‐6, and IL‐1β level (P < 0.05), whereas crocin pretreatment significantly inhibited A. fumigatus induced the pro‐inflammatory cytokines (P < 0.05). NF‐κB inhibitor PDTC inhibited pro‐inflammatory cytokines release triggered by A. fumigatus (P < 0.05). Furthermore, crocin suppressed A. fumigatus induced NF‐κB p65 nuclear translocation, the phosphorylation of IKKα and IκBα, the degradation of IκBα and NF‐κB reporter activity. Crocin pretreatment also resulted in an inhibition of A.fumigatus‐induced ROS production (P < 0.05). Taken together, these results indicate that crocin may prevent A. fumigatus‐induced inflammation through suppressing NF‐κB signal pathway.
MiR‐216a‐3p inhibits colorectal cancer cell proliferation through direct targeting COX‐2 and ALOX5
Authors: Wang Dongxia , Li Yuechun , Zhang Chun , Li Xianming , Yu Jinming
Published: August 2017

Colorectal Cancer (CRC) is a most common digestive system malignant tumor. Despite recent advance in CRC treatment, searching for efficient biomarker and individual treatment therapy remains an urgent need. Cyclooxygenase‐2 (COX‐2) plays a critical role in the development and progression of CRC. In addition, shunting of arachidonic acid metabolism to the 5‐lipoxygenase (ALOX5, 5‐LO) pathway has also been reported to be implicated in the CRC pathogenesis. Cancer cell viability is promoted by ALOX5 through several mechanisms that are similar to those of COX‐2. In recent years, it has been widely recognized that through inhibition of target genes, miRNAs can exert both oncogenic and tumor suppressive functions, depending on circumstances. In the present study, we screened for candidate microRNAs (miRNAs) which were predicted to regulate COX‐2 and ALOX5 by online tools. Among the candidate miRNAs, miR‐216a‐3p expression was down‐regulated in CRC tissues and cell lines; a higher miR‐216a‐3p expression was correlated with longer overall survival in patients with CRC. Moreover, ectopic miR‐216a‐3p expression significantly suppressed CRC cell proliferation. Using luciferase reporter gene, real‐time PCR, and western blot assays, we confirmed the miR‐216a‐3p regulation of COX‐2 and ALOX5 through direct targeting; further verified that miR‐216a‐3p could inhibit COX‐2 and ALOX5 expression in CRC cells, thus to affect CRC cell proliferation. Taken together, miR‐216a‐3p presents a novel target of CRC treatment; rescuing miR‐216a‐3p expression in CRC might be a promising strategy for CRC treatment.
A DFT study on 1,4‐dihydro‐1,4‐azaborinine annulated linear polyacenes: Absorption spectra, singlet‐triplet energy gap, aromaticity, and HOMO–LUMO energy modulation
Authors: Rakhi Ramachandran , Suresh Cherumuttathu H.
Published: August 2017

Linear polyacene (LPA) mimics containing multiple heterocycles have been computationally designed by annulating 1,4‐dihydro‐1,4‐azaborinine moieties to benzene (aB1–aB5), naphthalene (aN1–aN5), anthracene (aA1–aA5), and tetracene (aT1–aT5) cores. DFT studies conducted on them using M06L/6‐311++G(d,p) method reveal a perfect planar structure for all and suggest the utilization of nitrogen lone pairs for aromatic π‐electron delocalization. The computed values of aromaticity indices such as HOMA, NICS, and dehydrogenation energy (Edh) of heterocycles support strong aromatic character for each six‐membered ring in the LPA mimics. On the basis of the minimum value of the molecular electrostatic potential (Vmin) observed on each LPA unit in the LPA mimics, the extended delocalization of π‐electrons is verified. The energetic parameter Edh showed strong linear correlation with HOMA, NICS and Vmin parameters, which strongly supports the multidimensional character of aromaticity in LPA mimics. The electronic property modification is shown by the theoretical absorption spectra data and singlet‐triplet energy gap (ΔEST). The bandgap and ΔEST tunings are achieved for LPA mimics by selecting appropriate number of azaborinine type units and the size of LPA core used for annulation. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Spleen tyrosine kinase influences the early stages of multilineage differentiation of bone marrow stromal cell lines by regulating phospholipase C gamma activities
Authors: Kusuyama Joji , Kamisono Ai , ChangHwan Seong , Amir Muhammad S. , Bandow Kenjiro , Eiraku Nahoko , Ohnishi Tomokazu , Matsuguchi Tetsuya
Published: August 2017

Bone marrow stromal cells (BMSCs) are multipotent cells that can differentiate into adipocytes and osteoblasts. Inadequate BMSC differentiation is occasionally implicated in chronic bone metabolic disorders. However, specific signaling pathways directing BMSC differentiation have not been elucidated. Here, we explored the roles of spleen tyrosine kinase (Syk) in BMSC differentiation into adipocytes and osteoblasts. We found that Syk phosphorylation was increased in the early stage, whereas its protein expression was gradually decreased during the adipogenic and osteogenic differentiation of two mouse mesenchymal stromal cell lines, ST2 and 10T(1/2), and a human BMSC line, UE6E‐7‐16. Syk inactivation with either a pharmacological inhibitor or Syk‐specific siRNA suppressed adipogenic differentiation, characterized by decreased lipid droplet appearance and the gene expression of fatty acid protein 4 (Fabp4), peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor γ2 (Pparg2), CCAAT/enhancer binding proteins α (C/EBPα), and C/EBPβ. In contrast, Syk inhibition promoted osteogenic differentiation, represented by increase in matrix mineralization and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity, as well as the expression levels of osteocalcin, runt‐related transcription factor 2 (Runx2), and distal‐less homeobox 5 (Dlx5) mRNAs. We also found that Syk‐induced signals are mediated by phospholipase C γ1 (PLCγ1) in osteogenesis and PLCγ2 in adipogenesis. Notably, Syk‐activated PLCγ2 signaling was partly modulated through B‐cell linker protein (BLNK) in adipogenic differentiation. On the other hand, growth factor receptor‐binding protein 2 (Grb2) was involved in Syk‐PLCγ1 axis in osteogenic differentiation. Taken together, these results indicate that Syk‐PLCγ signaling has a dual role in regulating the initial stage of adipogenic and osteogenic differentiation of BMSCs.
CRISPR editing in biological and biomedical investigation
Authors: Huang Jiaojiao , Wang Yanfang , Zhao Jianguo
Published: August 2017

Recently, clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR) based genomic editing technologies have armed researchers with powerful new tools to biological and biomedical investigations. To further improve and expand its functionality, natural, and engineered CRISPR associated nine proteins (Cas9s) have been investigated, various CRISPR delivery strategies have been tested and optimized, and multiple schemes have been developed to ensure precise mammalian genome editing. Benefiting from those in‐depth understanding and further development of CRISPR, versatile CRISPR‐based platforms for genome editing have been rapidly developed to advance investigations in biology and biomedicine. In biological research area, CRISPR has been widely adopted in both fundamental and applied research fields, such as accurate base editing, transcriptional regulation, and genome‐wide screening. In biomedical research area, CRISPR has also shown its extensive applicability in the establishment of animal models for genetic disorders especially those large animals and non‐human primates models, and gene therapy to combat virus infectious diseases, to correct monogenic disorders in vivo or in pluripotent cells. In this prospect article, after highlighting recent developments of CRISPR systems, we outline different applications and current limitations of CRISPR use in biological and biomedical investigation. Finally, we provide a perspective for future development and potential risks of this multifunctional technology.
Accelerated start‐up and microbial community structures of simultaneous nitrification and denitrification using novel suspended carriers
Authors: Liu Tao , Jia Guangyue , Quan Xie
Published: August 2017

BACKGROUND

The integrated free‐floating biofilm and activated sludge (IFFAS) process is an ideal candidate for simultaneous nitrification and denitrification (SND). However, traditional carriers have their inherent drawbacks, such as the weak hydrophilicity and negative charges on the surface. In this study, novel carriers with favorable hydrophilicity and electrophilicity were prepared and implemented in an IFFAS‐based SND reactor.

RESULTS

Compared with traditional carriers, the water contact angle of the novel carriers dropped to 60.2° and positive charges on the surface (+11.7 mV, pH 7.0) were acquired. Through accurate control of dissolved oxygen (DO), it took only 30 days to start SND, with a total nitrogen (TN) removal efficiency of 80.2%. In contrast, the start‐up period was 42 days with weaker TN removal capacity in a control reactor filled with traditional carriers. Novel carriers provided a favorable niche for more types of bacteria to survive, of which Nitrosomonadales and Nitrospirale were identified as nitrifiers while anoxic denitrifiers, aerobic denitrifiers and anammox bacteria also co‐existed in the system, contributing to TN removal.

CONCLUSION

Novel carriers with favorable hydrophilicity and electrophilicity were successfully prepared through a relatively facile approach, and a novel carriers‐based SND process enabled a shorter start‐up period, higher biomass and better TN removal efficiency. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
Rectal protection in prostate stereotactic radiotherapy: a retrospective exploratory analysis of two rectal displacement devices
Authors: Wilton Lee , Richardson Matthew , Keats Sarah , Legge Kimberley , Hanlon Mary‐Claire , Arumugam Sankar , Hunter Perry , Evans Tiffany‐Jane , Sidhom Mark , Martin Jarad
Published: August 2017

Introduction

High rectal doses are associated with increased toxicity. A rectal displacement device (RDD) reduces rectal dose in prostate stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT). This study investigates any dosimetric difference between two methods of rectal displacement (Rectafix and SpaceOAR) for prostate SBRT.

Methods

Rectal dosimetry of 45 men who received SBRT within the PROMETHEUS trial was retrospectively examined, across two radiation therapy centres using the two RDD's. Men received a total dose (TD) of 19 or 20 Gy in two fractions followed by 46 Gy in 23 fractions. Centre 1 contributed 16 Rectafix and 10 SpaceOAR patients. Centre 2 contributed 19 Rectafix patients. Rectal dose volume histogram (DVH) data were recorded as a TD percentage at the following volume intervals; V1%, V2%, V5%, V10% and then 10% increments to V80%. As only one centre employed both RDD's, three sequential rectal dosimetry comparisons were performed; (1) centre 1 Rectafix versus centre 1 SpaceOAR; (2) centre 1 Rectafix versus centre 2 Rectafix and (3) centre 1+ centre 2 Rectafix versus centre 1 SpaceOAR.

Results

In comparison (1) Rectafix demonstrated lower mean doses at 9 out of 11 measured intervals (P = 0.0012). Comparison (2) demonstrated a moderate difference with centre 2 plans producing slightly lower rectal doses (P = 0.013). Comparison (3) further demonstrated that Rectafix returned lower mean doses than SpaceOAR (P < 0.001). Although all dose levels were in favour of Rectafix, in absolute terms differences were small (2.6–9.0%).

Conclusions

In well‐selected prostate SBRT patients, Rectafix and SpaceOAR RDD's provide approximately equivalent rectal sparing.
Type‐specific human papillomavirus prevalence in cervical intraepithelial neoplasia and cancer in Iran
Authors: Heydari Nasrin , Oskouee Mahin A. , Vaezi Tayebeh , Shoja Zabihollah , Esmaeili Heidar A. , Hamkar Rasool , Shahmahmoodi Shohreh , Jalilvand Somayeh
Published: August 2017

In Iran, human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination is not currently included in the national vaccination program and there are no comprehensive approaches to cervical screening program. Regional data on distribution of HPV types in women is important to predict the impact of current HPV vaccines. Although several studies on distribution of HPV types in cervical precancer and cancer have been conducted in Iran, in most of them HPV positive samples were subjected to specific‐primer genotyping (mainly 16 and 18), and leaving the other HPV genotypes almost undetermined. Therefore, the present study aimed to investigate the distribution of HPV types in cervical neoplasia from West and Northwest of Iran. A total of 112 women with atypia, cervical intraepithelial neoplasia, and invasive cervical cancer were included. A PCR assay was performed in all samples to detect the presence of the HPV genome using the GP5+/6+ L1 consensus primer set. All HPV positive samples were subjected for sequencing. In overall, HPV prevalence was 20% in atypica, 44.5% in cervical intraepithelial neoplasia I, 92.3% in cervical intraepithelial neoplasia II‐III, and 98.2% in invasive cervical cancer. The most frequent HPV type was HPV 16 (79.2%), which was followed by HPV types 18, 6, and 33 at the frequencies of 6.5%, 5.1%, and 2.7%, respectively. The least HPV types were found to be 31, 45, 53, 58, and 66. In conclusion, this study shows that the current HPV vaccines could have great impact to reduce the burden of cervical cancer in Iran.
A safe and reliable neutralization assay based on pseudovirus to measure neutralizing antibody titer against poliovirus
Authors: Liu Shaohua , Song Dongmei , Bai Han , Lu Weiwei , Dai Xinxian , Hao Chunsheng , Zhang Zhongyang , Guo Huijie , Zhang Yue , Li Xiuling
Published: August 2017

With the promotion of inactivated poliomyelitis vaccine (IPV) and live attenuated oral poliomyelitis vaccine (OPV), the global reported cases of poliomyelitis have reduced sharply from 0.35 million in 1988 to 74 in 2015. The Polio Eradication & Endgame Strategic Plan published by WHO in 2013 included the strategy of implementation of poliovirus safe handling and containment measures to minimize the risks of facility‐associated reintroduction of virus into the polio‐free community to prevent the re‐import of poliovirus. Toward this strategy, we produced replication‐incompetent pseudovirus of poliovirus type 1, 2, 3 attenuated strains by constructing poliovirus capsid expression vectors and poliovirus replicon then transfecting HEK293T cells and developed a pseudovirus‐based neutralization assay (pNA) to determine neutralizing antibody titer which is more secure, time‐saving and reliable than conventional neutralization assay (cNA). By using anti‐poliovirus rat serum, we demonstrated excellent correlation between neutralizing antibody titers measured by cNA and pNA. It was concluded that pNA can be a potential alternative to replace cNA as a safe and time‐saving system for titer determination after live poliovirus's safekeeping.
Multilocus genotyping based species identification of entomopathogenic fungi of the genus Lecanicillium (=Verticillium lecanii s.l.)
Authors: Mitina Galina , Kazartsev Igor , Vasileva Aleksandra , Yli‐Mattila Tapani
Published: August 2017

Mitochondrial gene NADH dehydrogenase subunit 1 (nad1), β‐tubulin gene, and elongation factor 1‐alpha (tef) were used to characterize and to identify 42 Lecanicillum spp. isolates (former complex species Verticillium lecanii Zimm. Viegas) and to study the phylogenetic relationships in this group. Within the isolates under investigation, Lecanicillium muscarium was the most common species (about 70% of all isolates, collected on the different hosts, predominantly on the insects from the order Hemiptera). Based on nad1 sequencing four main molecular haplotypes were revealed. All four haplotypes have Holarctic origin. Most of them were isolated in the Central part of Russia. One haplotype showed a specific association with the certain geographical area, limited to southwest Georgia and the Krasnodar Territory. For most strains their affiliation to species L. muscarium, L. longisporum, L. psalliotae, L. pissodes were confirmed by the phylogenetic tree, based on the combined sequences of nad1, β‐tub, and tef genes. Only five strains of haplotype C and strain F‐2643 could not be identified to any present Lecanicillium species and their position remains ambiguous. Thus, the use of multilocus molecular approach based on these genes was useful to identify the Lecanicillium species. Inter‐simple sequence repeat (ISSR) study evaluated a high diversity among the L. muscarium strains. The topology of the NJ‐tree based on the ISSR‐PCR markers has shown the genetic relationships with the support values 62–91% between L. muscarium isolates.
Contrasting patterns of the extreme drought episodes of 2005, 2010 and 2015 in the Amazon Basin
Authors: Panisset Jéssica S. , Libonati Renata , Gouveia Célia Marina P. , Machado‐Silva Fausto , França Daniela A. , França José Ricardo A. , Peres Leonardo F.
Published: August 2017

Future climate scenarios point to an increase in the frequency of extreme droughts events, even in humid biomes. Throughout the 21st century, large areas of the Amazon basin experienced the most severe droughts ever recorded with special emphasis on the 2005 and 2010 events due to their severity and extent. Currently, there is an increased demand to understand the geographic extent and seasonal variability of climate variables during drought events, especially with respect to the social and environmental impacts. In this study, we aim to compare the observed climate conditions during the drought episodes of 2005, 2010 and 2015. We perform a detailed assessment of the measured precipitation, land‐surface temperature (LST) and solar radiation anomalies. We provide evidence that the anomalous precipitation deficit during 2015 exceeded the amplitude and spatial extent of the previous events, affecting more than 80% of Amazon basin, particularly the eastern portion. The pronounced lack of rainfall availability during late spring and early summer, coincident with radiation and temperature surpluses during these years are significant and notable. Changed meteorological spatial patterns were observed, with precipitation and radiation being the most prominent parameters in 2005, whereas precipitation and LST were most relevant in 2010. Understanding the behaviour and interactions of pertinent meteorological variables, as well as identifying similar or divergent patterns over the region during distinct extreme events, is essential for the improvement of our knowledge of Amazon forest vulnerability to climate fluctuation changes.
The interannual sea level variability in the Indian Ocean as simulated by an Ocean General Circulation Model
Authors: Deepa J. S. , Gnanaseelan C. , Kakatkar R. , Parekh A. , Chowdary J. S.
Published: August 2017

Limited coverage of tide gauge observations and limited length record of altimeter observations remain inadequate for the Indian Ocean sea level variability studies especially for longer periods. This study takes advantage of Ocean General Circulation Model (OGCM) simulations and ocean reanalysis to explore the interannual variability of sea level in the Indian Ocean. The model simulated sea level anomalies display good correlation with altimetry and reanalysis products. This consistency in model simulations with observations and reanalysis highlights the potential use of this OGCM in understanding the sea level variability. Analysis reveals that co‐occurrence years (years when Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD) and El Niño events co‐occur) contribute significantly towards the interannual variability in the Indian Ocean compared to pure IOD or El Niño events, and are characterized by persistent generation of open ocean downwelling, with maximum signals in the 10° to 5°S region. The OGCM experiments are carried out by modulating the forcing fields over the Pacific and the Indian Ocean to understand the physical mechanisms causing sea level variability. The experiments suggest that the remote forcing from the Pacific Ocean via Indonesian ThroughFlow (ITF) induce significant sea level changes in the southern Indian Ocean only with variability mostly in the decadal time scales and the northern and equatorial Indian Ocean are not affected by ITF. This study also shows that El Niño and IOD‐induced variations in zonal wind stress and wind stress curl mainly contribute the interannual sea level variations in the Indian Ocean. The forcing associated with the co‐occurrence years are multi‐phased with coastal and open ocean forcing. Whereas the pure IOD and El Nino forcing is mainly found only over the open ocean. The decadal variability in the ENSO is primarily responsible for the decadal sea level variability in the Indian Ocean by modulating ITF transport.
Atmospheric rivers over the Bay of Bengal lead to northern Indian extreme rainfall
Authors: Yang Yan , Zhao Tongtiegang , Ni Guangheng , Sun Ting
Published: August 2017

Atmospheric rivers (ARs), filamentary patterns of strong water vapour fluxes, play a prominent role in global poleward moisture transport and have profound impacts on extreme rainfalls (ERs). Previous AR research has mainly focused on the mid‐latitude regions, whereas the characteristics of ARs in low latitudes and their relationship with local ERs remain largely unknown. This study investigates the spatiotemporal characteristics of ARs over the Bay of Bengal and their relationship with ERs after landing on the northern Indian subcontinent using the ERA‐Interim reanalysis data. During the study period from 1979 to 2011, a total of 149 ARs have been identified, which feature a bimodal temporal pattern with more events observed in May and October. The AR axes generally stretch northeastwards over the bay and land in Bangladesh and Burma. A total of 24% of ARs occurring during tropical cyclones implies a possible connection between them, in addition to the similar intra‐annual distribution. In summer, as the tropical cyclones are weak and the northward water vapour flux decreases due to topographic blocking of the Western Ghats, it is less likely to form intensified water vapour pathway, though the atmospheric humidity is high in the study region. Furthermore, a close correlation between ARs and ERs is manifested. A large proportion of ARs would lead to ERs, with a small fraction of ERs occur after ARs. In addition, although persistent ARs constitute the majority of identified events, rainfall intensity will not be enhanced by the increase in AR duration. This study enriches the knowledge of AR characteristics in low latitudes and provides new pathways to understand the hydrological cycles in the Indian Peninsula and the Bay of Bengal.
Oracle marketing: Open‐source sustainability for corporate event planning
Authors: McKinley Shawna
Published: August 2017

Given the carbon footprint of air travel and solid waste associated with trade shows, it would appear that sustainability and business events are mutually exclusive. Corporate event marketing, however, can serve as an important tool for companies that want to demonstrate their corporate values in visible and meaningful ways. The experiences of Oracle Marketing in expanding its own corporate social responsibility efforts while designing and implementing various large‐scale events worldwide offer a valuable template for marketing a business through innovative event planning that engages stakeholders while promoting and supporting organizational sustainability goals.
Mandatory CSR and organizational compliance in India: The experience of Bharti Airtel
Authors: Pandey Satyendra C. , Pattnaik Pinaki Nandan
Published: August 2017

India is the first country to legislatively require certain organizations to implement corporate social responsibility (CSR) programs. Although some firms, such as the telecom Bharti Airtel, had previously embarked on various sustainability and social outreach initiatives, the legislative mandate has forced some other firms to invest in CSR for the first time. Meanwhile, reaction from business leaders, both inside and outside the country, regarding the effectiveness of the law has been mixed. A pioneer in employing CSR interventions among all stakeholders in every stage of the value chain, Bharti Airtel, a multinational operating in 20 countries, still faces challenges in ensuring the effectiveness of its CSR outreach from both a business and a social responsibility perspective. Questions that remain to be addressed include the need for monitoring of outcomes and the potential for greater industry‐wide collaboration.
Keeping the lights on: A conceptual framework for understanding crisis management capability in the public sector
Authors: Rasli Amran , Haider Maqsood , Goh Chin Fei , Tan Owee Kowang
Published: August 2017

Whether a crisis is big or small, if it is not handled effectively, it can have serious implications for a company's short‐term operations and even threaten its long‐term sustainability. In the public sector, where companies provide essential services such as electricity, the stakeholder and customer‐service aspects of an organization's crisis management capability (CMC) are of particular importance. A proposed framework comprising strategic human resources development, organizational behavior in preparation for and response to a crisis, and government's attributes as a stakeholder can be used to assess the CMC of a public‐sector organization. According to the framework, the organization's strategic human resources development will have a direct impact on CMC, while organizational style and the role of government will moderate the relationship between the enterprise's strategic human resources development and its ability to manage a crisis.
Increased vascularization promotes functional recovery in the transected spinal cord rats by implanted vascular endothelial growth factor‐targeting collagen scaffold
Authors: Wang Lingjun , Shi Qin , Dai Jianwu , Gu Yong , Feng Yu , Chen Liang
Published: August 2017

Spinal cord injury (SCI) is global health concern. The effective strategies for SCI are relevant to the improvement on nerve regeneration microenvironment. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is an important cytokine for inducing angiogenesis and accelerating nerve system function recovery from injury. We proposed that VEGF could improve nerve regeneration in SCI. However, an uncontrolled delivery system target to injury site not only decreases the therapeutic efficacy but also increases the risk of tumor information. We implanted collagen scaffold (CS) targeted with a constructed protein, collagen‐binding VEGF (CBD‐VEGF), to bridge transected spine cord gap in a rat transected SCI model. Functional and histological examinations were conducted to assess the repair capacity of the delivery system CS/CBD‐VEGF. The results indicated that the implantation of CS/CBD‐VEGF into the model rats improved the survival rate and exerted beneficial effect on functional recovery. The controlled intervention improved the microenvironment, guided axon growth, and promoted neovascularization at the injury site. Therefore, the delivery system with stable binding of VEGF potentially provides a better therapeutic option for SCI. © 2017 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 36:1024–1034, 2018.
Muscle stem cell activation in a mouse model of rotator cuff injury
Authors: Davies Michael R. , Garcia Steven , Tamaki Stanley , Liu Xuhui , Lee Solomon , Jose Anthony , Pomerantz Jason H. , Feeley Brian T.
Published: August 2017

Rotator cuff (RC) tears are frequently complicated by muscle atrophy. Muscle stem cells (MuSCs) repair damaged myofibers following injury, but their role in the prevention or pathogenesis of atrophy following RC tears remains undefined. We hypothesized that the RC MuSC population would be affected by supraspinatus (SS) and infraspinatus (IS) tendon transection (TT) compared to uninjured muscle in a mouse model of RC tear. C57BL6/J mice underwent unilateral SS and IS TT and contralateral sham surgery. At 3, 8, or 14 weeks after injury, mice were euthanized, and SS and IS were harvested for FACS sorting of CD31‐/CD45‐/Sca1‐/ITGa7+/VCAM+ MuSCs or histological analysis. Ki‐67+ MuSCs from injured muscle increased 3.4‐fold at 3 weeks (p = 0.03) and 8.1‐fold at 8 weeks (p = 0.04) following TT injury, but returned to baseline by 14 weeks (p = 0.91). Myod1 remained upregulated 3.3‐fold at 3 weeks (p = 0.03) and 2.0‐fold at 14 weeks (p = 0.0003), respectively. Myofiber cross‐sectional area was decreased at both 3 and 14 weeks after injury, but the number of MuSCs per fiber remained relatively constant at 3 (p = 0.3) and 14 (p = 0.6) weeks after TT. In this study, we characterized the longitudinal effect of RC tendon injury on the MuSC population in supraspinatus and infraspinatus muscles. MuSCs are transiently activated, and are not depleted, in spite of persistent muscle atrophy. © 2017 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 36:1370–1376, 2018.
Non‐destructive detection for mold colonies in rice based on hyperspectra and GWO‐SVR
Authors: Sunli Cong , Jun Sun , Hanping Mao , Xiaohong Wu , Pei Wang , Xiaodong Zhang
Published: August 2017

BACKGROUND

Mold contamination of grains not only contributes to inedible food, resulting in economic losses, but also leads to mold in humans and livestock, and can even be carcinogenic to them. Rice, as one of the main grain varieties, if stored improperly, is easily susceptible to mildew. In order to detect the total number of mold colonies in rice more accurately, a method based on hyperspectral imaging technology was investigated.

RESULTS

In this paper, non‐destructive detection for the total number of mold colonies in rice was performed from the angle of spectral analysis. A determination coefficient of 0.9621 for the calibration set and 0.9511 for the prediction set between the spectral data and number of mold colonies were eventually achieved by establishing the best support vector regression (SVR) model, optimized by the Gray Wolf Optimization (GWO) algorithm.

CONCLUSION

Hyperspectral imaging technology combined with the optimal model (GWO‐SVR) is feasible for non‐destructive detection of the total number of mold colonies in rice, providing a promising tool for the mold detection of other agricultural products. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
Dynamics in the concentrations of health‐promoting compounds: lupeol, mangiferin and different phenolic acids during postharvest ripening of mango fruit
Authors: Vithana Mekhala DK , Singh Zora , Johnson Stuart K
Published: August 2017

BACKGROUND

Mango fruit (Mangifera indica L.) is renowned for its pleasant taste and as a rich source of health beneficial compounds. The aim of this study was to investigate the changes in concentrations of health‐promoting compounds, namely ascorbic acid, carotenoids, antioxidants, lupeol, mangiferin, total phenols and individual phenolic acids, as well as ethylene production and respiration rates during climacteric ripening in ‘Kensington Pride’ and ‘R2E2’ mango fruit.

RESULTS

The climacteric ethylene and respiration peaks were noted on the third day of the fruit ripening period. The concentrations of total carotenoids in the pulp, total antioxidants in both pulp and peel, and total phenols of the peel, lupeol and mangiferin were significantly elevated, whereas the concentration of ascorbic acid declined during post‐climacteric ripening. Gallic, chlorogenic and vanillic acids were identified as the major phenolic acids in both pulp and peel of ‘Kensington Pride’ and ‘R2E2’ mangoes. The concentrations of phenolic acids (gallic, chlorogenic, vanillic, ferulic and caffeic acids) also increased during the post‐climacteric phase. The concentrations of all phenolic compounds were several‐fold higher in the peel than pulp.

CONCLUSION

Mangoes at post‐climacteric ripening phase offer the highest concentrations of health‐promoting compounds. Peel, at this stage of fruit ripening, could be exploited as a good source for extraction of these compounds. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
Comparing conventional Descriptive Analysis and Napping®‐UFP against physiochemical measurements: a case study using apples
Authors: Pickup William , Bremer Phil , Peng Mei
Published: August 2017

BACKGROUND

The extensive time and cost associated with conventional sensory profiling methods has spurred sensory researchers to develop rapid method alternatives, such as Napping® with Ultra‐Flash Profiling (UFP). Napping®‐UFP generates sensory maps by requiring untrained panellists to separate samples based on perceived sensory similarities. Evaluations of this method have been restrained to manufactured/formulated food models, and predominantly structured on comparisons against the conventional descriptive method. The present study aims to extend the validation of Napping®‐UFP (N = 72) to natural biological products; and to evaluate this method against Descriptive Analysis (DA; N = 8) with physiochemical measurements as an additional evaluative criterion.

RESULTS

The results revealed that sample configurations generated by DA and Napping®‐UFP were not significantly correlated (RV = 0.425, P = 0.077); however, they were both correlated with the product map generated based on the instrumental measures (P < 0.05). The finding also noted that sample characterisations from DA and Napping®‐UFP were driven by different sensory attributes, indicating potential structural differences between these two methods in configuring samples.

CONCLUSIONS

Overall, these findings lent support for the extended use of Napping®‐UFP for evaluations of natural biological products. Although DA was shown to be a better method for establishing sensory–instrumental relationships, Napping®‐UFP exhibited strengths in generating informative sample configurations based on holistic perception of products. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
Influence of depth and 3D crosstalk on blur in multi‐view 3D displays
Authors: Hong Hyungki
Published: August 2017

Current 3D crosstalk equation was defined from the characteristics of 3D display using glasses. This equation is not suitable for multi‐view 3D display with larger view number as it gives the inappropriately large value. In 3D display using eyeglass, double images occur at large depth. But, in multi‐view 3D display with larger view number, blur occurs to larger width for the larger depth. Hence, blur phenomenon of multi‐view 3D display was investigated to understand the unique characteristics of multi‐view 3D display. For this purpose, ray tracing S/W was used to simulate 3D display image seen at the designed viewing distance, to calculate the relative luminance distribution, and to quantify the relation between blur and depth. Calculated results showed that incomplete image separation caused the overlap of multiple view images and the blur. Blur edge width (BEW) was proportional to the horizontal disparity and related to the depth. BEWR = (BEW) / (binocular disparity) was newly defined, and its usefulness for 3D characterization was investigated. BEW and BEWR might be useful as new measuring items to characterize multi‐view 3D display regarding 3D crosstalk.
Impact of lympho‐vascular space invasion on tumor characteristics and survival outcome of women with low‐grade serous ovarian carcinoma
Authors: Matsuo Koji , Wong Kwong‐Kwok , Fotopoulou Christina , Blake Erin A. , Robertson Sharon E. , Pejovic Tanja , Frimer Marina , Pardeshi Vishakha , Hu Wei , Choi Jong‐Sun , Sun Charlotte C. , Richmond Abby M. , Marcus Jenna Z. , Hilliard Maren A.M. , Mostofizadeh Sayedamin , Mhawech‐Fauceglia Paulette , Abdulfatah Eman , Post Miriam D. , Saglam Ozlen , Shahzad Mian M.K. , Karabakhtsian Rouzan G. , Ali‐Fehmi Rouba , Gabra Hani , Roman Lynda D. , Sood Anil K. , Gershenson David M.
Published: August 2017

Background and Objectives

To examine association of lympho‐vascular space invasion (LVSI) with clinico‐pathological factors and to evaluate survival of women with low‐grade serous ovarian carcinoma containing areas of LVSI.

Methods

This is a multicenter retrospective study examining consecutive cases of surgically treated stage I‐IV low‐grade serous ovarian carcinoma (n = 178). Archived histopathology slides for the ovarian tumors were reviewed, and LVSI was scored as present or absent. LVSI status was correlated to clinico‐pathological findings and survival outcome.

Results

LVSI was seen in 79 cases (44.4%, 95% confidence interval [CI] 37.1‐51.7). LVSI was associated with increased risk of omental metastasis (87.0% vs 64.9%, odds ratio [OR] 3.62, P = 0.001), high pelvic lymph node ratio (median 12.9% vs 0%, P = 0.012), and malignant ascites (49.3% vs 32.6%, OR 2.01, P = 0.035). On multivariable analysis, controlling for age, stage, and cytoreductive status, presence of LVSI in the ovarian tumor remained an independent predictor for decreased progression‐free survival (5‐year rates 21.0% vs 35.7%, adjusted‐hazard ratio 1.57, 95%CI 1.06‐2.34, P = 0.026). LVSI was significantly associated with increased risk of recurrence in lymph nodes (OR 2.62, 95%CI 1.08‐6.35, P = 0.047).

Conclusion

LVSI in the ovarian tumor is associated with adverse clinico‐pathological characteristics and decreased progression‐free survival in women with low‐grade serous ovarian carcinoma.
Accreditation Status and Geographic Location of Outpatient Echocardiographic Testing Facilities Among Medicare Beneficiaries: The VALUE‐ECHO Study
Authors: Brown Scott C. , Wang Kefeng , Dong Chuanhui , Yi Li , Marinovic Gutierrez Carolina , Di Tullio Marco R. , Farrell Mary Beth , Burgess Pamela , Gornik Heather L. , Hamburg Naomi M. , Needleman Laurence , Orsinelli David , Robison Susana , Rundek Tatjana
Published: August 2017

Objectives

Accreditation of echocardiographic testing facilities by the Intersocietal Accreditation Commission (IAC) is supported by the American College of Cardiology and American Society of Echocardiography. However, limited information exists on the accreditation status and geographic distribution of echocardiographic facilities in the United States. Our study aimed to identify (1) the proportion of outpatient echocardiography facilities used by Medicare beneficiaries that are IAC accredited, (2) their geographic distribution, and (3) variations in procedure type and volume by accreditation status.

Methods

As part of the VALUE‐ECHO (Value of Accreditation, Location, and Utilization Evaluation–Echocardiography) study, we examined the proportion of IAC‐accredited echocardiographic facilities performing outpatient echocardiography in the 2013 Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services outpatient limited data set (100% sample) and their geographic distribution using geocoding in ArcGIS (ESRI, Redlands, CA).

Results

Among 4573 outpatient facilities billing Medicare for echocardiographic testing in 2013, 99.6% (n = 4554) were IAC accredited (99.7% in the 50 US states and 86.2% in Puerto Rico). The proportion IAC‐accredited echocardiographic facilities varied by region, with 98.7%, 99.9%, 99.9%, 99.5%, and 86.2% of facilities accredited in the Northeast, South, Midwest, West, and Puerto Rico, respectively (P < .01, Fisher exact test). Of all echocardiographic outpatient procedures conducted (n = 1,890,156), 99.8% (n = 1,885,382) were performed in IAC‐accredited echocardiographic facilities. Most procedures (90.9%) were transthoracic echocardiograms, of which 99.7% were conducted in IAC‐accredited echocardiographic facilities.

Conclusions

Almost all outpatient echocardiographic facilities billed by Medicare are IAC accredited. This accreditation rate is substantially higher than previously reported for US outpatient vascular testing facilities (13% IAC accredited). The uniformity of imaging and interpretation protocols from a single accrediting body is important to facilitate optimal cardiovascular care.
Endoscopic DCR using bipedicled interlacing mucosal flaps
Authors: Mueller Sarina K. , Freitag Suzanne K. , Lefebvre Daniel R. , Bleier Benjamin S.
Published: August 2017

Objective

Obstruction of the nasolacrimal duct is a relatively common condition that affects patients of all ages, races, and sexes. The surgical gold standard for complete nasolacrimal duct obstruction and dacryocystitis is dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR). The purpose of this study was to describe a novel, bipedicled interlacing mucosal sparing flap technique for endoscopic DCR (eDCR).

Methods

A posteriorly based mucosal flap over the fundus is combined with a novel, anteriorly based mucosal flap over the intraosseus portion of the nasolacrimal duct (NLD). This exposes a wide area of the maxillary bone, allowing for exposure and identification of the NLD/sac complex in a safer, more inferior position. The interlacing mucosal flaps may be replaced at the conclusion of the procedure, thereby minimizing bone exposure and maintaining excellent long‐term patency.

Results

The authors have utilized this technique in 55 procedures with 100% positive identification of the NLD and lacrimal sac, 0% complication rate, 100% anatomical patency rate, and 96.4% success rate after a minimal follow‐up of 6 months.

Discussion

The bipedicled interlacing flap technique for eDCR provides for safe and reproducible identification of the NLD and lacrimal sac while minimizing bone exposure and restenosis rate.

Conclusion

The bipedicled interlacing flap technique for eDCR provides for safe and reproducible identification of the NLD and lacrimal sac while minimizing bone exposure and restenosis rate.

Level of Evidence

NA. Laryngoscope, 128:794–797, 2018
Adjuvant photodynamic therapy in head and neck cancer after tumor‐positive resection margins
Authors: van Doeveren Thérèse E. M. , Karakullukçu M. Barış , van Veen Robert L. P. , Lopez‐Yurda Marta , Schreuder Willem H. , Tan I. Bing
Published: August 2017

Objective

In case of close or positive resection margins after oncological resection in head and neck surgery, additional treatment is necessary. When conventional options are exhausted, photodynamic therapy (PDT) can play a role in achieving clear margins. The purpose of the current study was to evaluate the clinical benefit of PDT as adjuvant therapy next to surgery with positive resection margins. The role of the time interval between surgery and PDT on survival outcomes also was investigated.

Study Design

Retrospective cohort analysis.

Methods

Adjuvant PDT was performed in patients with a malignancy in the head and neck region with close or positive resection margins who were not eligible for conventional treatment options. The primary endpoint was progression‐free survival. Secondary endpoints were disease‐free survival, overall survival, and optimal time interval between surgery and PDT.

Results

Fifty‐four patients were treated with surgery followed by meta‐tetrahydroxyphenylchlorin‐mediated PDT. There was a large diversity in tumor location and histopathology, as well as in time interval between surgery and PDT. The 2‐year progression‐free survival rate was 30%; 2‐year disease‐free survival rate was 28%; and 2‐year overall survival was 51%. Disease‐free survival was significantly better when the time interval between surgery and PDT was ≥ 6 weeks (P = 0.02).

Conclusion

PDT can be applied as adjuvant therapy after surgery in cases of a malignancy with close or positive tumor resection margins. However, the clinical benefits are yet to be determined. There is a significantly better disease‐free survival with a time interval between surgery and PDT of minimal 6 weeks.

Level of Evidence

4. Laryngoscope, 128:657–663, 2018