bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Liver dysfunction in chronic lymphocytic leukemia: Prevalence, outcomes, and pathological findings
Authors: Hampel Paul J. , Chaffee Kari G. , King Rebecca L. , Simonetto Douglas , Larson Melissa C. , Achenbach Sara , Call Timothy G. , Ding Wei , Kenderian Saad S. , Leis Jose F. , Chanan‐Khan Asher A. , Bowen Deborah A. , Conte Michael J. , Schwager Susan M. , Hanson Curtis A. , Slager Susan L. , Kay Neil E. , Shanafelt Tait D. , Parikh Sameer A.
Published: September 2017

The prevalence of liver dysfunction and its association with outcomes in patients with previously untreated chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is unknown. Newly diagnosed (<12 months) previously untreated CLL patients seen at Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN between 9/1993 and 4/2016 who had baseline assessment of at least one liver function test (LFT) were included in this analysis. The prevalence of liver dysfunction at baseline, proportion of patients who acquired LFT abnormalities, time to first therapy (TTFT) and overall survival (OS) were assessed. An abnormal LFT was present in 82/2336 (3.5%) patients at diagnosis and was associated with advanced Rai stage (Rai III–IV) (21% vs. 6%; P < .001), lower hemoglobin (13.1 g/dL vs. 13.9 g/dL; P < .001), and lower platelet count (187 × 109/L vs. 200 × 109/L; P = .03). Additionally, 236 patients with normal LFTs at diagnosis developed acquired liver dysfunction during follow‐up. Patients with abnormal LFTs at diagnosis had a shorter OS compared to those with normal LFTs (HR 1.80 95% CI 1.13‐2.87; P = .014, adjusted for age, sex, Rai stage, and treatment), although TTFT was not different. Of 52 patients who underwent a liver biopsy, CLL was present in liver tissue in 39/52 (73%) patients, with the portal tracts the most common region involved. Histopathology findings of liver involvement by CLL had limited correlation with choice of CLL therapy. In conclusion, approximately 1 of 25 newly diagnosed CLL patients has abnormal LFTs at diagnosis. Although the TTFT was not different among patients with abnormal LFTs, these patients have a shorter OS compared to those with normal LFTs.
Measuring arterial blood pressure in humans: Auscultatory and automatic measurement techniques for human biological field studies
Authors: James Gary D. , Gerber Linda M.
Published: September 2017

Human biologists have been examining arterial blood pressure since they began studying the effects of the environment and culture on the health of diverse populations. The Korotkoff auscultatory technique with a trained observer and aneroid sphygmomanometer is the method of choice for blood pressure measurement in many bioanthropological field contexts. Korotkoff sounds (the first and fifth phases) are the preferred determinants of systolic and diastolic pressure, even in infants, children, pregnant women, and the elderly. Training of observers, positioning of individuals, and selection of cuff size are all essential for obtaining standardized measurements. Automatic electronic devices are increasingly being used for blood pressure measurement in human biological studies. The automatic monitors often use the oscillometric method for measuring pressure, but must be validated before use. The emergence of automatic ambulatory blood pressure monitors has opened another avenue of research on blood pressure in human biology, where allostasis and circadian responses to environmental change and real life behavioral challenges can be defined and evaluated, largely because there is now the ability to make multiple measurements over time and in varying contexts. Stand‐alone automatic monitors can also be substituted for manual auscultated readings in field contexts, although in studies where participants measure their own pressure, education about how the devices work and protocol specifics are necessary. Finally, computer‐driven plethysmographic devices that measure pressure in the finger are available to evaluate short‐term reactivity to specific challenges.
Experiences in feeding and gastrointestinal dysfunction in children with CHARGE syndrome
Authors: Macdonald Meghan , Hudson Alexandra , Bladon Angela , Ratcliffe Elyanne , Blake Kim
Published: September 2017

Feeding issues are very common in individuals with CHARGE syndrome and can lead to increased morbidity and mortality. The aim of this study was to expand upon the limited knowledge base of feeding and gastrointestinal issues in individuals with CHARGE syndrome. Parents of individuals (age range 1–18 years) with CHARGE syndrome, with or without feeding/gastrointestinal issues, were recruited through international CHARGE syndrome associations and CHARGE syndrome Facebook pages. Parents completed three questionnaires: CHARGE diagnostic characteristics; Pediatric Assessment Scale for Severe Feeding Problems © and PedsQL™ Gastrointestinal Symptoms Scale; and open‐ended questions. Sixty‐nine completed questionnaires were included in the study analysis (median age 7; 58% females). Individuals who were completely tube fed (n = 21) had significantly more feeding difficulties than individuals who were either partially (n = 26) or completely orally fed (n = 20; p < 0.001). Tube fed individuals also experienced more problematic gastrointestinal symptoms (p < 0.001). Constipation (n = 19, 30%), vomiting (n = 12, 19%), and choking (n = 11, 17%) were reported by parents as the greatest challenges. Problems exist throughout the entire gastrointestinal tract in many individuals with CHARGE syndrome. These issues are more common in individuals who receive nutrition completely through a feeding tube compared to individuals with at least partial oral feeding behaviors.
Three‐dimensional image analysis for staging chronic rhinosinusitis
Authors: Lim Sooyoung , Ramirez Michael V. , Garneau Jonathan C. , Ford Megan K. , McKeough Katherine , Ginat Daniel T. , Baroody Fuad M. , Armato Samuel G. , Pinto Jayant M.
Published: September 2017

Background

Traditional methods of staging chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) through imaging do not differentiate between degrees of partial mucosal sinus inflammation, thus limiting their utility as imaging biomarkers. We hypothesized that software‐aided, quantitative measurement of sinus inflammation would generate a metric of disease burden that would correlate with clinical parameters in patients with suspected sinus disease.

Methods

Adults with rhinologic complaints undergoing computed tomography imaging were recruited at an urban, academic, tertiary care center (n = 45 with Lund‐Mackay [LM] scores ≥4). Three‐dimensional (3D) volumetric image analysis was performed using a semiautomated method to obtain a “Chicago‐modified Lund‐Mackay” (Chicago MLM) score, which provides a continuous scale to quantify extent of opacification. Linear regression was used to test the association of the Chicago MLM score with concurrent symptoms (Total Nasal Symptom Score [TNSS]) and disease‐specific quality of life, based on the Sinonasal Outcome Test‐22 (SNOT‐22).

Results

Chicago MLM scores were significantly associated with both symptoms (p = 0.037) and disease‐specific quality of life (p = 0.007). Inflammation in the ethmoid and sphenoid sinuses appeared to influence these associations. These findings were even more robust when analysis was limited to patients with more severe disease (LM >6).

Conclusion

The quantitative measurement of sinus inflammation by computer‐aided 3D analysis correlates modestly with both symptoms and disease‐specific quality of life. Posterior sinuses appear to have the greatest impact on these findings, potentially providing an anatomic target for clinicians to base therapy. The Chicago MLM score is a promising imaging biomarker for clinical and research use.
Comparison of surgical outcomes between patients with unilateral and bilateral chronic rhinosinusitis
Authors: Beswick Daniel M. , Mace Jess C. , Chowdhury Naweed I. , Alt Jeremiah A. , Hwang Peter H. , DeConde Adam S. , Smith Timothy L.
Published: September 2017

Background

Although the majority of patients with chronic rhinosinusitis without nasal polyposis (CRSsNP) suffer from bilateral disease, a subset suffer from unilateral disease. Currently, outcomes following endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS) for medically recalcitrant CRS are inferred from outcomes for patients with bilateral disease. This study compares outcomes of ESS between patients with unilateral and bilateral disease.

Methods

Patients with CRSsNP who failed appropriate medical therapy and elected ESS were enrolled between 2011 and 2015. Patients were dichotomized according to radiographic evidence of unilateral disease (Lund‐Mackay [LM] score = 0 for 1 side) or bilateral disease (LM ≥ 1 for both sides). The primary outcome of interest was the 22‐item Sino‐Nasal Outcome Test (SNOT‐22), with secondary outcomes including the Brief Smell Identification Test (BSIT) and the Lund‐Kennedy (LK) endoscopy staging system.

Results

A total of 190 patients met inclusion criteria consisting of 19 with unilateral (10%) and 171 with bilateral CRSsNP (90%). Both groups were similar across all preoperative demographic factors, SNOT‐22, and BSIT scores. Postoperatively, patients with bilateral disease reported greater improvement in mean SNOT‐22 scores compared to unilateral disease, but this difference was not statistically or clinically significant (−24.3 ± 21.1 vs −21.5 ± 24.0, p = 0.582). Mean LK scores improved for patients with bilateral disease but not unilateral disease, without a difference between groups (−2.0 ± 3.5 vs −0.4 ± 2.4, p = 0.090).

Conclusion

Patients with unilateral CRSsNP experience improvement after ESS comparable to patients with bilateral disease on patient reported outcome measures.
Visible Light‐Induced Room‐Temperature Heck Reaction of Functionalized Alkyl Halides with Vinyl Arenes/Heteroarenes
Authors: Kurandina Daria , Parasram Marvin , Gevorgyan Vladimir
Published: September 2017

The first visible light‐induced Pd‐catalyzed Heck reaction of α‐heteroatom substituted alkyl iodides and ‐bromides with vinyl arenes/heteroarenes has been developed. This transformation efficiently proceeds at room temperature and enables synthesis of valuable functionalized allylic systems, such as allylic silanes, boronates, germanes, stannanes, pivalates, phosphonates, phthalimides, and tosylates from the corresponding α‐substituted methyl iodides. Notably, synthesis of the latter substrates failed under existing thermally induced Pd‐catalyzed conditions, which highlights the importance of visible light for this transformation.
A Bottom‐Up Proteomic Approach to Identify Substrate Specificity of Outer‐Membrane Protease OmpT
Authors: Wood Sarah E. , Sinsinbar Gaurav , Gudlur Sushanth , Nallani Madhavan , Huang Che‐Fan , Liedberg Bo , Mrksich Milan
Published: September 2017

Identifying peptide substrates that are efficiently cleaved by proteases gives insights into substrate recognition and specificity, guides development of inhibitors, and improves assay sensitivity. Peptide arrays and SAMDI mass spectrometry were used to identify a tetrapeptide substrate exhibiting high activity for the bacterial outer‐membrane protease (OmpT). Analysis of protease activity for the preferred residues at the cleavage site (P1, P1′) and nearest‐neighbor positions (P2, P2′) and their positional interdependence revealed FRRV as the optimal peptide with the highest OmpT activity. Substituting FRRV into a fragment of LL37, a natural substrate of OmpT, led to a greater than 400‐fold improvement in OmpT catalytic efficiency, with a kcat/Km value of 6.1×106 L mol−1 s−1. Wild‐type and mutant OmpT displayed significant differences in their substrate specificities, demonstrating that even modest mutants may not be suitable substitutes for the native enzyme.
Adenylation Activity of Carboxylic Acid Reductases Enables the Synthesis of Amides
Authors: Wood Alexander J. L. , Weise Nicholas J. , Frampton Joseph D. , Dunstan Mark S. , Hollas Michael A. , Derrington Sasha R. , Lloyd Richard C. , Quaglia Daniela , Parmeggiani Fabio , Leys David , Turner Nicholas J. , Flitsch Sabine L.
Published: September 2017

Carboxylic acid reductases (CARs) catalyze the reduction of a broad range of carboxylic acids to aldehydes using the cofactors adenosine triphosphate and nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate, and have become attractive biocatalysts for organic synthesis. Mechanistic understanding of CARs was used to expand reaction scope, generating biocatalysts for amide bond formation from carboxylic acid and amine. CARs demonstrated amidation activity for various acids and amines. Optimization of reaction conditions, with respect to pH and temperature, allowed for the synthesis of the anticonvulsant ilepcimide with up to 96 % conversion. Mechanistic studies using site‐directed mutagenesis suggest that, following initial enzymatic adenylation of substrates, amidation of the carboxylic acid proceeds by direct reaction of the acyl adenylate with amine nucleophiles.
Lanthanide‐Coordinated Semiconducting Polymer Dots Used for Flow Cytometry and Mass Cytometry
Authors: Wu Xu , DeGottardi Quinn , Wu I‐Che , Yu Jiangbo , Wu Li , Ye Fangmao , Kuo Chun‐Ting , Kwok William W. , Chiu Daniel T.
Published: September 2017

Simultaneous monitoring of biomarkers as well as single‐cell analyses based on flow cytometry and mass cytometry are important for investigations of disease mechanisms, drug discovery, and signaling‐network studies. Flow cytometry and mass cytometry are complementary to each other; however, probes that can satisfy all the requirements for these two advanced technologies are limited. In this study, we report a probe of lanthanide‐coordinated semiconducting polymer dots (Pdots), which possess fluorescence and mass signals. We demonstrated the usage of this dual‐functionality probe for both flow cytometry and mass cytometry in a mimetic cell mixture and human peripheral blood mononuclear cells as model systems. The probes not only offer high fluorescence signal for use in flow cytometry, but also show better performance in mass cytometry than the commercially available counterparts.
Anti‐freezing, Conductive Self‐healing Organohydrogels with Stable Strain‐Sensitivity at Subzero Temperatures
Authors: Rong Qinfeng , Lei Wenwei , Chen Lie , Yin Yongai , Zhou Jiajia , Liu Mingjie
Published: September 2017

Conductive hydrogels are a class of stretchable conductive materials that are important for various applications. However, water‐based conductive hydrogels inevitably lose elasticity and conductivity at subzero temperatures, which severely limits their applications at low temperatures. Herein we report anti‐freezing conductive organohydrogels by using an H2O/ethylene glycol binary solvent as dispersion medium. Owing to the freezing tolerance of the binary solvent, our organohydrogels exhibit stable flexibility and strain‐sensitivity in the temperature range from −55.0 to 44.6 °C. Meanwhile, the solvent molecules could form hydrogen bonds with polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) chains and induce the crystallization of PVA, greatly improving the mechanical strength of the organohydrogels. Furthermore, the non‐covalent crosslinks endow the conductive organohydrogels with intriguing remoldability and self‐healing capability, which are important for practical applications.
The Surface of Ice Is Like Supercooled Liquid Water
Authors: Smit Wilbert J. , Bakker Huib J.
Published: September 2017

The surface of ice has been reported to be disordered at temperatures well below the bulk melting point. However, the precise nature of this disorder has been a topic of intense debate. Herein, we study the molecular properties of the surface of ice as a function of temperatures using heterodyne‐detected sum‐frequency generation spectroscopy. We observe that, down to 245 K, the spectral response of the surface of ice contains a component that is indistinguishable from supercooled liquid water.
Reaction of a Programmable Glycan Presentation of Glycodendrimersomes and Cells with Engineered Human Lectins To Show the Sugar Functionality of the Cell Surface
Authors: Kopitz Jürgen , Xiao Qi , Ludwig Anna‐Kristin , Romero Antonio , Michalak Malwina , Sherman Samuel E. , Zhou Xuhao , Dazen Cody , Vértesy Sabine , Kaltner Herbert , Klein Michael L. , Gabius Hans‐Joachim , Percec Virgil
Published: September 2017

Chemical and biological tools are harnessed to investigate the impact of spatial factors for functional pairing of human lectins with counterreceptors. The homodimeric adhesion/growth‐regulatory galectin‐1 and a set of covalently linked homo‐oligomers from di‐ to tetramers serve as proof‐of‐principle test cases. Glycodendrimersomes provide a versatile and sensitive diagnostic platform to reveal thresholds for ligand density and protein concentration in aggregation assays (trans‐activity), irrespective of linker length between lectin domains. Monitoring the affinity of cell binding and ensuing tumor growth inhibition reveal the linker length to be a bidirectional switch for cis‐activity. The discovery that two aspects of lectin functionality (trans‐ versus cis‐activity) respond non‐uniformly to a structural change underscores the power of combining synthetic and biological tools to advance understanding of the sugar functionality of the cell surface.
Luciferases with Tunable Emission Wavelengths
Authors: Hiblot Julien , Yu Qiuliyang , Sabbadini Marina D.B. , Reymond Luc , Xue Lin , Schena Alberto , Sallin Olivier , Hill Nicholas , Griss Rudolf , Johnsson Kai
Published: September 2017

We introduce luciferases whose emission maxima can be tuned to different wavelengths by chemical labeling. The luciferases are chimeras of NanoLuc with either SNAP‐tag or HaloTag7. Labeling of the self‐labeling tag with a fluorophore shifts the emission maximum of NanoLuc to that of the fluorophore. Luciferases with tunable colors have applications as reporter genes, for the construction of biosensors and in bioimaging.
[SnBi3]5− —A Carbonate Analogue Comprising Exclusively Metal Atoms
Authors: Mayer Kerstin , Dums Jasmin V. , Klein Wilhelm , Fässler Thomas F.
Published: September 2017

The new [SnBi3]5− polyanion is obtained by the reaction of K3Bi2 with K4Sn9 or K12Sn17 in liquid ammonia. The anion is iso(valence)electronic with and structurally analogous to the carbonate ion. Despite the high negative charge of the anion, the Sn−Bi bond lengths range between single and double bonds. Quantum‐chemical calculations at a DFT‐PBE0/def2‐TZVPP/COSMO level of theory reveal that the partial double bond character between the heavy main‐group atoms Bi and Sn originates from a delocalized π‐electronic system. The structure of the anion is determined by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction analyses of the compounds K5[SnBi3] 9 NH3 (1) and K9[K(18‐crown‐6)][SnBi3]2⋅15 NH3 (2). The [SnBi3]5− unit is the first example of a carbonate‐like anion obtained from solution, and it consists exclusively of metal atoms and completes the series of metal analogues of CO and CO2.
Ibuprofen‐imprinted ultrathin poly[N‐(2‐hydroxypropyl) methacrylamide] films
Authors: Yildirim Ertan , Caykara Tuncer
Published: September 2017

Surface molecularly imprinted (MIP) poly[N‐(2‐hydroxypropyl) methacrylamide] [poly(HPMA)] films were prepared via interface‐mediated reversible addition‐fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerization from 4‐cyano‐4‐(propylsulfanylthiocarbonyl) sulfanyl pentanoic acid immobilized silicon substrate using N‐(2‐hydroxypropyl) methacrylamide as the functional monomer, N,N′‐methylene(bis)acrylamide as the crosslinking agent, and ibuprofen as the template molecule. The highly crosslinked MIP layer (∼12 nm) was homogeneously grafted onto the silicon surface, which favors fast mass transfer and rapid binding kinetics. Binding capacities and adsorption parameters of the MIP poly(HPMA) films were calculated from the root‐mean‐square roughness data obtained by atomic force microscopy measurements using the Luzinov and Langmuir equations adopted for this study. The target binding assays demonstrate the desirable binding capacity and imprinting efficiency of the MIP poly(HPMA) films. Meanwhile, the computational optimization and energy calculations showed the formation of the self‐assembly of monomer and template molecule via noncovalent interactions that leads to a 1:4 molecular complex between ibuprofen and N‐(2‐hydroxypropyl) methacrylamide. This study provides a versatile approach to the quantitative determination of low‐molecular‐weight biomolecules on surface‐imprinted polymers. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2018, 135, 45707.
The effect of acrylate on structure and properties of waterborne polyurethane porous coated fabrics
Authors: Zheng Guikai , Lu Ming , Rui Xiaoping , Sun Yongxin
Published: September 2017

Porous‐coated fabrics used for synthetic leather were prepared by mechanical foaming method using blends of waterborne polyurethanes (WPUs) and polyacrylate (AC). The effect of AC on structure and properties of WPU/AC coated fabrics was investigated. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and differential scanning calorimetry results indicated that there is hydrogen bonding between WPU and AC and the compatibility of the blend system gets worse after AC/WPU ratio is higher than 30/70. Thermogravimetric analysis demonstrated that the thermal stability of porous coatings is improved with increasing AC. Scanning electron microscopy images showed that porous coatings have semi‐open cellular structure with a great number of surface pores and window pores, imparting excellent air permeability and water vapor permeability to coated fabrics. On the basis of morphology analysis, the forming process of cell structure of WPU/AC coated fabrics was proposed. Performance tests showed that the overall performance of coated fabrics is best with AC/WPU ratio ranging from 15/85 to 30/70. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2018, 135, 45783.
Islamophobia: Prejudice, the psychological skin of the self and large‐group dynamics
Authors: Ad‐Dab'bagh Yasser
Published: September 2017

In this paper, I elaborate on the work done in a previous paper that described a psychological model that allows for a better understanding of the intra‐psychic experiences of victims of acts of prejudice. The model, centered around the notion of a psychological boundary, or “skin of the self”, provides a possible developmental trajectory for the formation of two separate but parallel functions of the skin of the self and describes the framework within which these functions determine the impact of prejudicial injuries. In the present work I extend these ideas to address large‐group dynamics and integrate them with the pioneering ideas elaborated by Vamik Volkan in this area, while developing a few new concepts that I believe increase the utility of large‐group dynamics in understanding the experiences of victims of Islamophobia, as well as shed some light on what might motivate perpetrators of it within the contemporary geopolitical environment, particularly in the United States.
Learning and study strategies correlate with medical students' performance in anatomical sciences
Authors: Khalil Mohammed K. , Williams Shanna E. , Gregory Hawkins H.
Published: September 2017

Much of the content delivered during medical students' preclinical years is assessed nationally by such testing as the United States Medical Licensing Examination® (USMLE®) Step 1 and Comprehensive Osteopathic Medical Licensing Examination® (COMPLEX‐USA®) Step 1. Improvement of student study/learning strategies skills is associated with academic success in internal and external (USMLE Step 1) examinations. This research explores the strength of association between the Learning and Study Strategies Inventory (LASSI) scores and student performance in the anatomical sciences and USMLE Step 1 examinations. The LASSI inventory assesses learning and study strategies based on ten subscale measures. These subscales include three components of strategic learning: skill (Information processing, Selecting main ideas, and Test strategies), will (Anxiety, Attitude, and Motivation) and self‐regulation (Concentration, Time management, Self‐testing, and Study aid). During second year (M2) orientation, 180 students (Classes of 2016, 2017, and 2018) were administered the LASSI survey instrument. Pearson Product‐Moment correlation analyses identified significant associations between five of the ten LASSI subscales (Anxiety, Information processing, Motivation, Selecting main idea, and Test strategies) and students' performance in the anatomical sciences and USMLE Step 1 examinations. Identification of students lacking these skills within the anatomical sciences curriculum allows targeted interventions, which not only maximize academic achievement in an aspect of an institution's internal examinations, but in the external measure of success represented by USMLE Step 1 scores. Anat Sci Educ 11: 236–242. © 2017 American Association of Anatomists.
Globally Stable Adaptive Dynamic Surface Control for Cooperative Path Following of Multiple Underactuated Autonomous Underwater Vehicles
Authors: Wang Hao , Li Yiping , Liu Kaizhou
Published: September 2017

The cooperative path following problem of multiple underactuated autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs) involves two tasks. The first one is to force each AUV to converge to the desired parameterized path. The second one is to satisfy the requirement of a cooperative behavior along the paths. In this paper, both of the tasks have been further studied. For the first one, a simplified path following controller is proposed by incorporating the dynamic surface control (DSC) technique to avoid the calculation of derivatives of virtual control signals. Besides, in order to handle the uncertain dynamics, a new type of neural network (NN) adaptive controller is derived, and then an NN based energy‐efficient path following controller is firstly proposed, which consists of an adaptive neural controller dominating in the neural active region and an extra robust controller working outside the neural active region. For the second one, in order to reduce the amount of communications between multiple AUVs, a distributed estimator for the reference common speed is firstly proposed as determined by the communications topology adopted, which means the global knowledge of the reference speed is relaxed for the problem of cooperative path following. The overall algorithm ensures that all the signals in the closed‐loop system are globally uniformly ultimately bounded (GUUB) and the output of the system converges to a small neighborhood of the reference trajectory by properly choosing the design parameters. Simulation results validate the performance and robustness of the proposed strategy.
Effect of a transactional model education program on coping effectiveness in women with multiple sclerosis
Authors: Sanaeinasab Hormoz , Saffari Mohsen , Hashempour Mahrokh , Karimi Zarchi Ali‐Akbar , Alghamdi Waleed A. , Koenig Harold G.
Published: September 2017

Objectives

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic and progressive disease that causes stress due to its unpredictability and lack of definitive treatments. This study examined the effects of an educational program using a transactional model to help women with MS cope with their disease.

Materials and Methods

In a randomized clinical trial, 80 female patients from the MS Society of Iran were randomized to the intervention (n = 40) or a control group (n = 40). Outcomes were assessed using Cohen's Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) and the Jalowiec Coping Scale (JCS), which were completed by both groups at baseline, 1 month, and 3 months after the intervention. The intervention consisted of six educational sessions administered over 2 months based on a transactional model. The data were analyzed using repeated measures ANOVA.

Results

Average PSS scores decreased significantly over time in the intervention group, while increasing in the control group. Between‐group differences were significant at both 1‐month and 3‐month follow‐up (p < .001). Both problem‐focused and emotion‐focused coping styles improved over time in use and effectiveness in the intervention group, whereas little or no change occurred in these coping behaviors in the control group.

Conclusion

The transactional model‐based education program tested here was successful in reducing stress levels and increasing healthy coping styles in women with MS. If these findings are replicated in future studies, widespread adoption of this program may help women with MS cope more successfully with their disease.
Osteonecrosis of the jaw and survival of patients with cancer: a nationwide cohort study in Denmark
Authors: Corraini Priscila , Heide‐Jørgensen Uffe , Schiødt Morten , Nørholt Sven Erik , Acquavella John , Sørensen Henrik Toft , Ehrenstein Vera
Published: September 2017

Osteonecrosis of the jaw (ONJ) is an adverse effect of bone‐targeted therapies, which are used to prevent symptomatic skeletal events following bone malignancy. We examined the association between ONJ and survival among cancer patients treated with bone‐targeted agents. Using nationwide registries and databases in Denmark, we identified 184 cancer patients with incident ONJ between 2010 and 2015, and a comparison cohort of 1067 cancer patients without ONJ and with a history of hospital‐administered treatment with bisphosphonates or denosumab initiating from cancer diagnosis. At the date of confirmed ONJ diagnosis, the comparison cohort was matched to the ONJ patients on age, cancer site, year of cancer diagnosis, and stage at diagnosis. The patients were followed up for survival until emigration or 15 June 2016. We computed overall survival and estimated mortality rate ratios adjusted for sex, and for the presence of distant metastases and other comorbidity at start of follow‐up. A match was found for 149 of the 184 ONJ patients. The 1‐ and 3‐year survival among all 184 cancer patients with ONJ was 70% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 63%–76%) and 42% (95% CI: 34%–51%), respectively. Among the matched patients, ONJ was associated with an adjusted mortality rate ratio of 1.31 (95% CI: 1.01–1.71). ONJ was associated with reduced survival among cancer patients treated with bone‐targeted agents. ONJ may be a marker of advanced disease or of survival‐related lifestyle characteristics.
Search engine advertising for organic food: The effectiveness of information concreteness on advertising performance
Authors: Yang Shuai , Li Dong , Tao Zhihao , Li Xun
Published: September 2017

The purpose of this article is to explore the effects of information concreteness (i.e., abstract and concrete information) on the performance of search engine advertising for organic food. We test our conceptual framework in one field experiment conducted by an organic food company. Both the model‐free evidence and empirical model results show that the effects of abstract and concrete information in advertising for organic food depend on the specificity of search keywords. Specifically, when consumers are searching for generic keywords without organic claims, using abstract information to describe the benefits of organic food in advertising could help to improve the advertisement performance. However, when consumers are searching for specific keywords with organic claims, concrete information in advertising would perform better than abstract information.
Predispersed Carbocatalyst: Vertically Aligned Nitrogen‐Doped Graphene Rooted on SiC Microspheres for Selective Oxidation
Authors: Ma Jun , Wu Nan , Sun Shi‐an , Yao Ting , Li Gong‐yi , Hu Tian‐jiao , Li Yi‐he , Li Xiao‐dong
Published: September 2017

Vertically aligned N‐doped graphene rooted on SiC microspheres (NG on SiC) is prepared by precursor pyrolysis. One of the raw materials, acetonitrile, has three important effects that could facilitate the N‐doping process effectively, promote the lateral dimensions and improve the graphitization degree of NG on SiC significantly. The metal‐free carbocatalyst NG on SiC is an effective and selective oxidation catalyst towards targeted C−H bond activation of ethylbenzene. The unique nanostructure of NG on SiC is composed of predispersed graphene, which is expected to avoid harmful agglomeration during preparation, storage, transportation, and applications.
Direct Synthesis of Lactams from Keto Acids, Nitriles, and H2 by Heterogeneous Pt Catalysts
Authors: Siddiki S. M. A. H. , Touchy Abeda S. , Bhosale Ashvini , Toyao Takashi , Mahara Yuji , Ohyama Junya , Satsuma Atsushi , Shimizu Ken‐ichi
Published: September 2017

We report herein the first general catalytic system for the direct synthesis of N‐substituted γ‐ and δ‐lactams by reductive amination/cyclization of keto acids (including levulinic acid) with nitriles and H2 under mild conditions (7 bar H2, 110 °C, solvent free). The most effective catalyst, Pt and MoOx co‐loaded TiO2 (Pt‐MoOx/TiO2), shows a wide substrate scope, high turnover number (TON), and good reusability.
Optimization of a Micromixer with Two‐Layer Serpentine Crossing Channels at Multiple Reynolds Numbers
Authors: Hossain Shakhawat , Kim Kwang-Yong
Published: September 2017

Multiobjective optimizations of a micromixer with two‐layer serpentine crossing channels were performed at two different Reynolds numbers by using a multiobjective genetic algorithm and surrogate modeling based on a Navier‐Stokes analysis. The optimizations included three dimensionless design variables, namely, ratios of the diagonal channel width to the pitch length, the main channel width to the pitch length, and the channel depth to the pitch length. The design space was confirmed by a parametric study, and the Latin hypercube sampling technique was used to select design points within the design space. The Kriging meta‐model was applied for surrogate modeling of the objective functions. Concave Pareto‐optimal fronts representing the trade‐offs between the objective functions were obtained through the optimizations.
Modulation of Ribozyme and Deoxyribozyme Activities Using Tetraalkylammonium Ions
Authors: Nakano Shu‐ichi , Watabe Takaaki , Sugimoto Naoki
Published: September 2017

Nucleic acid enzymes require specific metal ions to be catalytically active. The functions of the metal ions having structural and catalytic roles are affected by competing cations. Large‐sized tetraalkylammonium ions have a propensity to preferentially bind to single strands of RNA and DNA. Here, the large cations are used in the reactions of lead‐dependent ribozyme and 17E deoxyribozyme that require divalent metal ions to cleave a nucleic acid substrate. Kinetic analysis shows that tetraalkylammonium ions influence the rate of substrate cleavage, and the effects are different depending on the nucleic acid enzymes and metal ions used. Importantly, the large cations used here increase the dependence of cleavage rates on metal ion concentration and enhance the ability of the enzyme to monitor changes in metal ion concentrations. The same effect is also observed for the metal ion concentration dependence of the thermal stability of RNA and DNA structures, indicating that the large cations affect the binding of structural metal ions. The use of large tetraalkylammonium ions provides new ways to study the importance of metal ions to nucleic acid enzymes, and also to modulate the functionality of nucleic acid enzymes.
Catalytic Ionic‐Liquid Membranes: The Convergence of Ionic‐Liquid Catalysis and Ionic‐Liquid Membrane Separation Technologies
Authors: Izák Pavel , Bobbink Felix D. , Hulla Martin , Klepic Martina , Friess Karel , Hovorka Štěpán , Dyson Paul J.
Published: September 2017

Membrane technologies enable the facile separation of complex mixtures of gases, vapours, liquids and/or solids under mild conditions. Simultaneous chemical transformations can also be achieved in membranes by using catalytically active membrane materials or embedded catalysts, in so‐called membrane reactors. A particular class of membranes containing or composed of ionic liquids (ILs) or polymeric ionic liquids (pILs) have recently emerged. These membranes often exhibit superior transport and separation properties to those of classical polymeric membranes. ILs and pILs have also been extensively studied as separation solvents, catalysts and co‐catalysts in similar applications for which membranes are employed. In this review, after introducing ILs and their applications in catalysis, catalytic membranes and recent advances in membrane separation processes based on ILs are described. Finally, the nascent concept of catalytic IL membranes is highlighted, in which catalytically active ILs/pILs are incorporated into membrane technologies to act as a catalytic separation layer.
Influence of OATPs on Hepatic Disposition of Erlotinib Measured With Positron Emission Tomography
Authors: Bauer Martin , Matsuda Akihiro , Wulkersdorfer Beatrix , Philippe Cécile , Traxl Alexander , Özvegy‐Laczka Csilla , Stanek Johann , Nics Lukas , Klebermass Eva‐Maria , Poschner Stefan , Jäger Walter , Patik Izabel , Bakos Éva , Szakács Gergely , Wadsak Wolfgang , Hacker Marcus , Zeitlinger Markus , Langer Oliver
Published: September 2017

To assess the hepatic disposition of erlotinib, we performed positron emission tomography (PET) scans with [11C]erlotinib in healthy volunteers without and with oral pretreatment with a therapeutic erlotinib dose (300 mg). Erlotinib pretreatment significantly decreased the liver exposure to [11C]erlotinib with a concomitant increase in blood exposure, pointing to the involvement of a carrier‐mediated hepatic uptake mechanism. Using cell lines overexpressing human organic anion‐transporting polypeptides (OATPs) 1B1, 1B3, or 2B1, we show that [11C]erlotinib is selectively transported by OATP2B1. Our data suggest that at PET microdoses hepatic uptake of [11C]erlotinib is mediated by OATP2B1, whereas at therapeutic doses OATP2B1 transport is saturated and hepatic uptake occurs mainly by passive diffusion. We propose that [11C]erlotinib may be used as a hepatic OATP2B1 probe substrate and erlotinib as an OATP2B1 inhibitor in clinical drug–drug interaction studies, allowing the contribution of OATP2B1 to the hepatic uptake of drugs to be revealed.
Discovery of Open Cubane Core Structures for Biomimetic LnCo3(OR)4 Water Oxidation Catalysts
Authors: Schilling Mauro , Hodel Florian H. , Luber Sandra
Published: September 2017

Bio‐mimetic catalysts such as LnCo3(OR)4 (Ln=Er, Tm; OR=alkoxide) cubanes have recently been in the focus of research for artificial water oxidation processes. Previously, the remarkable adaptability with respect to ligand shell, nuclear structure as well as protonation and oxidation states of those catalysts has been shown to be beneficial for the water oxidation process. We further explored the structural flexibility of those catalysts and present here a series of novel structures in which one metal center is pulled out of the cubane cage. This leads to an open cubane core, which is to some extent reminiscent of observed open/closed cubane‐core forms of the oxygen‐evolving complex in nature's photosystem II. We investigate how those open cubane core models alter the thermodynamics of the water oxidation cycle and how different solvation approaches influence their stability.
Interface Manipulation to Improve Plasmon‐Coupled Photoelectrochemical Water Splitting on α‐Fe2O3 Photoanodes
Authors: Xu Zhe , Fan Zhongwen , Shi Zhan , Li Mengyu , Feng Jianyong , Pei Lang , Zhou Chenguang , Zhou Junkang , Yang Lingxia , Li Wenchao , Xu Guangzhou , Yan Shicheng , Zou Zhigang
Published: September 2017

The plasmon resonance effect of metal nanoparticles (NPs) offers a promising route to improve the solar energy conversion efficiency of semiconductors. In this study, it is revealed that hot electrons generated by the plasmon resonance effect of Au NPs tend to inject into the surface states instead of the conduction band of Fe2O3 photoanodes, and then severe surface recombination occurs. Such an electron‐transfer process seems to be independent of external applied potentials, but is sensitive to metal–semiconductor interface properties. Passivating the surface states of Fe2O3 with a noncatalytic Al2O3 layer can construct an effective resonant energy‐transfer interface between Ti‐doped Fe2O3 (Ti‐Fe2O3) and Au NPs. In such a Ti‐Fe2O3/Al2O3/Au electrode configuration, the enhanced photoelectrochemical (PEC) water‐splitting performance can be attributed to the following two factors: 1) in the non‐light‐responsive wavelength range of Au NPs, both the relaxing Fermi pinning effect of the Al2O3 passivation layer and the higher work function of Au enlarge band bending; thus promoting the charge separation; and 2) in the light‐responsive wavelength range of Au NPs, the effective resonant energy transfer contributes to light harvesting and conversion. The interface manipulation proposed herein may provide a new route to design efficient plasmonic PEC devices for energy conversion.
Rapid comparative immunophenotyping of human mesenchymal stromal cells by a modified fluorescent cell barcoding flow cytometric assay
Authors: Lekishvili Tamara , Campbell Jonathan J.
Published: September 2017

Flow cytometry immunophenotyping is a sensitive technique allowing rapid characterization of single cells within heterogeneous populations, but it includes several subjective steps during sample analysis that impact the development of standardized methodology. Proposed strategies to overcome these limitations include fluorescent cell barcoding (FCB), which facilitates multiplexed sample evaluation with increased data reproducibility whilst reducing labeling variation, materials, and time. To date, the FCB assay has found utility for analyzing the phosphorylation status of intracellular targets but has not been intensively employed for cellular immunophenotypic analyses using cell surface markers. In this study we developed a modified FCB assay for multiplexed analysis of human mesenchymal stromal cells (hMSCs) to evaluate the quality of these cells during bioprocessing. A panel of fluorochrome‐conjugated antibodies was used to target 15 ubiquitously expressed or stage‐specific markers together with a fixable viability dye eFluor 506 acting as the cell barcoding agent. Critical technical considerations and validation steps were presented in the context of monitoring hMSC status, defined by generic, and specific surface markers for cell identity and quality. It was found that at discrete passages, inter‐analyst expression patterns between hMSCs cultures were similar, but in contrast, diverse marker expression was evident between passages. A side‐by‐side analysis of barcoded and non‐barcoded cells demonstrated the potential of this technique for the rapid phenotypic characterization of cells exposed to different bioprocessing conditions. Additionally, the method incorporates fewer subjective factors; including sample preparation and instrument day‐to‐day variations and is customizable across a diversity of cell types. © 2017 International Society for Advancement of Cytometry
Cultivar mixtures: a meta‐analysis of the effect of intraspecific diversity on crop yield
Authors: Reiss Emily R. , Drinkwater Laurie E.
Published: September 2017

Extensive research has shown that greater plant community diversity leads to higher levels of productivity and other ecosystem services, and such increased diversity has been suggested as a way to improve yield and agricultural sustainability. Increasing intraspecific diversity with cultivar mixtures is one way to increase diversity in agricultural systems. We examined the relationship between intraspecific diversity and yield in cultivar mixtures using a meta‐analysis of 91 studies and >3,600 observations. Additionally, we investigated how environmental and management factors might influence this relationship, and if the yield stability of cultivar mixtures differed from that of monocultures. We found that the yield increased by 2.2% overall in cultivar mixtures relative to their monoculture components. Mixtures with more cultivars and those with more functional trait diversity showed higher relative yields. Under biotic stressors, such as disease pressure, and abiotic stressors, such as low levels of soil organic matter and nutrient availability, this diversity effect was stronger, resulting in higher relative yields. Finally, cultivar mixtures generally showed higher yield stability compared to monocultures, especially in response to annual weather variability at a site over time. This practice of mixing cultivars can be integrated into intensified cropping systems where species monocultures dominate, as well as in smallholder cropping systems where low‐cost improvements are in demand. Overall, these results suggest that cultivar mixtures are a viable strategy to increase diversity in agroecosystems, promoting increased yield and yield stability, with minimal environmental impact.
Cumulative effects of climate and landscape change drive spatial distribution of Rocky Mountain wolverine (Gulo guloL.)
Authors: Heim Nicole , Fisher Jason T. , Clevenger Anthony , Paczkowski John , Volpe John
Published: September 2017

Contemporary landscapes are subject to a multitude of human‐derived stressors. Effects of such stressors are increasingly realized by population declines and large‐scale extirpation of taxa worldwide. Most notably, cumulative effects of climate and landscape change can limit species’ local adaptation and dispersal capabilities, thereby reducing realized niche space and range extent. Resolving the cumulative effects of multiple stressors on species persistence is a pressing challenge in ecology, especially for declining species. For example, wolverines (Gulo guloL.) persist on only 40% of their historic North American range. While climate change has been shown to be a mechanism of range retractions, anthropogenic landscape disturbance has been recently implicated. We hypothesized these two interact to effect declines. We surveyed wolverine occurrence using camera trapping and genetic tagging at 104 sites at the wolverine range edge, spanning a 15,000 km2gradient of climate, topographic, anthropogenic, and biotic variables. We used occupancy and generalized linear models to disentangle the factors explaining wolverine distribution. Persistent spring snow pack—expected to decrease with climate change—was a significant predictor, but so was anthropogenic landscape change. Canid mesocarnivores, which we hypothesize are competitors supported by anthropogenic landscape change, had comparatively weaker effect. Wolverine population declines and range shifts likely result from climate change and landscape change operating in tandem. We contend that similar results are likely for many species and that research that simultaneously examines climate change, landscape change, and the biotic landscape is warranted. Ecology research and species conservation plans that address these interactions are more likely to meet their objectives.