bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Copper‐Catalyzed Enantioselective Formation of C−CF3 Centers from β‐CF3‐Substituted Acrylates and Acrylonitriles
Authors: Poutrel Pauline , Ivanova Maria V. , Pannecoucke Xavier , Jubault Philippe , Poisson Thomas
Published: September 2019

The catalytic asymmetric synthesis of β‐trifluoromethylated esters or nitriles is reported. The use of an in situ formed chiral Cu−H complex allowed the enantioselective reduction of β‐trifluoromethylated acrylates or acrylonitriles. The reaction proceeds smoothly affording the corresponding enantioenriched products in good to excellent yields and outstanding enantioselectivities (up to 98 % ee). The mechanism of the reaction was studied, and a plausible reaction pathway was suggested accordingly. Finally, the versatility of the products was highlighted through functional group manipulations.
Isolation and Immunofluorescent Staining of Fresh Rat Pia–Arachnoid Complex Tissue for Micromechanical Characterization
Authors: Suar Zeynep M. , Fabris Gloria , Kurt Mehmet
Published: September 2019

In this article, we describe a protocol for the isolation and staining of fresh tissue of the inner rat meningeal layers, or pia–arachnoid complex (PAC). The PAC is believed to act as a mechanical damper offering a fundamental layer of protection against brain injury; however, its overall mechanical properties are still rather unexplored. In order to perform micromechanical measurements on the PAC, the tissue must be extracted and characterized while maintaining its native mechanical properties (i.e., avoiding any chemical or physical modification that could alter it). In light of this need, we developed a protocol for the immunofluorescent staining of fresh PAC tissue that does not require any fixation or permeabilization step. This approach will allow researchers to investigate important properties of the anatomy of ex vivo PAC tissue while at the same time offering a platform for the mechanical analysis of this complex material. © 2019 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

Basic Protocol 1: Isolation of fresh rat pia–arachnoid complex tissue

Basic Protocol 2: Fresh immunofluorescent staining of rat pia–arachnoid complex tissue

Alternate Protocol: Adhesion of pia–arachnoid complex tissue to glass slides for micromechanical characterization
Preparation of Primary Rat Hepatocyte Spheroids Utilizing the Liquid‐Overlay Technique
Authors: Kyffin Jonathan A. , Cox Christopher R. , Leedale Joseph , Colley Helen E. , Murdoch Craig , Mistry Pratibha , Webb Steven D. , Sharma Parveen
Published: September 2019

Herein, we describe a protocol for the preparation and analysis of primary isolated rat hepatocytes in a 3D cell culture format described as spheroids. The hepatocyte cells spontaneously self‐aggregate into spheroids without the need for synthetic extracellular matrices or hydrogels. Primary rat hepatocytes (PRHs) are a readily available source of primary differentiated liver cells and therefore conserve many of the required liver‐specific functional markers, and elicit the natural in vivo phenotype when compared with common hepatic cells lines. We describe the liquid‐overlay technique which provides an ultra‐low attachment surface on which PRHs can be cultured as spheroids. © 2019 The Authors.

Basic Protocol 1: Preparation of agarose‐coated plates

Basic Protocol 2: Primary rat hepatocyte isolation procedure

Basic Protocol 3: Primary rat hepatocyte spheroid culture

Basic Protocol 4: Immunofluorescent analysis of PRH spheroids
Energy efficient bidirectional relay network with spatial modulation
Authors: Ravindran Unnithan Jalaja Renjith , Periakarupan Gurusamy Sivabalan Velmurugan , Sundarrajan Jayaraman Thiruvengadam
Published: September 2019

Spatial modulation is a potential candidate for 5G wireless communication systems that provides high spectral efficiency with high reliability and low complexity. Spatial modulation conveys information in the index of transmitting antenna along with conventional modulation scheme. Also, energy efficiency communication plays a vital role in 5G wireless communication. In this article, energy efficiency and spectral efficiency are focused on a bidirectional relay network. In the proposed bidirectional relay network, the energy consumption burden at the relay node is reduced by placing a power splitter that coordinates the energy harvesting and information processing at the relay node. Spatial modulation is employed at all nodes to reduce the effect of interchannel interference and synchronization problem in the receiver. The combined effect of spatial modulation in all nodes and energy harvest at the relay node are analyzed in the bidirectional relay network. The end‐to‐end outage probability expression for the bidirectional relay network is derived in terms of power splitting factor at relay node. Analytical simulation results have been verified by Monte‐Carlo simulations. The overall performance of the proposed system is compared with an existing literature and found that the proposed system is having better spectral efficiency and energy harvesting.
Which spatial arrangement of green manure is able to reduce herbivory and invasion of exotic grasses in native species?
Authors: Reis Letícia Koutchin , Guerra Angélica , Colado Maria Luciana Zequim , Borges Felipe Luís Gomes , Oliveira Maxwell da Rosa , Gondim Evânia Xavier , Sinani Thomaz Ricardo Favreto , Guerin Natalia , Garcia Letícia Couto
Published: September 2019

The practice of using green manure for ecological restoration has grown so significantly that there is a shortage of seeds for purchase on the market. Nonetheless, there is very little literature available demonstrating the effects and benefits commonly cited for green manure for addressing important environmental filters, such as herbivory and invasive grasses. Our objective is to determine which spatial sowing arrangement including green manure promotes the lowest rates of herbivory on native species and decreases cover by invasive grasses in ecological restoration. We experimentally tested three sowing configurations of green manure intercropping with native species: T1 the lowest herbivoy rate for both native and green manure, mixture of native and green manure species in the same row, T2, alternating rows of green manure and native species, and T3, rows of native species intercropped with a 2 m wide strip of green manure. We found that (1) green manure species experience greater damage from herbivory than do native species, with average values ranging from 1.8 times higher values in green manure than natives in T1, 2.9 times in T2, and 2.7 times in T3 (when sown in rows and in broader strips, green manure and native species attract more herbivorous insects than if they were sown together [muvuca]); and (2) when green manure and native species are planted mixed in the same row they produce greater soil cover, and thus limit invasion by undesired species. The use of green manure has been identified as an alternative method for overcoming the environmental filters of herbivory and invasive grasses in restoration areas. Considering the demand for information that supports the use of green manure for purposes of ecological restoration, the novel results of the present study fill a void and should prove to be of great interest to researchers and practitioners. In addition, the presented results provide information on efficient and low‐cost restoration techniques that are necessary for the activity to gain scale, enabling countries to meet the large restoration targets.
Limitations to recovery following wildfire in dry forests of southern Colorado and northern New Mexico, USA
Authors: Rodman Kyle C. , Veblen Thomas T. , Chapman Teresa B. , Rother Monica T. , Wion Andreas P. , Redmond Miranda D.
Published: September 2019

Climate warming is contributing to increases in wildfire activity throughout the western United States, leading to potentially long‐lasting shifts in vegetation. The response of forest ecosystems to wildfire is thus a crucial indicator of future vegetation trajectories, and these responses are contingent upon factors such as seed availability, interannual climate variability, average climate, and other components of the physical environment. To better understand variation in resilience to wildfire across vulnerable dry forests, we surveyed conifer seedling densities in 15 recent (1988–2010) wildfires and characterized temporal variation in seed cone production and seedling establishment. We then predicted postfire seedling densities at a 30‐m resolution within each fire perimeter using downscaled climate data, monthly water balance models, and maps of surviving forest cover. Widespread ponderosa pine (Pinus ponderosa) seed cone production occurred at least twice following each fire surveyed, and pulses of conifer seedling establishment coincided with years of above‐average moisture availability. Ponderosa pine and Douglas‐fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii) seedling densities were higher on more mesic sites and adjacent to surviving trees, though there were also important interspecific differences, likely attributable to drought and shade tolerance. We estimated that postfire seedling densities in 42% (for ponderosa pine) and 69% (for Douglas‐fir) of the total burned area were below the lowest reported historical tree densities in these forests. Spatial models demonstrated that an absence of mature conifers (particularly in the interior of large, high‐severity patches) limited seedling densities in many areas, but 30‐yr average actual evapotranspiration and climatic water deficit limited densities on marginal sites. A better understanding of the limitations to postfire forest recovery will refine models of vegetation dynamics and will help to improve strategies of adaptation to a warming climate and shifting fire activity.
Temperature amplifies the effect of high CO2 on the photosynthesis, respiration, and calcification of the coralline algae Phymatolithon lusitanicum
Authors: Sordo Laura , Santos Rui , Barrote Isabel , Silva João
Published: September 2019

The combination of ocean acidification (OA) and global warming is expected to have a significant effect on the diversity and functioning of marine ecosystems, particularly on calcifying algae such as rhodoliths (maërl) that form extensive beds worldwide, from polar to tropical regions. In addition, the increasing frequency of extreme events, such as heat waves, threatens coastal ecosystems and may affect their capacity to fix blue carbon. The few studies where the simultaneous effects of both temperature and CO2 were investigated have revealed contradictory results. To assess the effect that high temperature spells can have on the maërl beds under OA, we tested the short‐time effects of temperature and CO2 on the net photosynthesis, respiration, and calcification of the recently described species Phymatolithon lusitanicum, the most common maërl species of southern Portugal. Photosynthesis, calcification, and respiration increased with temperature, and the differences among treatments were enhanced under high CO2. We found that in the short term, the metabolic rates of Phymatolithon lusitanicum will increase with CO2 and temperature as will the coupling between calcification and photosynthesis. However, under high CO2, this coupling will favor photosynthesis over calcification, which, in the long term, can have a negative effect on the blue carbon fixing capacity of the maërl beds from southern Portugal.
Chemical Characterization of Virgin Almond and Hazelnut Oils and Their By‐Products
Authors: Ojeda‐Amador Rosa M. , Fregapane Giuseppe , Salvador María Desamparados
Published: September 2019

Various cultivars of almonds (“Ferragnes,” “Guara,” “Largueta,” and “Marcona”) and hazelnuts (“Negret,” “Pauetet,” and “Tonda”), particularly their virgin oils and by‐products, are evaluated in this study. The almond and hazelnut virgin oils present high contents of oleic acid (59–73% and 76–80%, respectively) and α‐tocopherol (420–542 and 310–378 mg kg–1, respectively), as compared with other virgin vegetable oils. Aldehydes are the major contributors to their aromatic profile (54–74% almond oil and 30–40% hazelnut oil of total content), especially, benzaldehyde in almond oils (1.35–7.52 mg kg–1), and hexanal in hazelnut oils (0.99–1.27 mg kg–1). Statistical differences exist between the virgin almond and hazelnut oils and their varieties, for most of the chemical compounds studied. While all the nut varieties are high in polar phenolic compounds, “Ferragnes” almonds (1262 mg kg–1) and “Negret” hazelnuts (1720 mg kg–1) stand out. Accordingly, high antioxidant activity is also observed. Finally, the residual cakes may be considered a good source of polar phenolic compounds (823–2064 mg kg–1 almond cakes, 2261–4179 mg kg–1 hazelnut cakes), possessing high antioxidant capacity with potential applications of these by‐products as functional ingredients in food and non‐food formulations.

Practical Applications: Virgin nut oils are gaining consumers’ preference due to their unique organoleptic attributes and potential health effects. It is therefore very relevant to establish their specific chemical composition, directly related to their properties, and that are greatly affected by the cultivar.
An improved user authentication protocol for wireless sensor networks
Authors: Kaur Damandeep , Kumar Devender , Saini Khushil Kumar , Grover Harmanpreet Singh
Published: September 2019

Wireless sensor networks (WSNs) have its applications in many domains such as agriculture, medicine, safety, and industry. Due to its wireless channel, it is vulnerable to many security threats. To provide end‐to‐end secure communication, various authentication and key agreement protocols have been discussed. Recently, Li et al have designed a mutual authentication and key agreement protocol for WSNs. However, it is found that this scheme does not resist to offline password guessing, device stolen, insider, and replay attacks besides user traceability problem. In this paper, a mutual authentication and key agreement protocol by overcoming the deficiencies of their scheme is proposed. Its formal security verification is shown using ProVerif tool. Its performance analysis is presented in terms of communication cost, computational cost, storage cost, and security features along with the other related schemes. It offers more security features than the other related schemes.
Effect of superfine grinding on the physicochemical properties of bulbs of Fritillaria unibracteata Hsiao et K.C. Hsia powder
Authors: Li Cai‐xia , Liu Ying‐ying , Feng Hai‐sheng , Ma Shi‐zhen
Published: September 2019

This work aimed to determine the influence of superfine grinding on the physicochemical properties of bulbs of Fritillaria unibracteata Hsiao et K.C. Hsia (BFU) powder. For this purpose, fine powder (FP) and two superfine powders (SPs) were obtained via superfine and conventional grinding methods. The properties of different powders were studied and compared. Compared with FP, SPs exhibited higher values in terms of the angle of repose, swelling capacity, ethanol extraction yield, total alkaloid content, and imperialine content, while lower values in terms of particle size and bulk density. Especially, the total alkaloid content of SP‐I increased by 66.7%. Proper grinding is more conducive to reduce particle size and improve alkaloid content. FTIR analysis indicates that no new functional groups produced after superfine grinding. XRD analysis suggests that grinding treatment lead to decreases in the crystallinity. Therefore, superfine grinding displays immense potential in the BFU application.
Numerical analysis of CO2 hydrate growth in a depleted natural gas hydrate formation with free water
Authors: Ahmad Sheraz , Li Yiming , Li Xiangfang , Xia Wei , Chen Zeen , Ullah Naeem
Published: September 2019

A dynamically coupled mass, momentum, and heat transfer model was developed, which demonstrated the unstable behavior of CO2 movement inside porous sediment during high pressure injection and its transformation into solid hydrates. The presented mathematical model was solved using the implicit finite difference method, and through ordering the set of model equations, a complex integrated methodology could be established to analyze the CO2 hydrate nucleation procedure within P‐T equilibrium conditions. The results showed that the intrinsic permeability factor of the porous sediment had great influence on the pressure distribution. At 10−13 m2 intrinsic permeability, the formation pressure distribution became stable at an early stage of the hydrate growth process and remained stable afterwards. The overall hydrate covered length was 320 m due to the massive hydrate growth rate. When intrinsic permeability was reduced to 10−14 m2, it showed delay in pressure distribution and the overall hydrate covered length shifts to up to 310 m due to the delay in pressure distribution. Whereas at a 10−15 m2 intrinsic permeability factor, there was significant delay in pressure distribution so the injection pressure was not fully distributed even after 30 days of the induction process, which squeezed the hydrate covered length to 130 m. This pressure distribution had direct correlation with other parameter variations during the hydrate growth process, such as temperature distribution, hydrate growth rate, CO2 velocity, CO2 density, CO2 and H2O saturation, CO2 permeability, and interface boundary movement speed. Hence, the pressure distribution inside hydrate‐bearing sediment is the most dominant factor to enhance CO2 storage capacity but it does not give satisfactory results in extended formations. © 2019 The Authors. Greenhouse Gases: Science and Technology published by Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Functional connectivity reveals dissociable ventrolateral prefrontal mechanisms for the control of multilingual word retrieval
Authors: Branzi Francesca M. , Martin Clara D. , Carreiras Manuel , Paz‐Alonso Pedro M.
Published: September 2019

This functional magnetic resonance imaging study established that different portions of the ventrolateral prefrontal cortex (vlPFC) support reactive and proactive language control processes during multilingual word retrieval. The study also examined whether proactive language control consists in the suppression of the nontarget lexicon. Healthy multilingual volunteers participated in a task that required them to name pictures alternately in their dominant and less‐dominant languages. Two crucial variables were manipulated: the cue‐target interval (CTI) to either engage (long CTI) or prevent (short CTI) proactive control processes, and the cognate status of the to‐be‐named pictures (noncognates vs. cognates) to capture selective pre‐activation of the target language. The results of the functional connectivity analysis showed a clear segregation between functional networks related to mid‐vlPFC and anterior vlPFC during multilingual language production. Furthermore, the results revealed that multilinguals engage in proactive control to prepare the target language. This proactive modulation, enacted by anterior vlPFC, is achieved by boosting the activation of lexical representations in the target language. Finally, control processes supported by both mid‐vlPFC and the left inferior parietal lobe, were similarly engaged by reactive and proactive control, possibly exerted on phonological representations to reduce cross‐language interference.
Layer‐by‐layer films based on catechol‐modified polysaccharides produced by dip‐ and spin‐coating onto different substrates
Authors: Almeida Ana C. , Vale Ana C. , Pires Ricardo A. , Reis Rui L. , Alves Natália M.
Published: September 2019

Layer‐by‐layer films based on chitosan and hyaluronic acid were produced by dip‐ and spin‐coating techniques onto glass, 316L stainless steel and titanium. These natural polymers were modified with catechol groups, in order to build coatings with improved adhesive properties. Polymeric coatings were exclusively composed by both modified polymers whereas the multifunctional coatings combined an inorganic phase of bioactive glass nanoparticles with the polymeric layers to confer bioactivity. Ultraviolet–visible spectroscopy demonstrated that both polymers were successfully synthesized. Fourier transform infrared imaging was used as an innovative way to analyze the layer interdiffusion in these coatings. Their morphology was analyzed by scanning electron microscopy and atomic force microscopy, and their wettability was evaluated by water contact angle measurements. Major differences were found in the structure and surface properties of the coatings assembled either by dip‐ or spin‐coating. The spin‐coated films onto glass were smoother, with a more homogeneous structure and lower interdiffusion of polyelectrolytes layers, when compared with the dip‐coated ones. Furthermore, it was concluded that the intrinsic surface roughness of stainless steel and titanium substrates had great influence on the surface morphology and wettability of the coatings obtained from both layer‐by‐layer methodologies.
Doxorubicin‐induced senescence through NF‐κB affected by the age of mouse mesenchymal stem cells
Authors: Bashiri Dezfouli Ali , Salar‐Amoli Jamileh , Pourfathollah Ali Akbar , Yazdi Mina , Nikougoftar‐Zarif Mahin , Khosravi Mohammad , Hassan Jalal
Published: September 2019

The senescence is proposed as a defense mechanism against many anticancer drugs. This complication is marked by differences in cell appearance and inner structures underlying the impairment in function. In this experiment, doxorubicin‐induced senescence was assessed in mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) isolated from the bone marrow of different‐aged Balb/c mice (1, 8, and 16 months old). In addition, doxorubicin kinetics in culture medium were investigated to compare the drug absorption rate by different‐aged MSCs. Several methods were exerted including Sandwich ELISA for NF‐κB activation, propidium iodide staining for cell cycle analysis, Flow‐fluorescent in‐situ hybridization (Flow‐FISH) assay for telomere length measurement, and specific staining for evaluation of β‐galactosidase. Determination of doxorubicin in a medium was performed by high‐performance liquid chromatography technique. Following doxorubicin exposure, cells underwent substantial telomere shortening, cell cycle arresting in G2 phase, and increased β‐galactosidase activity. Interestingly, the enhanced level of NF‐κB was observed in all age groups. The highest and lowest sensitivity to telomere shortening attributed to 1‐ and 8‐month‐old MSCs, respectively. In consistent with Flow‐FISH results, the β‐galactosidase activity was higher in young‐aged MSCs after treatment. Statistical analysis indicated a correlation between the reduction of telomere length and cessation in G2 phase. Regarding the obtained kinetics equations, the rate of doxorubicin absorption by all aged MSCs followed the same trend. In conclusion, the changing of some elements involved in doxorubicin‐induced senescence can be affected by the age of the cells significantly in young MSCs than two other age groups. Hereupon, these changing patterns can open new insights to develop anticancer therapeutic strategies.
Phantom validation of quantitative susceptibility and dynamic contrast‐enhanced permeability MR sequences across instruments and sites
Authors: Hobson Nicholas , Polster Sean P. , Cao Ying , Flemming Kelly , Shu Yunhong , Huston John , Gerrard Chandra Y. , Selwyn Reed , Mabray Marc , Zafar Atif , Girard Romuald , Carrión‐Penagos Julián , Chen Yu Fen , Parrish Todd , Zhou Xiaohong Joe , Koenig James I. , Shenkar Robert , Stadnik Agnieszka , Koskimäki Janne , Dimov Alexey , Turley Dallas , Carroll Timothy , Awad Issam A.
Published: September 2019

Background

Quantitative susceptibility mapping (QSM) and dynamic contrast‐enhanced quantitative permeability (DCEQP) on magnetic resonance (MR) have been shown to correlate with neurovascular disease progression as markers of vascular leakage and hemosiderin deposition. Applying these techniques as monitoring biomarkers in clinical trials will be necessary; however, their validation across multiple MR platforms and institutions has not been rigorously verified.

Purpose

To validate quantitative measurement of MR biomarkers on multiple instruments at different institutions.

Study Type

Phantom validation between platforms and institutions.

Phantom Model

T1/susceptibility phantom, two‐compartment dynamic flow phantom.

Field Strength/Sequence

3T/QSM, T1 mapping, dynamic 2D SPGR.

Assessment

Philips Ingenia, Siemens Prisma, and Siemens Skyra at three different institutions were assessed. A QSM phantom with concentrations of gadolinium, corresponding to magnetic susceptibilities of 0, 0.1, 0.2, 0.4, and 0.8 ppm was assayed. DCEQP was assessed by measuring a MultiHance bolus as the consistency of the width ratio of the curves at the input and outputs over a range of flow ratios between outputs.

Statistical Tests

Each biomarker was assessed by measures of accuracy (Pearson correlation), precision (paired t‐test between repeated measurements), and reproducibility (analysis of covariance [ANCOVA] between instruments).

Results

QSM accuracy of r2 > 0.997 on all three platforms was measured. Precision (P = 0.66 Achieva, P = 0.76 Prisma, P = 0.69 Skyra) and reproducibility (P = 0.89) were good. T1 mapping of accuracy was r2 > 0.98. No significant difference between width ratio regression slopes at site 2 (P = 0.669) or site 3 (P = 0.305), and no significant difference between width ratio regression slopes between sites was detected by ANCOVA (P = 0.48).

Data Conclusion

The phantom performed as expected and determined that MR measures of QSM and DCEQP are accurate and consistent across repeated measurements and between platforms.

Level of Evidence: 1

Technical Efficacy Stage: 2

J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2020;51:1192–1199.
Safety and Efficacy of MRI Scans in Patients With Implanted Microvascular Coupling Devices
Authors: Phalke Neelam , Thomas W. Walsh , Azzi James , Li Ryan J. , Petrisor Daniel , Wax Mark K.
Published: September 2019

Objective

To demonstrate the safety and compatibility of microvascular couplers in patients undergoing postoperative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans.

Study Design

Retrospective case series.

Methods

A consecutive review of 1,252 patients undergoing free tissue transfer for head and neck reconstruction at Oregon Health and Sciences University (OHSU) between 2010 and 2017 who had microvascular coupler Synovis, Baxter Deerfield, IL (Synovis Life Technologies, Saint Paul, MN) implantation were reviewed. One hundred fifteen patients had a subsequent MRI scan, which consisted of a variety of Phillips (Amsterdam, Netherlands) MRI machines ranging from 1.0 to 3.0 Tesla (T) in magnetic strength.

Results

These 115 patients underwent 121 free flaps with 131 couplers (including 32 flow couplers) utilized for venous anastomoses. Couplers ranged in size from 1.5 to 4.0 mm (3.0 mm [42%] followed by 3.5 mm [21%], 2.5 mm [19%], 2.0 mm [10%], 4.0 mm [6%], and 1.5 mm [2%]. Three hundred fifty‐nine MRI scans (2 days to 91 months postoperatively) were obtained with 233 MRIs for cancer surveillance, and the remaining were obtained for neurologic disease, injury, or evaluation for metastases. No complications occurred related to the MRI and the metallic components of the coupler or other metal implants, such as reconstruction bars, vascular clips, or metallic surgical mesh. Additionally, no radiology report commented on MRI distortion due to the coupler placement, which contrasts the distortion seen with the other metallic implants.

Conclusion

Microvascular couplers and their constitutive stainless‐steel pins have not been found to cause any complications in a large series of consecutive patients undergoing multiple MRIs with magnetic strength up to 3 T. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration advocates medical alert notification for patients with couplers; however, hesitation regarding potential MRI scanning for surveillance or otherwise is unwarranted.

Level of Evidence

4 Laryngoscope, 130:1428–1430, 2020
Examining the Reserve Hypothesis in Parkinson's Disease: A Longitudinal Study
Authors: Lee Pei‐Chen , Artaud Fanny , Cormier‐Dequaire Florence , Rascol Olivier , Durif Franck , Derkinderen Pascal , Marques Ana‐Raquel , Bourdain Frédéric , Brandel Jean‐Philippe , Pico Fernando , Lacomblez Lucette , Bonnet Cecilia , Brefel‐Courbon Christine , Ory‐Magne Fabienne , Grabli David , Klebe Stephan , Mangone Graziella , You Hana , Mesnage Valérie , Brice Alexis , Vidailhet Marie , Corvol Jean‐Christophe , Elbaz Alexis ,   for the DIGPD Study Group
Published: September 2019

Background

Whether reserve plays a role in Parkinson's disease (PD) patients has received less attention than in dementia and has been mainly examined in relation with cognitive function.

Objective

To investigate whether reserve plays a role in the severity and progression of motor, cognitive, and nonmotor PD symptoms by examining whether education level (proxy of reserve) is associated with baseline performance and rate of progression.

Methods

We used data from a longitudinal cohort of PD patients (≤5‐year disease duration at baseline) annually followed up to 5 years (n = 393; 41% women; mean age = 62.3 years, standard deviation = 10.0; mean disease duration = 2.6 years, standard deviation = 1.5). We examined the relationship of education with time to reach Hoehn and Yahr stage ≥3 using Cox regression and with baseline severity and progression of motor (Movement Disorder Society–Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale parts II and III, gait speed), cognitive (Mini‐Mental State Examination), and nonmotor (depression, anxiety, nonmotor symptoms scale, quality of life) symptoms using mixed models.

Results

Education level was not associated with age at onset or diagnosis. Compared with the low‐education group, the incidence of Hoehn and Yahr ≥3.0 was 0.42 times lower (95% confidence interval, 0.22–0.82, P = 0.012) in the high‐education group. Higher education was associated with better baseline motor function (P < 0.001), but not with the rate of motor decline (P > 0.15). Similar results were observed for cognition. Education was not associated with nonmotor symptoms.

Conclusions

Higher education is associated with better baseline motor/cognitive function in PD, but not with rate of decline, and with a lower risk of reaching Hoehn and Yahr ≥3 during the follow‐up. Our observations are consistent with a passive reserve hypothesis for motor/cognitive symptoms. © 2019 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
Policy Challenges Relating to Integrated Pest Management of Freshwater Aquatic Invasive Animals
Authors: Hoff Michael H. , Irons Kevin S. , Forester Jeffery E.
Published: September 2019

Implementing integrated pest management (IPM) approaches to prevent invasion, contain and control established freshwater aquatic invasive animals (AIAs), and mitigate the impacts of those species has been limited, in part, because of policy-related challenges. Scientific tools are being developed and tested that are designed to enhance IPM effectiveness and efficiency for managing AIAs. However, policy challenges may limit the near-term use of IPM at the international and U.S. national, regional, state, and local levels. Policy challenges include unmet needs for authorities, governance, environmental compliance, funding, and decision support. Policy challenges can be addressed by improvements in legislative authorities, establishing needed governance, proactively meeting environmental compliance requirements, and funding IPM for species commensurate with benefits of programs in comparison with present and projected ecological, social, and economic impacts. Decision support tools are needed to evaluate which species, invasional stages, IPM program elements, and locations are priorities for allocating scarce resources and for justifying additional resources. Addressing those challenges could be either comprehensive and holistic (e.g., all freshwater aquatic animals in the USA) or species/taxon/geographically specific (e.g., Sea Lamprey Petromyzon marinus in the Great Lakes).
A case example of one state's efforts to measure and address the critical shortage of school psychologists
Authors: Mann Angela , Castillo Jose , Myers Mary Alice
Published: September 2019

Despite persistent calls for school psychologists to provide comprehensive and integrated services, school psychologists may have difficulty providing these services because of critical shortages in the profession. This practical action research study involved surveying district supervisors of school psychologists and training program directors in the state to identify the current and projected shortages in Florida. This multimethod, multi‐informant case example also focused on facilitators of and barriers to addressing the critical shortage. How the data have been used to inform recruitment, retention, and advocacy efforts to identify school psychology as a critical shortage legislatively are provided as well as recommendations for future research.
The calcium‐sensing receptor: A novel target for treatment and prophylaxis of neratinib‐induced diarrhea
Authors: Lysyy Taras , Lalani Alshad S. , Olek Elizabeth A. , Diala Irmina , Geibel John P.
Published: September 2019

Diarrhea is one of the most commonly reported adverse effect of hemotherapy and targeted cancer therapies, such as tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKI), which often significantly impact patient quality of life, morbidity, and mortality. Neratinib is an oral, irreversible pan‐HER tyrosine kinase inhibitor, which is clinically active in HER2‐positive breast cancer. Diarrhea is the most common side effect of this potent anticancer drug and the reasons for this adverse effect are still largely unclear. We have recently shown that activation of the calcium‐sensing Receptor (CaSR) can inhibit secretagogue‐induced diarrhea in the colon, therefore we hypothesized that CaSR activation may also mitigate neratinib‐induced diarrhea. Using an established ex vivo model of isolated intestinal segments, we investigated neratinib‐induced fluid secretion and the ability of CaSR activation to abate the secretion. In our study, individual segments of the rat intestine (proximal, middle, distal small intestine, and colon) were procured and perfused intraluminally with various concentrations of neratinib (10, 50, 100 nmol L−1). In a second set of comparison experiments, intraluminal calcium concentration was modulated (from 1.0 to 5.0 or 7.0 mmol L−1), both pre‐ and during neratinib exposure. In a separate series of experiments R‐568, a known calcimimetic was used CaSR activation and effect was compared to elevated Ca2+ concentration (5.0 and 7.0 mmol L−1). As a result, CaSR activation with elevated Ca2+ concentration (5.0 and 7.0 mmol L−1) or R‐568 markedly reduced neratinib‐induced fluid secretion in a dose‐dependent manner. Pre‐exposure to elevated luminal calcium solutions (5.0 and 7.0 mmol L−1) also prevented neratinib‐induced fluid secretion. In conclusion, exposure to luminal neratinib resulted in a pronounced elevation in fluid secretion in the rat intestine. Increasing luminal calcium inhibits the neratinib‐associated fluid secretion in a dose‐dependent manner. These results suggest that CaSR activation may be a potent therapeutic target to reduce chemotherapy‐associated diarrhea.
Compatibility between the endoparasitoid Hyposoter didymator and the entomopathogenic fungus Metarhizium brunneum: a laboratory simulation for the simultaneous use to control Spodoptera littoralis
Authors: Miranda‐Fuentes Pedro , Quesada‐Moraga Enrique , Aldebis Hani K , Yousef‐Naef Meelad
Published: September 2019

BACKGROUND

The cotton leafworm, Spodoptera littoralis, is one of the most destructive pests in the Mediterranean basin, being predominantly controlled using synthetic chemical pesticides. Strain EAMa 01/58‐Su of the fungus Metarhizium brunneum and the parasitoid Hyposoter didymator are promising biological control agents for this pest. In this study, we assessed the compatibility between these two agents to control S. littoralis under joint attack scenarios.

RESULTS

Firstly, the direct and indirect effects of the fungus towards parasitoid adults were studied. The fungus significantly decreased life expectancy of the parasitoid (mortality = 62.5%; mean lethal concentration = 1.85 × 106 conidia ml−1; average survival time = 92.2 h) when applied at high concentrations (108 conidia ml−1), whereas it did not affect the reproductive potential of the parasitoid females during the 3 days after treatment. Secondly, the combinations between the two agents to control S. littoralis under different simultaneous use scenarios (inoculation of S. littoralis larvae with the fungus before being exposed to parasitoid females and vice versa) were investigated, with additive effect in all cases. A significant effect on fitness (preimaginal development time and reproductive potential) of the F1 parasitoid generation were detected. Moreover, parasitization significantly reduced the total hemocytes in S. littoralis hemolymph compared with the control, promoting fungal infection. Finally, parasitoids showed a significant preference for non‐inoculated S. littoralis larvae.

CONCLUSIONS

We demonstrated compatibility (additive effect) between fungus and parasitoid under different joint attack scenarios to control S. littoralis in laboratory conditions. However, this will be supported by our ongoing greenhouse and field studies. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
Germanium Incorporation in Cu2ZnSnS4 and Formation of a Sn–Ge Gradient
Authors: Saini Nishant , Larsen Jes K. , Sopiha Kostiantyn V. , Keller Jan , Ross Nils , Platzer-Björkman Charlotte
Published: September 2019

Alloying of Cu2ZnSnS4 (CZTS) with Ge can potentially promote grain growth and suppress the formation of Sn‐related defects. Herein, a two‐step fabrication route based on compound co‐sputtering and sulfurization at a high temperature is used to prepare Ge‐incorporated CZTS (Cu2ZnGexSn1 − xS4 [CZGTS]). For Cu2ZnGeS4 (CZGS), films deposited using elemental Ge and binary GeS targets are compared. The recrystallization is shown to be promoted for the absorbers deposited using Ge target, possibly due to lower sulfur content in the precursor suppressing the formation of wurtzite‐like phases during sputtering. The grain growth and crystallinity in CZGTS are slightly improved for x = 0.2 but not for higher concentration of the incorporated Ge. Owing to the composition‐dependent electronic properties, compositionally graded CZGTS films may be beneficial for reducing recombination towards the back contact. Hence, herein, the successful formation of a steep concentration gradient with Ge and Sn is demonstrated by the deposition of a CZGS/CZTS precursor stack followed by sulfurization with varying time periods.
Baicalein enhances the antitumor efficacy of docetaxel on nonsmall cell lung cancer in a β‐catenin‐dependent manner
Authors: Lu Linwei , Zhang Mingfei , Wang Xiaoyi , Zhang Yanyu , Chai Zhilan , Ying Man , Guan Juan , Gong Weiyi , Zhao Zhengxiao , Liu Lumei , Hu Yang , Lu Weiyue , Dong Jingcheng
Published: September 2019

The side effects of docetaxel have limited its antitumor performances in the treatment of nonsmall cell lung cancer (NSCLC). To address the problem, baicalein, a bioactive flavone that exhibits antitumor activity, was combined with docetaxel so as to achieve better efficacy and lower toxicity. The combination treatment enhanced the stabilization of microtubules and halted the cell‐cycle progression, thus synergistically inhibiting the proliferation and inducing the apoptosis of A549 cells and Lewis lung carcinoma cells. The decreased expression of Cyclin‐dependent kinase 6 and Cyclin B1 confirmed its regulation in cell cycle, with β‐catenin being an important upstream effector, as evidenced by the decreased expression in the cytoplasm and nucleus as well as the attenuated aggregation in the nucleus. Furthermore, baicalein plus docetaxel evinced better antitumor efficacy by the suppressed tumor growth, increased apoptosis, and decreased tumor angiogenesis in vivo, with no increased toxicity discovered in both tumor‐bearing and non‐tumor‐bearing mice, and an improvement in therapeutic index. This study has demonstrated that baicalein plus docetaxel is an appropriate combination simultaneously with augmented antitumor efficacy and acceptable safety, which might be a promising strategy for patients with advanced NSCLC.
Structure fragmentation studies of ring‐substituted N‐trifluoroacetyl‐N‐benzylphenethylamines related to the NBOMe drugs
Authors: Almalki Ahmad J. , Clark C. Randall , DeRuiter Jack
Published: September 2019

Rationale

The halogenated derivatives of N‐(2‐methoxy)benzyl‐2,5‐dimethoxyphenethylamine (25‐NBOMe) such as the 4‐bromo analogue (25B‐NBOMe) represent a new class of hallucinogenic or psychedelic drugs. The purpose of this study was to determine the role of the electron‐donating groups (halogen and dimethoxy) in the pathway of decomposition for the distonic molecular radical cation in the electron ionization mass spectrometry (EI‐MS) process of the trifluoroacetamide (TFA) derivatives.

Methods

The systematic removal of substituents from the 4‐halogenated 2,5‐dimethoxyphenethylamine portion of the N‐dimethoxybenzyl NBOMe analogues allowed an evaluation of structural effects on the formation of major fragment ions in the EI‐MS of the TFA derivatives. All six regioisomeric dimethoxybenzyl‐substituted analogues (2,3‐, 2,4‐, 2,5‐, 2,6‐, 3,4‐ and 3,5‐dimethoxy) for the four series of phenethyl aromatic ring substitution patterns were prepared, derivatized and analyzed via gas chromatography coupled with EI‐MS.

Results

The analogues yield two unique radical cation fragments from the decomposition of the common distonic molecular radical cation. The substituted phenylethene radical cation (m/z 164) is the base peak or second most abundant ion in all six TFA‐2,5‐dimethoxyphenethylamine isomers. The dimethoxybenzyltrifloroacetamide radical cation (m/z 263) is the base peak or second most abundant ion in the 2‐ and 3‐monomethoxyphenethylamine isomers. However, the 2‐ and 3‐methoxyphenylethene radical cation (m/z 134) is among the five most abundant ions for each of these twelve isomers. Only one isomer in the phenethylamine series yields the corresponding unsubstituted phenylethene radical cation at m/z 104.

Conclusions

The decomposition of the hydrogen‐rearranged distonic molecular radical cation favors formation of the dimethoxybenzyltrifloroacetamide (m/z 263) species for the less electron‐rich phenethyl aromatic rings. The addition of electron‐donating groups to the aromatic ring of the phenethyl group as in the NBOMe‐type molecules shifts the decomposition of the common distonic molecular radical cation to favor the formation of the electron‐rich substituted phenylethene radical cation.
A validation study of a virtual‐based haptic system for endoscopic sinus surgery training
Authors: Sadeghnejad Soroush , Khadivar Farshad , Abdollahi Ehsan , Moradi Hamed , Farahmand Farzam , Sadr Hosseini Seyed Mousa , Vossoughi Gholamreza
Published: September 2019

Background

The development of endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS) training simulators for clinical environment applications has reduced the existing shortcomings in conventional teaching methods, creating a standard environment for trainers and trainees in a more accurate and repeatable fashion.

Materials and methods

In this research, the validation study of an ESS training simulator has been addressed. It is important to consider components that guide trainees to improve their hand movements control in the orbital floor removal in an ESS operation. Therefore, we defined three tasks to perform: pre‐experiment learning, training, and evaluation. In these tasks, the critical regions introduced in the virtual training environment are forbidden to be touched. Recruiting 20 participants, divided into two groups, we investigated the performance metrics: quality (the percentage of the realism for the generated force for orbital floor removal and the usefulness of the proposed training system for the surgical educational curricula.), efficiency (time, path length), and safety (touching the goal and forbidden wall).

Results

All recruited participants answered a post‐evaluation questionnaire regarding their perceptions of training system realism, potential educational benefits, and practiced skills. We investigate the differences between groups' performance metrics by utilizing the analysis of variance—Kruskal‐Wallis test. Acquired results indicate that training before the actual process of the surgery has a significant effect on the accuracy and validity of the process for surgeons.

Conclusions

Utilizing a standardized environment, trainers and trainees are able to carry out a process with regular features. In addition to traditional education methods, trainees can learn the risk of surgical operations. The training simulators can, also, provide a standard method for assessing the skills of surgical and medical students.
A Highly Conductive MOF of Graphene Analogue Ni3(HITP)2 as a Sulfur Host for High‐Performance Lithium–Sulfur Batteries
Authors: Cai Dong , Lu Mengjie , Li La , Cao Junming , Chen Duo , Tu Haoran , Li Junzhi , Han Wei
Published: September 2019

Lithium–sulfur (Li–S) batteries have been considered as one of the most promising energy storage systems owing to their high theoretical capacity and energy density. However, their commercial applications are obstructed by sluggish reaction kinetics and rapid capacity degradation mainly caused by polysulfide shuttling. Herein, the first attempt to utilize a highly conductive metal–organic framework (MOF) of Ni3(HITP)2 graphene analogue as the sulfur host material to trap and transform polysulfides for high‐performance Li–S batteries is made. Besides, the traditional conductive additive acetylene black is replaced by carbon nanotubes to construct matrix conduction networks for triggering the rate and cycling performance of the active cathode. As a result, the S@Ni3(HITP)2 with sulfur content of 65.5 wt% shows excellent sulfur utilization, rate performance, and cyclic durability. It delivers a high initial capacity of 1302.9 mAh g−1 and good capacity retention of 848.9 mAh g−1 after 100 cycles at 0.2 C. Highly reversible discharge capacities of 807.4 and 629.6 mAh g−1 are obtained at 0.5 and 1 C for 150 and 300 cycles, respectively. Such kinds of pristine MOFs with high conductivity and abundant polar sites reveal broad promising prospect for application in the field of high‐performance Li–S batteries.
Engineering Bimetal Synergistic Electrocatalysts Based on Metal–Organic Frameworks for Efficient Oxygen Evolution
Authors: Liu Ming , Kong Lingjun , Wang Xuemin , He Jie , Bu Xian‐He
Published: September 2019

Benefiting from metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) unique structural characteristics, their versatility in composition and structure has been well explored in electrochemical oxygen evolution reaction (OER) processes. Here, a ligand/ionic exchange phenomenon of MOFs is reported in alkaline solution due to their poor stability, and the active species and reaction mechanism of MOFs are revealed in the OER process. A series of mixed Ni‐MOFs and Fe‐MOFs are synthesized by straightforward sonication and then directly used as catalyst candidates for OER in alkaline electrolyte. It can be confirmed via ex situ transmission electron microscopic images and X‐ray diffraction patterns analysis, that the bimetallic hydroxide (NiFe‐LDH) is generated in 1.0 m KOH in situ and acts as protagonist for oxygen evolution. The optimized catalyst (FN‐2) exhibits a lower overpotential (275 mV at a current density of 10 mA cm−2) and excellent long‐term stability (strong current density for 100 h without fading). The revelation of the real active species of MOF materials may contribute to better understanding of the reaction mechanism.