bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Exploring spatiotemporal neural dynamics of the human visual cortex
Authors: Yang Ying , Tarr Michael J. , Kass Robert E. , Aminoff Elissa M.
Published: June 2019

The human visual cortex is organized in a hierarchical manner. Although previous evidence supporting this hypothesis has been accumulated, specific details regarding the spatiotemporal information flow remain open. Here we present detailed spatiotemporal correlation profiles of neural activity with low‐level and high‐level features derived from an eight‐layer neural network pretrained for object recognition. These correlation profiles indicate an early‐to‐late shift from low‐level features to high‐level features and from low‐level regions to higher‐level regions along the visual hierarchy, consistent with feedforward information flow. Additionally, we computed three sets of features from the low‐ and high‐level features provided by the neural network: object‐category‐relevant low‐level features (the common components between low‐level and high‐level features), low‐level features roughly orthogonal to high‐level features (the residual Layer 1 features), and unique high‐level features that were roughly orthogonal to low‐level features (the residual Layer 7 features). Contrasting the correlation effects of the common components and the residual Layer 1 features, we observed that the early visual cortex (EVC) exhibited a similar amount of correlation with the two feature sets early in time, but in a later time window, the EVC exhibited a higher and longer correlation effect with the common components (i.e., the low‐level object‐category‐relevant features) than with the low‐level residual features—an effect unlikely to arise from purely feedforward information flow. Overall, our results indicate that non‐feedforward processes, for example, top‐down influences from mental representations of categories, may facilitate differentiation between these two types of low‐level features within the EVC.
The mortality effects of changing public funding for home health care: An empirical analysis of Medicare home health care in the United States
Authors: Orsini Chiara
Published: June 2019

In light of population aging, it is important to understand whether limiting public in‐kind transfers to the elderly affects elderly mortality. I focus on home health care—a popular in‐kind transfer—and I exploit variation in the Medicare home health care reimbursement that arose in 1997 in the United States to study whether cuts to government coverage of home health care affected elderly mortality. Under the identifying assumptions of the DID model, I find that the cuts affected total mortality for some men but not women, suggesting that changes in home health care can affect elderly mortality and differences in mortality between men and women. For men aged between 65 and 74, the Interim Payment System was associated with an increase in mortality equal to 0.6%, an effect in absolute value comparable to the mortality response to a one percentage point change in unemployment rates and within the range of other estimates of the impact of health insurance on elderly mortality.
Surface microrelief changes affect the soil and water conservation benefits of rainwater harvesting tillage operation during rainfall events
Authors: Zhao Longshan , Hou Rui , Wu Faqi
Published: June 2019

Reservoir tillage (RT) improves the soil rainwater harvesting capacity and reduces soil erosion on cropland, but there is some debate regarding its effectiveness. The objective of this study was to further verify the effect of RT on soil erosion and explore the reasons for this effect by analysing microrelief changes during rainfall. Rainfall intensities of 60, 90, and 120 mm/hr and three slope degrees (5, 15, and 25°, representing gentle, medium, and steep slopes) were considered. A smooth surface (SS) served as the control. The microrelief changes were determined based on digital elevation models, which were measured using a laser scanner with a 2‐cm grid before and after rainfall events. The results showed that compared with the values for the SS, RT reduced both the runoff and sediment by approximately 10‐20% on the gentle slope; on the medium slope, although RT also reduced the runoff in the 90‐ and 120‐mm/hr intensity rainfall events, the sediment increased by 158.90% and 246.08%; on the steep slope, the sediment increased by 92.33 to 296.47%. Overall, when the runoff control benefit of RT was lower than 5%, there was no sediment control benefit. RT was effective at controlling soil loss on the gentle slopes but was not effective on the medium and steep slopes. This is because the surface depressions created by RT were filled in with sediment that eroded from the upslopes, and the surface microrelief became smoother, which then caused greater soil and water loss than that on an SS at the later rainfall stage.
New toxicity testing of PQ grass allergy immunotherapy to support product development
Authors: Baldrick Paul , Hutchings James W. , Heath Matthew D. , Skinner Murray A. , Martin Tom , Gray Chris
Published: June 2019

PQ Grass represents an allergen‐specific immunotherapy for pre‐seasonal treatment of patients with seasonal allergic rhinitis (or rhinoconjunctivitis) with or without mild‐to‐moderate bronchial asthma. It consists of a native pollen extract for 13 grass species, chemically modified with glutaraldehyde, and adsorbed to l‐tyrosine in a microcrystalline form with addition of the adjuvant Monophosphoryl Lipid A (MPL®). Previous non‐clinical safety testing, including rat repeat dose toxicity in adult and juvenile animals, rat reproductive toxicity and rabbit local tolerance studies showed no safety findings of concern. A new Good Laboratory Practice compliant rat subcutaneous repeat dose toxicity study to evaluate a higher clinical dose and modified posology (once every 2 weeks for 13 weeks) showed no signs of toxicity. As seen in previous studies, relatively minor, immunostimulatory effects were seen such as reversible increased white cell count (notably neutrophils), increased globulin level (resulting in decreased A/G ratio) and increased fibrinogen as well as minor dose site reaction in the form of inflammatory cell infiltrate. These findings are likely due to the immunostimulatory nature of MPL and/or the presence of l‐tyrosine within the adjuvanted vaccine. This new toxicity study with PQ Grass therefore supports longer posology with higher dose levels.
Silencing of long noncoding RNA HOXD‐AS1 inhibits proliferation, cell cycle progression, migration and invasion of hepatocellular carcinoma cells through MEK/ERK pathway
Authors: Sun Jin , Guo Ying , Bie Beibei , Zhu Mengchen , Tian Hongwei , Tian Jing , Li Jun , Yang Yi , Ji Fanpu , Kong Guangyao , Li Zongfang
Published: June 2019

Accumulating findings reveal that long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) as crucial regulatory molecules serve vital functions in the progression of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). This study aims to investigate the biological roles and mechanisms of lncRNA HOXD cluster antisense RNA 1 (HOXD‐AS1) in HCC cells based on transcriptome analysis. The Cancer Genome Atlas data analysis and experimental validation showed that HOXD‐AS1 was increased in HCC tissues/cell lines and positively relevant to histologic grade. The subcellular localization results indicated HOXD‐AS1 was dispersed both in the nucleus as well as the cytoplasm of HCC cells. In vitro loss‐of‐function experiments revealed that silencing of HOXD‐AS1 could dramatically suppress the proliferation, migration, and invasion, and induce S or/and G2/M phase cell cycle arrest as well as apoptosis of Bel‐7402 and MHCC97H cells accompanying the changes in expression levels of cyclin B1, cyclin D1, BCL‐2, BAX, and MMP2. In vivo assay also showed that HOXD‐AS1 silencing could markedly reduce xenograft tumor volume and weight of HCC cells. Transcriptome and bioinformatic analysis indicated that a total of 1103 genes were significantly altered by HOXD‐AS1 silencing, of which 132 genes exhibited a significant correlation with HOXD‐AS1 expression in HCC tissues. Gene Ontology (GO) enrichment analysis revealed differentially expressed genes were remarkably enriched in several cancer‐related biological processes (cell proliferation, cell cycle, apoptosis, migration, angiogenesis, and hypoxic response). Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analysis indicated that HOXD‐AS1 has the potential to affect p53, tumor necrosis factor (TNF), mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway, and Western blot results further validated that HOXD‐AS1 silencing could inhibit the MEK/ERK pathway in Bel‐7402 cells. Collectively, HOXD‐AS1, as an oncogenic lncRNA, might exert crucial functions in HCC progression and serve as a potential diagnostic biomarker and therapeutic target for HCC.
MicroRNA‐190 alleviates neuronal damage and inhibits neuroinflammation via Nlrp3 in MPTP‐induced Parkinson's disease mouse model
Authors: Sun Qiang , Wang Songlin , Chen Jun , Cai Hongxia , Huang Wei , Zhang Yueliang , Wang Lei , Xing Yu
Published: June 2019

Parkinson's disease (PD) is neurodegenerative dyskinesia characterized by loss of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra pars compacta (SNpc). Although neuroinflammation is one of the pathological features of PD, its mechanism of promoting PD is still not fully understood. Recently, the microRNA (miR) is considered to play a critical regulatory role in inflammatory responses. In this study, we examined the anti‐inflammatory activity, antineuronal injury, and the underlying target of miR‐190 with MPTP‐induced PD mouse model and BV2 cells. The results showed that miR‐190 is downregulated in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)‐induced BV2 cells; however, when the miR‐190 overexpressed, the expression of proinflammatory mediators, such as iNOS, IL‐6, TNF‐α, and TGF‐β1, were inhibited and the anti‐inflammatory mediator such IL‐10 was increased. In addition, we predicted the potential target of miR‐190 to be Nlrp3 and verified by luciferase reporter assay. The results also showed that Nlrp3 was upregulated in LPS‐induced BV2 cells, whereas knockdown of Nlrp3 inhibited the LPS‐induced inflammatory response in BV2 cells. Furthermore, upregulation of miR‐190 or knockdown of Nlrp3 inhibited LPS‐induced apoptosis in BV2 cells. However, the apoptosis inhibition effect of miR‐190 was abrogated by overexpression of Nlrp3. Finally, upregulation of miR‐190 inhibited the activation of microglial cells and inflammation and attenuated the tyrosine hydroxylase loss in SNpc in MPTP‐induced PD mice. In conclusion, we demonstrated that miR‐190 alleviates neuronal damage and inhibits inflammation via negatively regulating the expression and activation of Nlrp3 in MPTP‐induced PD mouse model.
microRNA‐448 inhibits stemness maintenance and self‐renewal of hepatocellular carcinoma stem cells through the MAGEA6‐mediated AMPK signaling pathway
Authors: Guo Jun‐Cheng , Yang Yi‐Jun , Zhang Jian‐Quan , Guo Min , Xiang Li , Yu Shu‐Feng , Ping Huang , Zhuo Liu
Published: June 2019

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) occurs mainly in patients with chronic liver disease and cirrhosis. Increasing evidence has identified the involvement of microRNAs (miRNAs) acting as essential regulators in the progression of HCC. As predicted by microarray analysis, miR‐448 might potentially affect HCC progression by regulating the melanoma‐associated antigen (MAGEA). Therefore, the present investigation focused on exploring whether or not miR‐448 and MAGEA6 were involved in the self‐renewal and stemness maintenance of HCC stem cells. The interaction among miR‐448, MAGEA6, and the AMPK signaling pathway was evaluated. It was noted that miR‐448 targeted and downregulated MAGEA6, thus activating the AMP‐activated protein kinase (AMPK) signaling pathway in HCC. Furthermore, for the purpose of exploring the functional relevance of MAGEA6 and miR‐448 on the sphere formation, colony formation, and invasion and migration of HCC stem cells, the CD133+CD44
+ HCC stem cells were sorted and treated with the mimic or inhibitor of miR‐448, small interfering RNA (siRNA) against MAGEA6 or an AMPK activator AICAR. MAGEA6 silencing or miR‐448 overexpression was demonstrated to inhibit the abilities of sphere formation, colony formation, cell migration, and invasion of HCC cells. Afterwards, a rescue experiment was conducted and revealed that MAGEA6 silencing reversed the effects of miR‐448 inhibitor on stemness maintenance and self‐renewal of HCC stem cells. Finally, after the in vivo experiment was carried out, miR‐448 was observed to restrain the tumor formation and stemness in vivo. Altogether, miR‐448 activates the AMPK signaling pathway by downregulating MAGEA6, thus inhibiting the stemness maintenance and self‐renewal of HCC stem cells, which identifies miR‐448 as a new therapeutic strategy for HCC.
Removal of sulfanilic acid from wastewater by thermally activated persulfate process: oxidation performance and kinetic modeling
Authors: Zhou Rui , Li Tingting , Su Yu , Li Chenguang , Jin Xiong , Ren Hejun
Published: June 2019

BACKGROUND

Sulfanilic acid (SA) is a highly typical representative sulfonated aromatic amine widely occurring in chemical and pharmaceutical wastewaters. Its release poses potential threats to the environment and human health. Thermally activated persulfate (TAP) is a promising technology for organic matter removal. In this study, TAP is evaluated using the oxidation of SA as a model reaction.

RESULTS

The oxidation performance of TAP on SA removal was investigated initially under different conditions of temperature, solution pH, persulfate dosage and initial SA concentration. Results showed that SA removal was effectively initiated by the TAP process and fitted well with a pseudo‐first‐order reaction model under all environmental conditions in water, and the yield of relatively low activation energy was 80.8 kJ mol−1 under the optimum conditions. The solution pH exerted almost no influence on SA removal. Sulfate radicals () and hydroxyl radicals (HO•) were identified as major predominant free radicals by the electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectrum and scavenger tests for removing SA during the TAP process. Non‐target natural water constituents can affect the removal rate of SA, such as the chloride ion (Cl−) and the bicarbonate ion () promote whereas humic acid (HA) reduces the removal. The total organic carbon (TOC) monitoring results indicated that SA was almost completely mineralized into CO2 and H2O during the 9 h reaction time.

CONCLUSION

Owing to the generation of highly reactive oxidizing species ( and HO•), TAP oxidation as an environmentally friendly technology is a favorable option for SA‐containing wastewater treatment usage. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
Metalated Azolo[1,2,4]triazines. I. Synthesis of 2‐(6‐tert‐Butyl‐5‐oxo‐4,5‐dihydro‐1,2,4‐triazin‐3(2H)‐ylidene)acetonitriles via Ring Opening Degradation of 3‐tert‐Butyl‐7‐lithio‐4‐oxo‐4H‐pyrazolo[5,1‐c][1,2,4]triazin‐1‐ides
Authors: Ivanov Sergey M. , Shestopalov Anatoliy M.
Published: June 2019

1,7,8‐Polymetalated 3‐tert‐butyl‐8‐R‐4‐oxo‐4H‐pyrazolo[5,1‐c][1,2,4]triazines (M = Li, Na; R = CO2Et, CN, H, D, and Li) have been generated for the first time using acidic NH deprotonation and lithium/bromine exchange method at −112 ÷ −97°C. The rapid pyrazole ring opening degradation of the unstable 7‐lithio‐4‐oxopyrazolo[5,1‐c][1,2,4]triazines at −97°C led to formation of 2‐(6‐tert‐butyl‐5‐oxo‐4,5‐dihydro‐1,2,4‐triazin‐3(2H)‐ylidene)acetonitriles. Furthermore, lithium, sodium ((6‐tert‐butyl‐5‐oxo‐5H‐1,2,4‐triazin‐2,4‐diid‐3‐ylidene)(cyano)methyl)lithium was successfully generated from 7,8‐dibromo‐3‐tert‐butylpyrazolo[5,1‐c][1,2,4]triazin‐4(6H)‐one, sodium hydride, and tert‐butyl lithium, and an electrophile trapping using H2O, dimethylformamide, t‐BuCOCl, and PhCOCl allowed the selective side‐chain functionalization. Structures of the isolated products have been established on the basis of IR, 1H, 2H, 13C NMR, and high‐resolution mass spectra.
The Creativity Matrix: Spotlights and Blind Spots in Our Understanding of the Phenomenon
Authors: Glăveanu Vlad Petre , Kaufman James C.
Published: June 2019

In this paper, we organize past and present theories and models of creativity by using a new conceptual framework—the creativity matrix—with the aim of highlighting the dimensions of creativity we know a lot about and those we tend to either ignore or find difficult to study. This matrix is formed by bringing together a developmental model of creativity (the 4 C's) and a structural one (the 5 A's). We start by briefly describing these two conceptual frameworks, and then, we proceed to exploring the matrix itself by describing how the 5 A's are dynamically organized at each “level” of the 4 C's. Importantly, our overview of the matrix is informed by existing models and concepts that address one of more of the C's and the A's. This gives us a unique opportunity to take stock of what has been studied so far and, toward the end, consider new avenues for the development of theory and research agendas within creativity studies.
Development of a Rapid Ultra High‐Performance Liquid Chromatography/Tandem Mass Spectrometry Method for the Analysis of sn‐1 and sn‐2 Lysophosphatidic Acid Regioisomers in Mouse Plasma
Authors: Aristizabal‐Henao Juan J. , Fernandes Maria F. , Duncan Robin E. , Stark Ken D.
Published: June 2019

Lysophosphatidic acids (lysoPtdOH) are involved in several physiological processes including cell proliferation, inflammation, and glucose metabolism. However, measuring lysoPtdOH is challenging due to inadequate extraction techniques, poor chromatographic resolution, or the inability to discriminate between sn‐1 and sn‐2 regioisomers. In the present work, we developed a high‐throughput (10 min run times) ultra‐high‐performance liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry method capable of discriminating lysoPtdOH species by their fatty acyl composition and sn‐localization on glycerol backbones. We quantitated sn‐1/sn‐2 regioisomeric pairs of lysoPtdOH with 16:0, 18:0, 18:1, 18:2, 20:4, and 22:6 fatty acyl chains using 50 μL of mouse plasma. The method presented here can be expanded to profile more lysoPtdOH species, and has the potential to be used in clinical settings to quickly screen lysoPtdOH profiles. Finally, the ability to discriminate between sn‐1 and sn‐2 isomers can provide insights regarding the metabolic origins and fates of specific lysoPtdOH molecules.
Evolving Role of Liver Transplantation in Elderly Recipients
Authors: Mousa Omar Y. , Nguyen Justin H. , Ma Yaohua , Rawal Bhupendra , Musto Kaitlyn R. , Dougherty Marjorie K. , Shalev Jefree A. , Harnois Denise M.
Published: June 2019

The need for liver transplantation (LT) among older patients is increasing, but the role of LT in the elderly (≥70 years) is not well defined. We retrospectively reviewed all primary LTs from 1998 through 2016 at our center. Survival and associated risk factors were analyzed with Cox regression and Kaplan‐Meier methods for LT recipients in 3 age groups: <60, 60‐69, and ≥70 years. Among 2281 LT recipients, the median age was 56 years (range, 15‐80 years), and 162 were aged ≥70 years. The estimated 5‐ and 10‐year patient survival probabilities for elderly LT recipients were lower (70.8% and 43.6%) than for recipients aged 60‐69 years (77.2% and 64.6%) and <60 years (80.7% and 67.6%). Patient and graft survival rates associated with LT improved over time from the pre–Model for End‐Stage Liver Disease era to Share 15, pre–Share 35, and Share 35 for the cohort overall (P < 0.001), but rates remained relatively stable in septuagenarians throughout the study periods (all P > 0.45). There was no incremental negative effect of age at LT among elderly patients aged 70‐75 years (log‐rank P = 0.32). Among elderly LT recipients, greater requirement for packed red blood cells and longer warm ischemia times were significantly associated with decreased survival (P < 0.05). Survival of LT recipients, regardless of age, markedly surpassed that of patients who were denied LT, but it was persistently 20%‐30% lower than the expected survival of the general US population (P < 0.001). With the aging of the population, select older patients with end‐stage liver diseases can benefit from LT, which largely restores their expected life spans.
A case of de novo splice site variant in SLC35A2 showing developmental delays, spastic paraplegia, and delayed myelination
Authors: Miyamoto Sachiko , Nakashima Mitsuko , Ohashi Tsukasa , Hiraide Takuya , Kurosawa Kenji , Yamamoto Toshiyuki , Takanashi Junichi , Osaka Hitoshi , Inoue Ken , Miyazaki Takehiro , Wada Yoshinao , Okamoto Nobuhiko , Saitsu Hirotomo
Published: June 2019

Background

Congenital disorders of glycosylation (CDGs) are genetic diseases caused by pathogenic variants of genes involved in protein or lipid glycosylation. De novo variants in the SLC35A2 gene, which encodes a UDP‐galactose transporter, are responsible for CDGs with an X‐linked dominant manner. Common symptoms related to SLC35A2 variants include epilepsy, psychomotor developmental delay, hypotonia, abnormal facial and skeletal features, and various magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings.

Methods

Whole‐exome sequencing was performed on the patient's DNA, and candidate variants were confirmed by Sanger sequencing. cDNA analysis was performed to assess the effect of the splice site variant using peripheral leukocytes. The X‐chromosome inactivation pattern was studied using the human androgen receptor assay.

Results

We identified a de novo splice site variant in SLC35A2 (NM_005660.2: c.274+1G>A) in a female patient who showed severe developmental delay, spastic paraplegia, mild cerebral atrophy, and delayed myelination on MRI, but no seizures. The variant led to an aberrant splicing resulting in an in‐frame 33‐bp insertion, which caused an 11‐amino acid insertion in the presumptive cytoplasmic loop. X‐inactivation pattern was random. Partial loss of galactose and sialic acid of the N‐linked glycans of serum transferrin was observed.

Conclusion

This case would expand the phenotypic spectrum of SLC35A2‐related disorders to delayed myelination with spasticity and no seizures.
Broadband substrate‐integrated waveguide venus‐shaped slot antenna for V‐band applications
Authors: Mungaru Nanda Kumar , Thangavelu Shanmugannatham
Published: June 2019

In this article, broadband substrate‐integrated waveguide (SIW) venus‐shaped slot antenna for V‐band applications was proposed. The size of the antenna is 13 × 9 × 0.381 mm and printed in a 5880 RT‐Duriod substrate with a dielectric constant of 2.2. The antenna is designed, simulated, tested, and validated in terms of reflection coefficient and voltage standing wave ratio. The impedance bandwidths of the simulated and measured results are 5.4 GHz (ranging from 57 GHz to 62.4 GHz) and 5.3 GHz (ranging from 57.15 GHz to 62.45 GHz) and also good bidirectional radiation patterns are obtained. Finally, the Resistor, Inductor, Capacitorleave (RLC) equivalent circuit model is introduced to match the reflection coefficient of an antenna, implemented with the help of MATLAB and validated.
Low profile high gain circular SIW antenna for L and S band applications
Authors: Navamani Preethi Elizabeth , Swaminathan Anand
Published: June 2019

In this article, a circular substrate integrated waveguide (CSIW) antenna is proposed. Conventional log‐periodic antenna offers unidirectional and bidirectional radiation patterns that are used in two‐way communications provide moderate gain. The proposed antenna has the advantages of high gain, compact size, low loss, easy to integrate the high frequency components, and it also operates at L band and S band frequencies. To improve the gain and radiation characteristics, circular SIW is introduced and integrated with log‐periodic antenna. The comparison between simulated and measured results shows that the proposed antenna used for wireless communications both in L (1‐2 GHz) and in S (2‐4 GHz) frequency bands. It provides the bandwidth of 9.1%, 10%, 21.6%, and 11.03% and also the realized gain of 6.62 dB, 15.8 dB, 3.9 dB, and 8.3 dB is obtained in 1.2 GHz, 1.6 GHz, 2.4 GHz, and 2.9 GHz, respectively.
Ignition and Combustion Behaviors of High Energetic Polyhedral Boron Cluster
Authors: Li Shengji , Pan Xinxin , Jiang Yukun , Chang Shuhang , Jin Xiao , Yang Yanjing , Huang Xuefeng , Guo Yanhui
Published: June 2019

Compounds containing [B10H10]2− cluster are promising candidates that can be used as high energetic fuels and burning rate modifiers for propellants. The ignition and combustion behaviors of [N(C2H5)4]2B10H10 were investigated using a laser ignition system in air. Results show that [N(C2H5)4]2B10H10 (∼2.0 mm) is ignited with a delay of around 350 ms and threshold ignition energy of 0.7 J at laser ignition power density of 1.14×107 W/m2. Furthermore, the combustion of [N(C2H5)4]2B10H10 in air is found to undergo three stages of decomposition, incomplete combustion of the volatile pyrolytic products, and ejection and combustion of the molten dehydrogenated framework, giving massive smoke and a characteristic pyrotechnic flame.
Group format rehabilitation is equally effective as individual therapy in patients with surgically repaired rotator cuff tears
Authors: Kang Mani , Bladon Jen , Sergio Lauren E.
Published: June 2019

Objective

Does group physiotherapy methods produce different results when compared with individual physiotherapy in persons with surgically repaired rotator cuff tears? No studies to date have examined the feasibility or effectiveness of such therapy formats. Given the prevalence of rotator cuff tears, a study examining group format therapy is warranted and can produce evidence to transform care for rotator cuff tear rehabilitation.

Methods

We analyzed the electronic medical records of persons that underwent rotator cuff repair surgery followed by the prescribedpost‐surgical physiotherapy at Southlake Regional Health Centre. Both groups were provided standard physiotherapy intervention protocol for post‐operative rotator cuff tear. Active range of motion (AROM), quick disabilities of the arm, shoulder and hand (Q‐DASH) measures, and efficiency measures were examined for differences between groups.

Results

No significant differences between AROM (abduction p = .92, lateral rotation p = .64, and flexion p = 1.00) and Q‐DASH (p = .62) measures between groups were observed at discharge. Overall, group therapy participants required a greater number of visits (p = .000); however, when separated by age groups, only the 60‐ to 69‐year‐old participants significantly differed in number of visits between groups (p = .000), whereas no difference was observed in the 50‐ to 59‐year‐old participants (p = .14).

Conclusion

Group format physiotherapy may be equally effective as individual formats in improving AROM and functional outcomes of participants with surgically repaired rotator cuff tears. Further research is needed to determine the optimal age range for group therapy interventions in this population.
Modified Superexchange Model for Electron Tunneling Across the Terminated Molecular Wire
Authors: Petrov Elmar G.
Published: June 2019

The modified superexchange model shows wide possibilities to clarify the mechanism of formation of a tunneling current through terminated molecular wire. The model has no inherent rigid restrictions of the standard superexchange model. This allows to obtain the analytical expressions for the analysis of the current–voltage characteristics of the wire, in which the voltage bias does not destroy the delocalzation of molecular orbitals belonging to the interior region of the wire. The conditions under which the modified superexchange model leads to the results that follow from the Simmons model of tunneling through a rectangular barrier, or the McConnell model of superexchange tunneling, are presented. The mechanism by which the wire's terminal units with the biased energies that do or do not resonate with the Fermi‐levels of the electrodes control the current, is clarified. Using an example of a molecular wire with a regular bridging alkane chain, it is shown that the model predicts current–voltage characteristics that are in good agreement with the experimental data on the attenuation of the tunneling current with an increase of the chain length.
The effect of Aronia consumption on lipid profile, blood pressure, and biomarkers of inflammation: A systematic review and meta‐analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Rahmani Jamal , Clark Cain , Kord Varkaneh Hamed , Lakiang Theophilus , Vasanthan Lenny T. , Onyeche Vincent , Mousavi Seyed Mohammad , Zhang Yong
Published: June 2019

Plant derivatives, such as anthocyanin‐rich phytochemicals, have been reported to elicit a positive effect on lipid profile. Therefore, the aim of this study was to systematically review and meta‐analyze the effects of Aronia consumption on lipid profiles, blood pressure, and biomarkers of inflammation in randomized controlled trials. A systematic search was performed in PubMed/MEDLINE, Cochrane, and SCOPUS up to December 2018. Seven studies were identified and analyzed in this meta‐analysis. Our study found a significant increase in high‐density lipoprotein (HDL; weighted mean difference [WMD]: 1.48 mg/dl, 95% confidence interval, CI, [1.29, 1.68]) and diastolic blood pressure (WMD: 2.55 mmHg, 95% CI [0.63, 4.47]) following Aronia consumption. There was no significant effect on systolic blood pressure and C‐reactive protein, tumor necrosis factor, and interleukin‐1. Furthermore, subgroup analysis showed that cholesterol (WMD: −7.18, 95% CI [−13.90, −0.46]) and low‐density lipoprotein (LDL; WMD: −5.84, 95% CI [−6.91, −4.77]) decreased more significantly in interventions less than 10 weeks in duration. Dose–response analysis demonstrated a significant reduction in triglyceride levels when dose of Aronia was increased to 300 mg/day. In conclusion, the results demonstrated a significant increase in HDL and reduction in total cholesterol and LDL among patients supplementing with Aronia.
Dependence modeling for multi‐type recurrent events via copulas
Authors: Lee Jooyoung , Cook Richard J.
Published: June 2019

When several types of recurrent events may arise, interest often lies in marginal modeling and studying the nature of the dependence structure. In this paper, we propose a multivariate mixed‐Poisson model with the dependence between events accommodated by type‐specific random effects which are associated through use of a Gaussian copula. Such models retain marginal features with a simple interpretation, reflect the heterogeneity in risk for each type of event, and provide insight into the dependence between the different types of events. Semiparametric inference is proposed based on composite likelihood to avoid high dimensional integration. An application to a study of nutritional supplements in malnourished children is given in which the goal is to evaluate the reduction in the rate of several different kinds of infection.
Base‐Promoted Isomerization of cis‐Lactam to trans‐Lactam of Asenapine and Optimization of Crystallization Process of Asenapine Maleate Salt: An Antipsychotic Drug
Authors: Vinigiri Krishna , Kammari Bal Raju , Rao P Narasimha , Kotu Girija Mangatayaru
Published: June 2019

We have described the development of commercially scalable synthetic process for Asenapine, an antipsychotic drug. This involved the isomerization of cis‐lactam compound 5 to required trans‐lactam compound 6 and followed by isolation without chromatographic technique. The isolation process was executed up to 10 kg batch scale and achieved with good yield and high purity of trans‐lactam compound 6. We have also developed a crystallization process to obtain the stable and pure microcrystalline monoclinic form of asenapine maleate even after micronization with desirable particle size, which was previously unpredictable from the reported crystallization process.
Ultrasound Assisted Solvent/Metal Free Synthesis of 3‐Sulfenylindoles Employing TBATB‐Grafted MCM‐48 as a suitable Heterogeneous Catalyst.
Authors: Hazarika Sukanya , Barman Pranjit
Published: June 2019

A one pot synthesis of 3‐sulfenylindoles in a solvent and metal free condition is reported here. The ultrasonic protocol markedly accelerates the reaction between substituted indoles and disulfides providing desired products in good to excellent yield. The ultrasonication produces local heating effect which is comparatively more advantageous than conventional heating. The method is catalyzed by TBATB impregnated MCM‐48 which is as a selective and efficient heterogeneous catalyst, also a source of molecular bromine which in presence of DMSO leads to C−S coupling. The salient feature of this protocol is easy recovery and reusability of the catalyst up to minimum five consecutive cycles. The easy and clean operation, short reaction time and high yield of desired outcomes make this method a practically applicable one.
Manganese Ferrite Nanoparticles Modified by Mo(VI) Complex: Highly Efficient Catalyst for Sulfides and Olefins Oxidation Under Solvent‐less Condition
Authors: Fakhimi Parisa , Bezaatpour Abolfazl , Amiri Mandana , Szunerits Sabine , Boukherroub Rabah , Eskandari Habibollah
Published: June 2019

In this research work, we report a new Mo(VI) Schiff base complex based on 1,3‐bis(4‐bromo‐2‐carboxyaldehyde phenoxy)propane, which was immobilized covalently on MnFe2O4 magnetic nanoparticles. The efficiency of the novel catalyst was investigated for the oxidation of olefins and organic sulfides. Under optimized conditions, the nanoparticle catalyst allowed selective epoxidation of cis‐cyclooctene, cyclohexene, and cis‐cyclodecane with 99% conversion in 10 min under solvent‐free condition with tert‐butyl hydroperoxide as oxidant. The catalyst also showed excellent ability for the oxidation of thioanisole, dimethyl sulfide and benzyl phenyl sulfide with a 99% conversion in 5 min and solvent‐less condition with H2O2 (30%) as oxidant. The recyclability of catalyst was also investigated in the oxidation of cyclooctene and methyl phenyl sulfide at least for 5 times.
Self‐Assembled Monolayer Stabilized Gold‐Vanadate Nanoflute for Water Splitting Reactions
Authors: Das Biraj , Sharma Mukesh , Hazarika Anil , Bania Kusum K.
Published: June 2019

Vanadium oxide (VOx) decorated with gold‐nanoparticles via self‐assembled monolayer approach is herein reported to be an efficient electrocatalyst for both oxygen and hydrogen evolution reactions (OER and HER) in alkali medium. The voids created in the nanoflute of gold‐vanadate were believed to be responsible for high mass transfer allowing the material to be highly applicable as a catalyst for water splitting and nitro‐arene reduction. The nanoflute exhibited high current density with low onset potential value in both OER and HER. The overpotential value at 10 mAcm−2 was observed to be 310 mV with onset potential of 1.43 V in case of OER while the overpotential value for HER was measured to be 282 mV. The nanocatalyst was found to be stable upto 10 h with minimal increment in the overpotential value. The Tafel plot value of 127 mVdec−1 in OER and 131 mVdec−1 in HER also signified for the high efficacy of the catalyst towards splitting of water molecules under high basic condition. The same material was also used as catalyst for reduction of various nitro‐arenes in isopropanol with 0.25 M KOH. The liberation of hydrogen via the oxidation of isopropanol was supposed to be responsible for reduction of nitro‐arenes. The ability of the catalyst to oxidize isopropanol was substantiated from electrochemical studies.
Connecting Practical Doings to Cultural Meanings: Exploring the Work of Moral Mediators in Human Service Organizations
Authors: Geiss Carley
Published: June 2019

This study illuminates the work of moral mediators, which I define as organizational actors who work to strategically monitor, maintain, and manage the moral identity of others. My layered, organizational, narrative analysis of the mentoring organization Big Brothers Big Sisters draws on two types of data: client stories featured on the national website and ten in‐depth interviews with case managers at a local agency. My analysis demonstrates how case managers employ an emotional labor technique of drama dilution, or work done to add ambiguity to public storytelling in ways that leave more space for variations of deservingness, success, and morality. This article emphasizes the paradoxical nature of public organizational narratives and highlights the need for continued exploration of day‐to‐day work in conjunction with organizational structure and cultural values and beliefs.
Sufficient conditions of collapse for dipolar Bose‐Einstein condensate
Authors: Xie Yingying , Mei Liquan , Zhu Shihui , Li Lingfei
Published: June 2019

This paper investigates dipolar Bose‐Einstein condensate modeled by the Gross‐Pitaevskii equation with harmonic confinement and dipolar interaction potential. With the help of a new estimate of the kinetic energy as well as a mechanical analogy, the known results of collapse[14] have been extended to a new ample condition for the existence of blowup solutions.
Wilderness Medical Society Clinical Practice Guidelines for the Prevention and Treatment of Acute Altitude Illness: 2019 Update
Authors: Luks Andrew M. , Auerbach Paul S. , Freer Luanne , Grissom Colin K. , Keyes Linda E. , McIntosh Scott E. , Rodway George W. , Schoene Robert B. , Zafren Ken , Hackett Peter H.
Published: June 2019

To provide guidance to clinicians about best preventive and therapeutic practices, the Wilderness Medical Society (WMS) convened an expert panel to develop evidence-based guidelines for prevention and treatment of acute mountain sickness, high altitude cerebral edema, and high altitude pulmonary edema. Recommendations are graded based on the quality of supporting evidence and the balance between the benefits and risks/burdens according to criteria put forth by the American College of Chest Physicians. The guidelines also provide suggested approaches to prevention and management of each form of acute altitude illness that incorporate these recommendations. This is an updated version of the original WMS Consensus Guidelines for the Prevention and Treatment of Acute Altitude Illness published in 2010 and subsequently updated as the WMS Practice Guidelines for the Prevention and Treatment of Acute Altitude Illness in 2014.
Voice Quality
Authors: Esling John H. , Moisik Scott R. , Benner Allison , Crevier-Buchman Lise
Published: June 2019

The first description of voice quality production in forty years, this book provides a new framework for its study: The Laryngeal Articulator Model. Informed by instrumental examinations of the laryngeal articulatory mechanism, it revises our understanding of articulatory postures to explain the actions, vibrations and resonances generated in the epilarynx and pharynx. It focuses on the long-term auditory-articulatory component of accent in the languages of the world, explaining how voice quality relates to segmental and syllabic sounds. Phonetic illustrations of phonation types and of laryngeal and oral vocal tract articulatory postures are provided. Extensive video and audio material is available on a companion website. The book presents computational simulations, the laryngeal and voice quality foundations of infant speech acquisition, speech/voice disorders and surgeries that entail compensatory laryngeal articulator adjustment, and an exploration of the role of voice quality in sound change and of the larynx in the evolution of speech.
Sensorium®: The Splash of Sensory Trademarks
Authors: Elliott Charlene
Published: June 2019

Sensory trademarks present a compelling case in which to explore the senses as “containers of possibility,” and this article explores the emergence and logic of sensory trademarks from a legal and marketers’ perspective. Using sensory trademark cases from the United States, I suggest that the current socio-legal environment opens a conversation about what I would call sensory capitalism—the monetization of the senses rather than the propertization of the senses—that requires intellectual property law to properly function. I argue that the sensory model espoused by the trademarking of the senses is one of the mass sensorium, whereby the “audience” universally recognizes marks as designating a particular source or origin of goods. The mass sensorium offers something quite novel, however, because embedded in it is the (corporate) promise of a lingua franca that valorizes all of the senses and generates a type of mediated affect that is shared.
Augmented, Hyper-mediated, IRL
Authors: Danis Annie
Published: June 2019

In this article, I explore how digital data collection in the context of the Berkeley-Abiquiú Collaborative Archaeology (BACA) project works, some of the affordances of this new-ish technology, and how they articulate with analogue art practices to achieve the goals of engaged research. Thinking with affordances helps me reflect critically on what digital data recording offers our research goals. In this case, the most important aspect of using digital data recording is how it changes our relationship to time. New orientations of research time created by such technology is an opportunity to engage creatively with how archaeology can represent complexity, produce embodied experience, and share senses of place through both digital and analogue practices. As archaeologists trying to think trans-humanistically, we need to reflect critically on digital technologies to produce engaged research. This is always a shifting target. New uses reveal new possibilities, and vice versa. But newness is not what makes an impact, a difference, or changes the way we do research together; what makes a difference is the result, effects, and affects of these affordances.
The Functions of Law and their Challenges: The Differentiated Functionality of International Law
Authors: Burchardt Dana
Published: June 2019

This Article illustrates the functional and conceptual variances of law in different contexts. Whereas legal actors on the international level might normatively aim for law to have a similar effect to that of domestic law, the way in which international and supranational law can fulfill these potential functions is different. Accordingly, this Article argues that an awareness of the particularities and challenges that the potential functions of law encounter in the international and supranational context is needed. Moreover, it suggests an analytical lens to conceptually frame and locate current developments, offering a broader perspective on—or even an element of explication for—the apparent crisis that law is currently facing on the international and supranational scale. After describing the potential functions of law on an abstract scale and grouping them into analytical categories, the Article uses these categories as a lens in order to assess in which way international law can fulfill these potential functions, where priorities regarding certain functions might differ, and where some aspects of these functions are challenged when law is made and applied in the international and supranational sphere.
A brief tobacco dependence intervention for people living with HIV in Nepal: results of a quasi-experimental study
Authors: Poudel Krishna C. , Poudel-Tandukar Kalpana , Pandey Basu Dev , Letson Erica , Palmer Paula H.
Published: June 2019

Introduction

There is evidence of increased morbidity, decreased quality of life, and premature mortality in people living with HIV (PLHIV) who smoke tobacco compared to PLHIV who do not smoke tobacco. Evidence-based screening for tobacco dependence, pharmacological treatment, and treatment monitoring and education into relapse prevention are not readily available in low- and middle-income countries (LMIC). We evaluated the effects of a brief tobacco dependence intervention in improving knowledge on the health effects of smoking and intention to quit smoking in PLHIV in Nepal, a low-income country in south Asia.

Methods

Using a quasi-experimental design, we assigned 59 smokers to participate in the intervention and 67 in the control group. The 1.5 h smoking cessation intervention emphasized harms of smoking, reasons for smoking and quitting, causes of relapse in previous quit attempts, and quitting strategies. We collected data at baseline and immediately post-intervention.

Results

Findings indicate that a brief smoking cessation intervention produced a significant increase in smoking-related knowledge and intention to quit among PLHIV. The positive effects of our intervention remained significant after adjusting for potential confounders.

Conclusions

Our brief tobacco dependence intervention was effective in improving knowledge on the health effects of smoking and intention to quit among PLHIV. Further studies are required to evaluate the effectiveness of our intervention in increasing smoking cessation among PLHIV in LMIC.
Molecular evolution in immune genes across the avian tree of life
Authors: Outlaw Diana C. , Walstrom V. Woody , Bodden Haley N. , Hsu Chuan-yu , Arick Mark , Peterson Daniel G.
Published: June 2019

All organisms encounter pathogens, and birds are especially susceptible to infection by malaria parasites and other haemosporidians. It is important to understand how immune genes, primarily innate immune genes which are the first line of host defense, have evolved across birds, a highly diverse group of tetrapods. Here, we find that innate immune genes are highly conserved across the avian tree of life and that although most show evidence of positive or diversifying selection within specific lineages or clades, the number of sites is often proportionally low in this broader context of putative constraint. Rather, evidence shows a much higher level of negative or purifying selection in these innate immune genes – rather than adaptive immune genes – which is consistent with birds' long coevolutionary history with pathogens and the need to maintain a rapid response to infection. We further explored avian responses to haemosporidians by comparing differential gene expression in wild birds (1) uninfected with haemosporidians, (2) infected withPlasmodiumand (3) infected withHaemoproteus(Parahaemoproteus). We found patterns of significant differential expression with some genes unique to infection with each genus and a few shared between ‘treatment’ groups, but none that overlapped with the genes included in the phylogenetic study.
The Fingerprints of Fraud: Evidence from Mexico’s 1988 Presidential Election
Authors: CANTÚ FRANCISCO
Published: June 2019

This paper investigates the opportunities for non-democratic regimes to rely on fraud by documenting the alteration of vote tallies during the 1988 presidential election in Mexico. In particular, I study how the alteration of vote returns came after an electoral reform that centralized the vote-counting process. Using an original image database of the vote-tally sheets for that election and applying Convolutional Neural Networks (CNN) to analyze the sheets, I find evidence of blatant alterations in about a third of the tallies in the country. This empirical analysis shows that altered tallies were more prevalent in polling stations where the opposition was not present and in states controlled by governors with grassroots experience of managing the electoral operation. This research has implications for understanding the ways in which autocrats control elections as well as for introducing a new methodology to audit the integrity of vote tallies.