bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Intensified water storage loss by biomass burning in Kalimantan: Detection by GRACE
Authors: Han Jiancheng , Tangdamrongsub Natthachet , Hwang Cheinway , Abidin Hasanuddin Z. 
Published: March 2017

AbstractBiomass burning is the principal tool for land clearing and a primary driver of land use change in Kalimantan (the Indonesian part of Borneo island). Biomass burning here has consumed millions of hectares of peatland and swamp forests. It also degrades air quality in Southeast Asia, perturbs the global carbon cycle, threatens ecosystem health and biodiversity, and potentially affects the global water cycle. Here we present the optimal estimate of water storage changes over Kalimantan from NASA's Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment (GRACE). Over August 2002 to December 2014, our result shows a north‐south dipole pattern in the long‐term changes in terrestrial water storage (TWS) and groundwater storage (GWS). Both TWS and GWS increase in the northern part of Kalimantan, while they decrease in the southern part where fire events are the most severe. The loss rates in TWS and GWS in the southern part are 0.56 ± 0.11 cm yr−1 and 0.55 ± 0.10 cm yr−1, respectively. We use GRACE estimates, burned area, carbon emissions, and hydroclimatic data to study the relationship between biomass burning and water storage losses. The analysis shows that extensive biomass burning results in excessive evapotranspiration, which then increases long‐term water storage losses in the fire‐prone region of Kalimantan. Our results show the potentials of GRACE and its follow‐on missions in assisting water storage and fire managements in a region with extensive biomass burning such as Kalimantan.
Bedside cardiac ultrasound training should be mandated in the emergency department
Authors: Lokuge Amaali 
Published: March 2017

AbstractBackgroundBedside cardiac ultrasound can be performed quickly and accurately in the emergency department to diagnose and treat cardiovascular causes of patient deterioration. In Australian emergency departments, it is an underutilised tool. This may be because becoming proficient at performing bedside cardiac ultrasound is not mandated by the Australasian College for Emergency Medicine.CasesCase 1: A 45‐year‐old male presented with hypoxia and shock and head injury. Findings consistent with pulmonary embolism on bedside cardiac ultrasound prompted rapid treatment with thrombolysis. The patient survived to hospital discharge.Case 2: A 54‐year‐old female presented with chest pain. Her bedside cardiac ultrasound revealed a dilated proximal aorta and a dissection flap in the abdominal aorta enabling investigations and operative management to be expedited.Case 3: A 21‐year‐old male presented with features of lower respiratory tract infection. Chest X‐ray revealed a large heart and consolidation. Bedside cardiac ultrasound demonstrated severe dilated cardiomyopathy and prompted the patient's admission into the coronary care unit.ConclusionEvidence shows that emergency doctors can perform bedside cardiac ultrasound accurately after minimal training. It increases the accuracy of diagnosis. Training in this vital diagnostic tool should be mandated for emergency medicine trainees in Australia.
The Biomarkers of Lupus Disease Study: A Bold Approach May Mitigate Interference of Background Immunosuppressants in Clinical Trials
Authors: Merrill Joan T. , Immermann Fred , Whitley Maryann , Zhou Tianhui , Hill Andrew , O'Toole Margot , Reddy Padmalatha , Honczarenko Marek , Thanou Aikaterini , Rawdon Joe , Guthridge Joel M. , James Judith A. , Sridharan Sudhakar 
Published: March 2017

ObjectiveMolecular medicine raised expectations for strategically targeted biologic agents in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), but clinical trial results have been disappointing and difficult to interpret. Most studies add investigational agents to various, often effective, standard therapy immunosuppressants used at baseline, with unknown treatment interactions. Eliminating polypharmacy in trials of active lupus remains controversial. We undertook the Biomarkers of Lupus Disease study to test withdrawal of immunosuppressants as a novel approach to rendering SLE trials interpretable.MethodsIn 41 patients with active, non–organ‐threatening SLE flare (group A), temporary steroids were given while background immunosuppressants were withdrawn. Time to loss of disease suppression (time to disease flare) and safety were evaluated; standard therapy was immediately resumed when symptoms recurred. Immunologic impacts of standard therapy were studied at baseline by multiplex assay, enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay, and messenger RNA array in group A patients plus 62 additional patients donating a single sample (group B).ResultsPatients with lower or higher baseline disease activity had median times to flare of 71 or 45 days, respectively; 40 of 41 patients (98%) had disease flares by 6 months. All flares were treated and resolved within 6 weeks. No serious adverse events occurred from flare or infection. Type I interferon (IFN), Th17, and B lymphocyte stimulator pathways tracked together. Baseline immunosuppressants had distinct impacts on Th17 and B lymphocyte stimulator, depending on IFN signature.ConclusionTrials in active, non–organ‐threatening SLE can safely withdraw background treatments if patients who have disease flares are designated nonresponders and returned to standard therapy. Immunologic effects of standard therapy vary between IFN‐defined subsets. These findings provide a strategy for minimizing or optimizing treatment combinations in lupus trials and clinical care.
Correlation between Trop2 and amphiregulin coexpression and overall survival in gastric cancer
Authors: Zhao Wei , Ding Guipeng , Wen Jinbo , Tang Qi , Yong Hongmei , Zhu Huijun , Zhang Shu , Qiu Zhenning , Feng Zhenqing , Zhu Jin 
Published: March 2017

AbstractGastric cancer (GC) is a multistep and multistage disease and the majority of GC cells could overexpressed one or more oncogenes. Trop2 and amphiregulin (AREG) are both overexpressed in various epithelial cell cancers and have the role in the increases tumor cells division and metastasis. However, little is known about the function and correlation of two oncogenes coexpressed in GC. The expression level of these two genes in 791 cases of GC tissues were tested, the correlations between two genes expression and clinical pathological characteristics and overall survival in GC patients through immunohistochemistry (IHC) were analyzed. This study also explored the mRNA expression level of two genes in 26 cases of freshly GC tissues by qRT‐PCR. The results indicated that Trop2+/AREG+ coexpression was higher in GC tissues than in adjacent tissues. Trop2+/AREG+ protein coexpression were associated with Tumor Node Metastasis (TNM) stage (χ2 = 50.345, P < 0.001), tumor size (χ2 = 40.349, P < 0.001), lymph node metastases (χ2 = 26.481, P < 0.001), and distant metastases (χ2 = 8.387, P = 0.039). GC patients with Trop2+ and AREG+ protein coexpression had poor overall survival rates (HR = 3.682, 95% CI = 2.038–6.654, P < 0.001). The expression level of Trop2/AREG were positively correlated (r 0.254 and P < 0.001). The result of the mRNA expression was similar to that of the protein expression. Overall, Trop2 and AREG could be seen as prognostic cobiomarker in GC and combined detection of Trop2 and AREG could be viewed as helpful in predicting the prognosis of the GC patients.
Ab Initio Simulation of the Acid Sites at the External Surface of Zeolite Beta
Authors: Rey Jérôme , Raybaud Pascal , Chizallet Céline 
Published: March 2017

AbstractThe acidity at the external surface of protonic zeolites, because of the finite size of crystallites, has been questioned strongly for decades. We used density functional theory (DFT) calculations to propose atomistic models for the external surface of zeolite Beta, which show that bridging Si−(OH)−Al groups still exist at the pore mouth in what we call open micropores (pores that emerge at the external surface). However, at the outermost surface (no emerging micropores), water molecules adsorbed on Al atoms [Al−(H2O)] prevail. The local structure of those surface Al atoms depends on the temperature and water partial pressure. A detailed vibrational study of adsorbed CO helps in the assignment of the different sites and reveals a generalized vibrational Stark effect. Proton‐transfer ability was quantified by the adsorption of isobutene. Carbenium ions appear to be stabilized on the bridging Si−(OH)−Al groups located on the open micropores of the external surface in a similar way as in the bulk of zeolite Beta. By contrast, the outermost surface is not able to stabilize carbenium ions and promotes the existence of alkoxides. This work brings new atomic‐scale insights into the concept of pore‐mouth catalysis and provides the molecular architecture of potential active sites located in open micropores.
A Brief Review of the Synthesis and Catalytic Applications of Graphene‐Coated Oxides
Authors: Luo Wen , Zafeiratos Spyridon 
Published: March 2017

AbstractThe potential applications of graphene‐based materials in catalysis have been intensively studied owing to the unique 2D structure of graphene and its superior physicochemical properties. Recently, graphene‐coated oxide composites have been fabricated and tested as catalysts or catalytic supports, demonstrating a significant improvement on the catalytic performance. This article briefly reviews the recent progress in the design and fabrication of graphene‐coated oxides including wet transfer, chemical vapor deposition and self‐assembly methods. The applications of these materials in catalysis as well as the role of graphene in the modification of oxide properties and the enhancement of catalytic activity are also discussed.
Tris(pentafluoroethyl)germane: Deprotonation and Hydrogermylation Reactions
Authors: Pelzer Stefanie , Neumann Beate , Stammler Hans‐Georg , Ignat'ev Nikolai , Hoge Berthold 
Published: March 2017

AbstractOwing to the highly electron‐withdrawing C2F5 groups, the tris(pentafluoroethyl)germane (C2F5)3GeH represents an interesting Brønsted acidic compound. The germane is accessible by the treatment of the corresponding halogenogermanes (C2F5)3GeX (X=Cl, Br) with Bu3SnH. After clarifying its molecular structure in the solid state by X‐ray diffraction, the acidity of (C2F5)3GeH was examined by treatment with different bases, for example, 1,8‐bis(dimethylamino)naphthalene. The resulting germanate(II) ion [Ge(C2F5)3]− serves as a germyl group transfer reagent. The reaction with main‐group and transition‐metal complexes or organohalides opens access to a variety of different compounds, the structures of which were mostly determined by X‐ray diffraction. The corresponding tricarbonylnickelate(0) complex [(CO)3NiGe(C2F5)3]− also gives information about the π‐acceptor properties of the [Ge(C2F5)3]− ligand. Furthermore, hydrogermylation reactions of (C2F5)3GeH with alkynes afforded different stereoisomers (α,β‐cis, β‐trans) depending on the respective reaction conditions and substrates.
Core‐Substituted Naphthalene Diimides: Influence of Substituent Conformation on Strong Visible Absorption
Authors: Quinn Samuel , Davies E. Stephen , Pfeiffer Constance R. , Lewis William , McMaster Jonathan , Champness Neil R. 
Published: March 2017

AbstractFunctionalization of the aromatic core of naphthalene diimide (NDI) chromophores with morpholine substituents leads to molecules with strong absorbance in the visible spectrum. The shift of absorption maxima to lower energy is determined not only by the degree of substitution but also by the relative conformation and orientation of the tertiary amine with respect to the plane of the NDI.
Habitat suitability and demography, a time‐dependent relationship
Authors: Bacon Léo , Hingrat Yves , Jiguet Frédéric , Monnet Anne‐Christine , Sarrazin François , Robert Alexandre 
Published: March 2017

AbstractThe habitat suitability index, which reflects spatial variability in species occurrence probability, has been shown to exhibit various contrasting relationships with local demographic performances (survival, productivity) in several species. One proposed explanation for these discrepancies is that the link between the habitat suitability index and demography is influenced by density‐dependent, temporally variable processes. Based on the survival rates of more than 3,000 nests monitored over 12 years in the North African Houbara Bustard, we investigated whether the habitat suitability index computed over the species breeding range is related to nest survival throughout the breeding season, accounting for variation in meteorological conditions. We found that the relationship between the habitat suitability index and nest survival progressively changes along the breeding season and that this intra‐annual variation is consistent between years. Our results support the hypothesis that variation in space use occurs intra‐annually and that biotic interactions throughout the breeding season strongly influence the habitat suitability index–demography relationship.
Electrochemically Stimulated Insulin Release from a Modified Graphene‐functionalized Carbon Fiber Electrode
Authors: Honarvarfard Elham , Gamella Maria , Channaveerappa Devika , Darie Costel C. , Poghossian Arshak , Schöning Michael J. , Katz Evgeny 
Published: March 2017

AbstractA graphene‐functionalized carbon fiber electrode was modified with adsorbed polyethylenimine to introduce amino functionalities and then with trigonelline and 4‐carboxyphenylboronic acid covalently bound to the amino groups. The trigonelline species containing quarterized pyridine groups produced positive charge on the electrode surface regardless of the pH value, while the phenylboronic acid species were neutral below pH 8 and negatively charged above pH 9 (note that their pKa=8.4). The total charge on the monolayer‐modified electrode was positive at the neutral pH and negative at pH > 9. Note that 4‐carboxyphenylboronic acid was attached to the electrode surface in molar excess to trigonelline, thus allowing the negative charge to dominate on the electrode surface at basic pH. Negatively charged fluorescent dye‐labeled insulin (insulin‐FITC) was loaded on the modified electrode surface at pH 7.0 due to its electrostatic attraction to the positively charged interface. The local pH in close vicinity to the electrode surface was increased to ca. 9–10 due to consumption of H+ ions upon electrochemical reduction of oxygen proceeding at the potential of −1.0 V (vs. Ag/AgCl) applied on the modified electrode. The process resulted in recharging of the electrode surface to the negative value due to the formation of the negative charge on the phenylboronic acid groups, thus resulting in the electrostatic repulsion of insulin‐FITC and stimulating its release from the electrode surface. The insulin release was characterized by fluorescence spectroscopy (using the FITC‐labeled insulin), by electrochemical measurements on an iridium oxide, IrOx, electrode and by mass spectrometry. The graphene‐functionalized carbon fiber electrode demonstrated significant advantages in the signal‐stimulated insulin release comparing with the carbon fiber electrode without the graphene species.
Heparin/collagen encapsulating nerve growth factor multilayers coated aligned PLLA nanofibrous scaffolds for nerve tissue engineering
Authors: Zhang Kuihua , Huang Dianwu , Yan Zhiyong , Wang Chunyang 
Published: March 2017

AbstractBiomimicing topological structure of natural nerve tissue to direct axon growth and controlling sustained release of moderate neurotrophic factors are extremely propitious to the functional recovery of damaged nervous systems. In this study, the heparin/collagen encapsulating nerve growth factor (NGF) multilayers were coated onto the aligned poly‐L‐lactide (PLLA) nanofibrous scaffolds via a layer‐by‐layer (LbL) self‐assembly technique to combine biomolecular signals, and physical guidance cues for peripheral nerve regeneration. Scanning electronic microscopy (SEM) revealed that the surface of aligned PLLA nanofibrous scaffolds coated with heparin/collagen multilayers became rougher and appeared some net‐like filaments and protuberances in comparison with PLLA nanofibrous scaffolds. The heparin/collagen multilayers did not destroy the alignment of nanofibers. X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy and water contact angles displayed that heparin and collagen were successfully coated onto the aligned PLLA nanofibrous scaffolds and improved its hydrophilicity. Three‐dimensional (3 D) confocal microscopy images further demonstrated that collagen, heparin, and NGF were not only coated onto the surface of aligned PLLA nanofibrous scaffolds but also permeated into the inner of scaffolds. Moreover, NGF presented a sustained release for 2 weeks from aligned nanofibrous scaffolds coated with 5.5 bilayers or above and remained good bioactivity. The heparin/collagen encapsulating NGF multilayers coated aligned nanofibrous scaffolds, in particular 5.5 bilayers or above, was more beneficial to Schwann cells (SCs) proliferation and PC12 cells differentiation as well as the SC cytoskeleton and neurite growth along the direction of nanofibrous alignment compared to the aligned PLLA nanofibrous scaffolds. This novel scaffolds combining sustained release of bioactive NGF and aligned nanofibrous topography presented an excellent potential in peripheral nerve regeneration. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 105A: 1900–1910, 2017.
Population-Wide Impact of Non-Hip Non-Vertebral Fractures on Mortality
Authors: Tran Thach , Bliuc Dana , van Geel Tineke , Adachi Jonathan D , Berger Claudie , van den Bergh Joop , Eisman John A , Geusens Piet , Goltzman David , Hanley David A , Josse Robert G , Kaiser Stephanie M , Kovacs Christopher S , Langsetmo Lisa , Prior Jerilynn C , Nguyen Tuan V , Center Jacqueline R 
Published: March 2017

ABSTRACT

Data on long-term consequences of non-hip non-vertebral (NHNV) fractures, accounting for approximately two-thirds of all fragility fractures, are scanty. Our study aimed to quantify the population-wide impact of NHNV fractures on mortality. The national population-based prospective cohort study (Canadian Multicentre Osteoporosis Study) included 5526 community dwelling women and 2163 men aged 50 years or older followed from July 1995 to September 2013. Population impact number was used to quantify the average number of people for whom one death would be attributable to fracture and case impact number to quantify the number of deaths out of which one would be attributable to a fracture. There were 1370 fragility fractures followed by 296 deaths in women (mortality rate: 3.49; 95% CI, 3.11 to 3.91), and 302 fractures with 92 deaths in men (5.05; 95% CI, 4.12 to 6.20). NHNV fractures accounted for three-quarters of fractures. In women, the population-wide impact of NHNV fractures on mortality was greater than that of hip and vertebral fractures because of the greater number of NHNV fractures. Out of 800 women, one death was estimated to be attributable to a NHNV fracture, compared with one death in 2000 women attributable to hip or vertebral fracture. Similarly, out of 15 deaths in women, one was estimated to be attributable to a NHNV fracture, compared with one in over 40 deaths for hip or vertebral fracture. The impact of forearm fractures (ie, one death in 2400 women and one out of 42 deaths in women attributable to forearm fracture) was similar to that of hip, vertebral, or rib fractures. Similar, albeit not significant, results were noted for men. The study highlights the important contribution of NHNV fractures on mortality because many NHNV fracture types, except for the most distal fractures, have serious adverse consequences that affect a significant proportion of the population. © 2017 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Time to CT and Surgery for HPB Trauma in Scotland Prior to the Introduction of Major Trauma Centres
Authors: McKechnie P. S. , Kerslake D. A. , Parks R. W. 
Published: March 2017

AbstractAimsTo assess the time taken to CT and emergency surgery for trauma patients with an injury to liver, spleen or pancreas prior to the introduction of major trauma centres (MTCs) in Scotland.
Methods
A search was performed of the Scottish Trauma Audit Group database for any patient with relevant injuries over a 2‐year period. Primary outcome measures were time to CT and emergency surgery. Patient demographics were also recorded.ResultsA total of 211 patients were identified of whom 23 had more than one organ affected. There were a total of 234 injuries (123 liver, 99 splenic and 12 pancreatic) in these patients. A total of 160 injuries (75.8%) suffered blunt trauma. Of 211 patients, 157 underwent emergency CT with a median time to scan of 73 min (range 4–474). Hospitals provisionally designated as MTCs were 9 min faster than non‐MTCs in time to CT. There was no difference in time of day. Ninety‐nine patients had surgery within 24 h at a median time of 200 min. Twenty‐five patients with hypotension on presentation took a median time of 130 min. Only 44 patients (27%) had a CT or emergency surgery within the expected MTC target of 1 h. Thirty‐nine patients required transfer to another centre.ConclusionsCurrent management of patients with abdominal trauma and haemodynamic instability remains sub‐optimal in Scotland when compared to recognized performance indicators of CT and emergency surgery within 1 h. Implementation of a major trauma network in Scotland should improve access to emergency radiology and surgery and efforts to shorten current timelines should improve patient outcomes.
Surgical Treatment of High‐Grade Dysplasia and Early Esophageal Cancer
Authors: McLaren Patrick J. , Dolan James P. 
Published: March 2017

AbstractBackgroundThe treatment of early‐stage esophageal cancer and high‐grade dysplasia of the esophagus has changed significantly in recent years. Many early tumors that were traditionally treated with esophagectomy can now be resected with endoscopic therapy alone. These new endoscopic modalities can offer similar survival outcomes without the associated morbidity of a major operation. However, a number of these cases may still require surgical intervention as the best treatment option.MethodsThe current scientific literature, national and international guidelines were reviewed for recommendations regarding optimal treatment of early esophageal malignancy.ResultsThe primary advantage of surgery over endoscopic treatment lies in the reduced risk of recurrence as well as the ability to assess harvested lymph nodes for regional disease. We recommend that esophageal tumors that have invaded into the submucosa (T1b) or beyond should be treated with an esophagectomy. In addition, dysplastic lesions and cancers that demonstrate poorly differentiated pathology or lymphovascular or perineural invasion should be surgically resected. Finally, large tumors, multifocal lesions, tumors within a long segment of Barrett’s esophagus, tumors adjacent to a hiatal hernia, tumors that cannot be resected enbloc with endoscopic techniques should also be treated with an esophagectomy.ConclusionsWhen performed at high‐volume centers in experienced hands, esophagectomy can have consistently good outcomes for high‐grade dysplasia and early esophageal cancers, and should be considered as a treatment option.