Showing papers by "Southern Illinois University Carbondale published in 2015"

Global exchange and accumulation of non-native plants

Abstract: All around the globe, humans have greatly altered the abiotic and biotic environment with ever-increasing speed. One defining feature of the Anthropocene epoch is the erosion of biogeographical barriers by human-mediated dispersal of species into new regions, where they can naturalize and cause ecological, economic and social damage. So far, no comprehensive analysis of the global accumulation and exchange of alien plant species between continents has been performed, primarily because of a lack of data. Here we bridge this knowledge gap by using a unique global database on the occurrences of naturalized alien plant species in 481 mainland and 362 island regions. In total, 13,168 plant species, corresponding to 3.9% of the extant global vascular flora, or approximately the size of the native European flora, have become naturalized somewhere on the globe as a result of human activity. North America has accumulated the largest number of naturalized species, whereas the Pacific Islands show the fastest increase in species numbers with respect to their land area. Continents in the Northern Hemisphere have been the major donors of naturalized alien species to all other continents. Our results quantify for the first time the extent of plant naturalizations worldwide, and illustrate the urgent need for globally integrated efforts to control, manage and understand the spread of alien species.

Orchid phylogenomics and multiple drivers of their extraordinary diversification.

Abstract: Orchids are the most diverse family of angiosperms, with over 25 000 species, more than mammals, birds and reptiles combined. Tests of hypotheses to account for such diversity have been stymied by ...

Microtesla SABRE Enables 10% Nitrogen-15 Nuclear Spin Polarization

Abstract: Parahydrogen is demonstrated to efficiently transfer its nuclear spin hyperpolarization to nitrogen-15 in pyridine and nicotinamide (vitamin B3 amide) by conducting “signal amplification by reversible exchange” (SABRE) at microtesla fields within a magnetic shield. Following transfer of the sample from the magnetic shield chamber to a conventional NMR spectrometer, the 15N NMR signals for these molecules are enhanced by ∼30,000- and ∼20,000-fold at 9.4 T, corresponding to ∼10% and ∼7% nuclear spin polarization, respectively. This method, dubbed “SABRE in shield enables alignment transfer to heteronuclei” or “SABRE-SHEATH”, promises to be a simple, cost-effective way to hyperpolarize heteronuclei. It may be particularly useful for in vivo applications because of longer hyperpolarization lifetimes, lack of background signal, and facile chemical-shift discrimination of different species.

Assessing the carcinogenic potential of low-dose exposures to chemical mixtures in the environment: The challenge ahead

Abstract: Lifestyle factors are responsible for a considerable portion of cancer incidence worldwide, but credible estimates from the World Health Organization and the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) suggest that the fraction of cancers attributable to toxic environmental exposures is between 7% and 19%. To explore the hypothesis that low-dose exposures to mixtures of chemicals in the environment may be combining to contribute to environmental carcinogenesis, we reviewed 11 hallmark phenotypes of cancer, multiple priority target sites for disruption in each area and prototypical chemical disruptors for all targets, this included dose-response characterizations, evidence of low-dose effects and cross-hallmark effects for all targets and chemicals. In total, 85 examples of chemicals were reviewed for actions on key pathways/mechanisms related to carcinogenesis. Only 15% (13/85) were found to have evidence of a dose-response threshold, whereas 59% (50/85) exerted low-dose effects. No dose-response information was found for the remaining 26% (22/85). Our analysis suggests that the cumulative effects of individual (non-carcinogenic) chemicals acting on different pathways, and a variety of related systems, organs, tissues and cells could plausibly conspire to produce carcinogenic synergies. Additional basic research on carcinogenesis and research focused on low-dose effects of chemical mixtures needs to be rigorously pursued before the merits of this hypothesis can be further advanced. However, the structure of the World Health Organization International Programme on Chemical Safety 'Mode of Action' framework should be revisited as it has inherent weaknesses that are not fully aligned with our current understanding of cancer biology.

Recent shifts in the occurrence, cause, and magnitude of animal mass mortality events.

Abstract: Mass mortality events (MMEs) are rapidly occurring catastrophic demographic events that punctuate background mortality levels. Individual MMEs are staggering in their observed magnitude: removing more than 90% of a population, resulting in the death of more than a billion individuals, or producing 700 million tons of dead biomass in a single event. Despite extensive documentation of individual MMEs, we have no understanding of the major features characterizing the occurrence and magnitude of MMEs, their causes, or trends through time. Thus, no framework exists for contextualizing MMEs in the wake of ongoing global and regional perturbations to natural systems. Here we present an analysis of 727 published MMEs from across the globe, affecting 2,407 animal populations. We show that the magnitude of MMEs has been intensifying for birds, fishes, and marine invertebrates; invariant for mammals; and decreasing for reptiles and amphibians. These shifts in magnitude proved robust when we accounted for an increase in the occurrence of MMEs since 1940. However, it remains unclear whether the increase in the occurrence of MMEs represents a true pattern or simply a perceived increase. Regardless, the increase in MMEs appears to be associated with a rise in disease emergence, biotoxicity, and events produced by multiple interacting stressors, yet temporal trends in MME causes varied among taxa and may be associated with increased detectability. In addition, MMEs with the largest magnitudes were those that resulted from multiple stressors, starvation, and disease. These results advance our understanding of rare demographic processes and their relationship to global and regional perturbations to natural systems.

NMR Hyperpolarization Techniques for Biomedicine

Abstract: Recent developments in NMR hyperpolarization have enabled a wide array of new in vivo molecular imaging modalities, ranging from functional imaging of the lungs to metabolic imaging of cancer. This Concept article explores selected advances in methods for the preparation and use of hyperpolarized contrast agents, many of which are already at or near the phase of their clinical validation in patients.

Hydrogenation of CO2 to methanol over In2O3 catalyst

Abstract: The superior catalytic activity of In2O3 for CO2 hydrogenation to methanol is demonstrated here. The experimental results demonstrate that the reaction temperature and pressure have a significant influence on methanol yield. The conversion of CO2 over In2O3 increases with the increase of reaction temperature and pressure. The yield and formation rate of methanol also increase with the increase of reaction pressure. However, they increase firstly with the increase of reaction temperature but start to decrease when the temperature rises above 330 °C. At 330 °C and 4 MPa, the yield of methanol reaches 2.82%, while the methanol production rate reaches 3.69 mol h−1 kgcat−1, higher than many other reported catalysts, which normally show very low selectivity of methanol at such high temperature. This confirms the previous theoretical study that In2O3 inhibits the reverse water gas shift, a competitive endothermic reaction for methanol synthesis from CO2 hydrogenation. The mechanism for CO2 hydrogenation to methanol over In2O3 catalyst has been discussed.

Bats initiate vital agroecological interactions in corn

Abstract: In agroecosystems worldwide, bats are voracious predators of crop pests and may provide services to farmers worth billions of U.S. dollars. However, such valuations make untested assumptions about the ecological effect of bats in agroecosystems. Specifically, estimates of the value of pest suppression services assume bats consume sufficient numbers of crop pests to affect impact pest reproduction and subsequent damage to crops. Corn is an essential crop for farmers, and is grown on more than 150 million hectares worldwide. Using large exclosures in corn fields, we show that bats exert sufficient pressure on crop pests to suppress larval densities and damage in this cosmopolitan crop. In addition, we show that bats suppress pest-associated fungal growth and mycotoxin in corn. We estimate the suppression of herbivory by insectivorous bats is worth more than 1 billion USD globally on this crop alone, and bats may further benefit farmers by indirectly suppressing pest-associated fungal growth and toxic compounds on corn. Bats face a variety of threats globally, but their relevance as predators of insects in ubiquitous corn-dominated landscapes underlines the economic and ecological importance of conserving biodiversity.

Effects of Long Term Application of Inorganic and Organic Fertilizers on Soil Organic Carbon and Physical Properties in Maize–Wheat Rotation

Abstract: Balanced and integrated use of organic and inorganic fertilizers may enhance the accumulation of soil organic matter and improves soil physical properties. A field experiment having randomized complete block design with four replications was conducted for 36 years at Punjab Agricultural University (PAU), Ludhiana, India to assess the effects of inorganic fertilizers and farmyard manure (FYM) on soil organic carbon (SOC), soil physical properties and crop yields in a maize (Zea mays)–wheat (Triticum aestivum) rotation. Soil fertility management treatments included were non-treated control, 100% N, 50% NPK, 100% NP, 100% NPK, 150% NPK, 100% NPK + Zn, 100% NPK + W, 100% NPK (-S) and 100% NPK + FYM. Soil pH, bulk density (BD), electrical conductivity (EC), cation exchange capacity, aggregate mean weight diameter (MWD) and infiltration were measured 36 years after the initiation of experiment. Cumulative infiltration, infiltration rate and aggregate MWD were greater with integrated use of FYM along with 100% NPK compared to non-treated control. No significant differences were obtained among fertilizer treatments for BD and EC. The SOC pool was the lowest in control at 7.3 Mg ha−1 and increased to 11.6 Mg ha−1 with 100%NPK+FYM. Improved soil physical conditions and increase in SOC resulted in higher maize and wheat yields. Infiltration rate, aggregate MWD and crop yields were positively correlated with SOC. Continuous cropping and integrated use of organic and inorganic fertilizers increased soil C sequestration and crop yields. Balanced application of NPK fertilizers with FYM was best option for higher crop yields in maize–wheat rotation.

15N Hyperpolarization by Reversible Exchange Using SABRE-SHEATH

Abstract: NMR signal amplification by reversible exchange (SABRE) is a NMR hyperpolarization technique that enables nuclear spin polarization enhancement of molecules via concurrent chemical exchange of a target substrate and parahydrogen (the source of spin order) on an iridium catalyst. Recently, we demonstrated that conducting SABRE in microtesla fields provided by a magnetic shield enables up to 10% 15N-polarization (Theis, T.; et al. J. Am. Chem. Soc. 2015, 137, 1404). Hyperpolarization on 15N (and heteronuclei in general) may be advantageous because of the long-lived nature of the hyperpolarization on 15N relative to the short-lived hyperpolarization of protons conventionally hyperpolarized by SABRE, in addition to wider chemical shift dispersion and absence of background signal. Here we show that these unprecedented polarization levels enable 15N magnetic resonance imaging. We also present a theoretical model for the hyperpolarization transfer to heteronuclei, and detail key parameters that should be optimiz...

An Introduction to Soil Concepts and the Role of Soils in Watershed Management

Abstract: Soil is a non-renewable dynamic natural resource that is essential to life. Water movement, water quality, land use, and vegetation productivity all have relationships with soil. This article introduces many important soil concepts including development, classification, properties (physical, chemical, and biological), quality, and conservation. A general understanding of soil concepts and these interwoven relationships is essential to making sound land management decisions.

Educational Attainment An Examination of Its Impact on Regional Economic Growth

Abstract: In today’s globalized economy, universities serve as economic growth hubs and as facilitators of higher education. However, the perils of the most recent economic crisis have caused these instituti...

Chemical Vapor Deposition Synthesized Atomically Thin Molybdenum Disulfide with Optoelectronic-Grade Crystalline Quality.

Abstract: The ability to synthesize high-quality samples over large areas and at low cost is one of the biggest challenges during the developmental stage of any novel material. While chemical vapor deposition (CVD) methods provide a promising low-cost route for CMOS compatible, large-scale growth of materials, it often falls short of the high-quality demands in nanoelectronics and optoelectronics. We present large-scale CVD synthesis of single- and few-layered MoS2 using direct vapor-phase sulfurization of MoO2, which enables us to obtain extremely high-quality single-crystal monolayer MoS2 samples with field-effect mobility exceeding 30 cm(2)/(V s) in monolayers. These samples can be readily synthesized on a variety of substrates, and demonstrate a high-degree of optoelectronic uniformity in Raman and photoluminescence mapping over entire crystals with areas exceeding hundreds of square micrometers. Because of their high crystalline quality, Raman spectroscopy on these samples reveal a range of multiphonon processes through peaks with equal or better clarity compared to past reports on mechanically exfoliated samples. This enables us to investigate the layer thickness and substrate dependence of the extremely weak phonon processes at 285 and 487 cm(-1) in 2D-MoS2. The ultrahigh, optoelectronic-grade crystalline quality of these samples could be further established through photocurrent spectroscopy, which clearly reveal excitonic states at room temperature, a feat that has been previously demonstrated only on samples which were fabricated by micro-mechanical exfoliation and then artificially suspended across trenches. Our method reflects a big step in the development of atomically thin, 2D-MoS2 for scalable, high-quality optoelectronics.

Ultraporous, Water Stable, and Breathing Zirconium-Based Metal–Organic Frameworks with ftw Topology

Abstract: “Breathing” metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) are an emerging class of soft porous crystals (SPCs) with potential for high working capacity for gas storage applications. However, most breathing MOFs have low stability and/or low surface area. Here we report a water-stable, high surface area, breathing MOF of ftw topology, NU-1105. While Zr6-oxo clusters as nodes introduce water stability in NU-1105, its high surface area and breathing character stem from its pyrene-based tetracarboxylate (Py-FP) linkers, in which the fluorene units (F) in the FP “arms” play a key role in promoting breathing behavior. During gas sorption studies, the “closed pore” (cp) ↔ “open pore” (op) transition of NU-1105 occurs at a propane pressure of ∼3 bar. At 1 bar, NU-1105 is in its cp form and adsorbs less propane than it would in its op form, highlighting improved working capacity. In situ powder X-ray diffraction during propane sorption was used to track the cp ↔ op transition, and molecular modeling was used to elucidate the st...

Role of Dissociation of Phenol in Its Selective Hydrogenation on Pt(111) and Pd(111)

Abstract: The adsorption, dissociation, and hydrogenation of phenol on the Pt(111) and Pd(111) surfaces have been studied using density functional theory slab calculations. The results show that phenol favors adsorption through a mixed σ–π interaction on both surfaces through its phenyl ring, with the hydrogen atoms and hydroxyl tilted away from the surface. The dissociation of phenol to phenoxy is both thermodynamically and kinetically favored on Pd but not on Pt. The phenoxy adsorbs on Pd through both the phenyl ring and the oxygen atom, whereas the O atom points away from the surface on Pt. On Pt, the barrier for adding one hydrogen atom to the adsorbed phenol is 0.49 eV lower than the overall barrier for phenol dissociation to phenoxy followed by adding the hydrogen atom to its phenyl ring, resulting in direct hydrogenation of the adsorbed phenol to cyclohexanol as the dominant reaction pathway. In contrast, on Pd, the barrier for direct hydrogenation (1.22 eV) is higher than the overall barrier of dissociation...

State of the World's Amphibians

Abstract: The Anthropocene is characterized by a widespread biodiversity crisis that is rivaling prehistoric mass extinctions. Amphibians are the most threatened class of vertebrates. In addition to traditional threats such as land-use conversion and pollution, climate change and introduced diseases are expected to further reduce amphibian biodiversity. The fungal disease chytridiomycosis has caused the rapid extirpation of tens to possibly hundreds of amphibian species. Recent advances have revealed a deep evolutionary history and considerable variation in the virulence of strains of the fungal pathogen, patterns that need to be reconciled with the rapid spread of disease and demise of host populations. A conservation priority is surveillance of a newly discovered species of chytrid fungus that is killing European salamanders. The accelerated discovery of new amphibian species challenges existing conservation resources, but it is an opportunity to fill geographical gaps and to enhance programs aimed at preserving ...

Mechanical Thrombectomy in Cerebral Venous Thrombosis Systematic Review of 185 Cases

Abstract: Background and Purpose—Cerebral venous thrombosis is generally treated with anticoagulation. However, some patients do not respond to medical therapy and these might benefit from mechanical thrombectomy. The aim of this study was to gain a better understanding of the efficacy and safety of mechanical thrombectomy in patients with cerebral venous thrombosis, by performing a systematic review of the literature. Methods—We identified studies published between January 1995 and February 2014 from PubMed and Ovid. We included all cases of cerebral venous thrombosis in whom mechanical thrombectomy was performed with or without intrasinus thrombolysis. Good outcome was defined as normal or mild neurological deficits at discharge (modified Rankin Scale, 0–2). Secondary outcome variables included periprocedural complications and recanalization rates. Results—Our study included 42 studies (185 patients). Sixty percent of patient had a pretreatment intracerebral hemorrhage and 47% were stuporous or comatose. AngioJet...

Effects of the BEAT Cancer physical activity behavior change intervention on physical activity, aerobic fitness, and quality of life in breast cancer survivors: a multicenter randomized controlled trial

Abstract: Most breast cancer survivors (BCS) are not meeting recommended physical activity guidelines. Here, we report the effects of the Better Exercise Adherence after Treatment for Cancer (BEAT Cancer) behavior change intervention on physical activity, aerobic fitness, and quality of life (QoL). We randomized 222 post-primary treatment BCS to the 3-month intervention (BEAT Cancer) or usual care (UC). BEAT Cancer combined supervised exercise, face-to-face counseling, and group discussions with tapering to home-based exercise. Assessments at baseline, immediately post-intervention (month 3; M3), and 3 months post-intervention (month 6; M6) included accelerometer and self-reported physical activity, submaximal treadmill test, and QoL [Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy (FACT)-Breast scale]. Adjusted linear mixed-model analyses demonstrated significant effects of BEAT Cancer compared to UC on weekly minutes of ≥moderate intensity physical activity at M3 by accelerometer [mean between group difference (M) = +41; 95 % confidence interval (CI) = 10–73; p = 0.010] and self-report (M = +93; CI = 62–123; p < 0.001). Statistical significance remained at M6 for self-reported physical activity (M = +74; CI = 43–105; p < 0.001). BEAT Cancer participants were significantly more likely to meet physical activity recommendations at both time points [accelerometer M3 adjusted odds ratio (OR) = 2.2; CI = 1.0–4.8 and M6 adjusted OR = 2.4; CI = 1.1–5.3; self-report M3 adjusted OR = 5.2; CI = 2.6–10.4 and M6 adjusted OR = 4.8; CI = 2.3–10.0]. BEAT Cancer significantly improved fitness at M6 (M = +1.8 ml/kg/min; CI = 0.8–2.8; p = 0.001) and QoL at M3 and M6 (M = +6.4; CI = 3.1–9.7; p < 0.001 and M = +3.8; CI = 0.5–7.2; p = 0.025, respectively). The BEAT Cancer intervention significantly improved physical activity, fitness, and QoL with benefits continuing 3 months post-intervention.

Serious Games Analytics: Theoretical Framework

Abstract: “Serious Games” is a unique industry that is concerned with the training/learning performance assessment of its clients. It is one of three digital technology industries (along with digital games, and online learning) that are rapidly advancing into the arena of analytics. The analytics from these industries all came from the tracing of user-generated data as they interacted with the systems, but differed from one another in the primary purposes for such analytics. For example, the purpose of game analytics is to support the growth of digital (entertainment) games, while that of learning analytics is to support the online learning industries. Although some game and learning analytics can indeed be used in serious games, they lack specific metrics and methods that outline the effectiveness of serious games—an important feature to stakeholders. Serious Games Analytics need to provide (actionable) insights that are of values to the stakeholders—specific strategies/policies to improve the serious games, and to (re)train or remediate play-learners for performance improvement. Since the performance metrics from one industry are unlikely to transfer well into another industry, those that are optimal for use in the Serious Games industry must be properly identified as Serious Games Analytics—to properly measure, assess, and improve performance with serious games.

Robust PCA via Nonconvex Rank Approximation

Abstract: Numerous applications in data mining and machine learning require recovering a matrix of minimal rank. Robust principal component analysis (RPCA) is a general framework for handling this kind of problems. Nuclear norm based convex surrogate of the rank function in RPCA is widely investigated. Under certain assumptions, it can recover the underlying true low rank matrix with high probability. However, those assumptions may not hold in real-world applications. Since the nuclear norm approximates the rank by adding all singular values together, which is essentially a $\ell_1$-norm of the singular values, the resulting approximation error is not trivial and thus the resulting matrix estimator can be significantly biased. To seek a closer approximation and to alleviate the above-mentioned limitations of the nuclear norm, we propose a nonconvex rank approximation. This approximation to the matrix rank is tighter than the nuclear norm. To solve the associated nonconvex minimization problem, we develop an efficient augmented Lagrange multiplier based optimization algorithm. Experimental results demonstrate that our method outperforms current state-of-the-art algorithms in both accuracy and efficiency.

Stacking the odds: light pollution may shift the balance in an ancient predator–prey arms race

Abstract: Bat Conservation International and the South African National Research Foundation (grant number 74604).

Robust PCA Via Nonconvex Rank Approximation

Abstract: Numerous applications in data mining and machinelearning require recovering a matrix of minimal rank. Robust principal component analysis (RPCA) is a generalframework for handling this kind of problems. Nuclear normbased convex surrogate of the rank function in RPCA iswidely investigated. Under certain assumptions, it can recoverthe underlying true low rank matrix with high probability. However, those assumptions may not hold in real-world applications. Since the nuclear norm approximates the rank byadding all singular values together, which is essentially a '1-norm of the singular values, the resulting approximation erroris not trivial and thus the resulting matrix estimator canbe significantly biased. To seek a closer approximation andto alleviate the above-mentioned limitations of the nuclearnorm, we propose a nonconvex rank approximation. Thisapproximation to the matrix rank is tighter than the nuclearnorm. To solve the associated nonconvex minimization problem, we develop an efficient augmented Lagrange multiplier basedoptimization algorithm. Experimental results demonstrate thatour method outperforms current state-of-the-art algorithms inboth accuracy and efficiency.

Sex Differences in Longevity and in Responses to Anti-Aging Interventions: A Mini-Review

Abstract: A robust, often underappreciated, feature of human biology is that women live longer than men not just in technologically advanced, low-mortality countries such as those in Europe or North America, but across low- and high-mortality countries of the modern world as well as through history. Women's survival advantage is not due to protection from one or a few diseases. Women die at lower rates than men from virtually all the top causes of death with the notable exception of Alzheimer's disease, to which women are particularly prone. Yet, despite this robust survival advantage, women across countries of the world suffer worse health throughout life. The biological mechanisms underlying either longer female survival or poorer female health remain elusive and understudied. Mechanisms of mammalian biology, particularly with respect to aging and disease, are most easily studied in laboratory mice. Although there are no consistent differences in longevity between mouse sexes even within single genotypes, there are often substantial differences in individual studies, sometimes favoring females, other times males. Investigating the environmental causes of this puzzling variation in longevity differences could prove illuminating. Sex differences in response to life-extending genetic or pharmacological interventions appear surprisingly often in mice. Longevity enhancement due to reduced signaling through IGF-1 or mTOR signaling typically favors females, whereas enhancement via a range of pharmacological treatments favors males. These patterns could be due to interactions of the interventions with sex steroids, with adiponectin or leptin levels, or with the sex differences in immune function or the regional distribution of body fat. Clearly, generalizations from one sex cannot be extended to the other, and inclusion of both sexes in biomedical studies of human or other animals is worth the effort and expense.

Histoplasmosis Complicating Tumor Necrosis Factor–α Blocker Therapy: A Retrospective Analysis of 98 Cases

Abstract: Background. Histoplasmosis may complicate tumor necrosis factor (TNF)–α blocker therapy. Published case series provide limited guidance on disease management. We sought to determine the need for long-term antifungal therapy and the safety of resuming TNF-α blocker therapy after successful treatment of histoplasmosis. Methods. We conducted a multicenter retrospective review of 98 patients diagnosed with histoplasmosis between January 2000 and June 2011. Multivariate logistic regression was used to evaluate risk factors for severe disease. Results. The most commonly used biologic agent was infliximab (67.3%). Concomitant corticosteroid use (odds ratio [OR], 3.94 [95% confidence interval {CI}, 1.06–14.60]) and higher urine Histoplasma antigen levels (OR, 1.14 [95% CI, 1.03–1.25]) were found to be independent predictors of severe disease. Forty-six (47.4%) patients were initially treated with an amphotericin B formulation for a median duration of 2 weeks. Azole treatment was given for a median of 12 months. TNF-α blocker therapy was initially discontinued in 95 of 98 (96.9%) patients and later resumed in 25 of 74 (33.8%) patients at a median of 12 months (range, 1–69 months). The recurrence rate was 3.2% at a median follow-up period of 32 months. Of the 3 patients with recurrence, 2 had restarted TNF-α blocker therapy, 1 of whom died. Mortality rate was 3.2%. Conclusions. In this study, disease outcomes were generally favorable. Discontinuation of antifungal treatment after clinical response and an appropriate duration of therapy, probably at least 12 months, appears safe if pharmacologic immunosuppression has been held. Resumption of TNF-α blocker therapy also appears safe, assuming that the initial antifungal therapy was administered for 12 months.

Hydrostatic pressure-induced modifications of structural transitions lead to large enhancements of magnetocaloric effects in MnNiSi-based systems

Abstract: By means of alloying appropriate amounts of MnNiSi and MnFeGe, materials are found that undergo a paramagnetic to ferromagnetic transition close to room temperature, accompanied by a huge volume change. Thanks to this volume change, application of moderate pressures leads to a remarkable enhancement of the magnetocaloric response. Work like this may open new opportunities in the development of new solid-state magnetic refrigeration devices.

Three year results of the prostatic urethral L.I.F.T. study

Abstract: INTRODUCTION To report the three year results of a multi-center, randomized, patient and outcome assessor blinded trial of the Prostatic Urethral Lift (PUL) in men with bothersome lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) due to benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). MATERIALS AND METHODS At 19 centers in North America and Australia, 206 subjects = 50 years old with International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) ≥ 13, peak flow rate (Qmax) ≤ 12 mL/s, and prostate volume between 30 cc-80 cc were randomized 2:1 to the PUL procedure or sham control. PUL involved placing permanent UroLift implants into the lateral lobes of the prostate to enlarge the urethral lumen. After randomized comparison at 3 months, PUL patients were followed to 3 years. LUTS severity (IPSS), quality of life, Qmax, sexual function, and adverse events were assessed throughout follow up. RESULTS The therapeutic effect of PUL regarding IPSS was 88% greater than sham at 3 months. Average improvements from baseline through 3 years were significant for total IPSS (41.1%), quality of life (48.8%), Qmax (53.1%), and individual IPSS symptoms. Symptomatic improvement was independent of prostate size. There were no de novo, sustained ejaculatory or erectile dysfunction events and all sexual function assessments showed average stability or improvement after PUL. Fifteen of the 140 patients originally randomized to PUL required surgical reintervention for treatment failure within the first 3 years. CONCLUSIONS PUL offers rapid improvement in voiding and storage symptoms, quality of life and flow rate that is durable to 3 years. Patients demonstrated a level of symptom relief that is associated with significant patient satisfaction. PUL, a minimally invasive procedure, is very effective in treating bothersome LUTS secondary to benign prostatic obstruction (BPO) and is unique in its ability to preserve total sexual function while offering a rapid return to normal physical activities.

On the utility of in situ soil moisture observations for flash drought early warning in Oklahoma, USA

Abstract: Drought early warning systems are a vital component of drought monitoring and require information at submonthly time scales because of the rapidly evolving nature of drought. This study evaluates the utility of in situ soil moisture observations for drought early warning in Oklahoma. Soil moisture was used to identify drought events, and the results were compared with the U.S. Drought Monitor with respect to the identification of drought onset. Soil moisture observations consistently identify rapid-onset (flash) drought events earlier than the U.S. Drought Monitor. Our results show that soil moisture percentiles provide a 2–3 week lead time over the U.S. Drought Monitor based on five flash drought events that occurred in Oklahoma between 2000 and 2013. We conclude that in situ soil moisture observations are an important source of information for early warning of flash drought events in the Oklahoma.