bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Willingness to use HIV pre‐exposure prophylaxis among gay men, other men who have sex with men and transgender women in Myanmar
Authors: Draper Bridget L. , Oo Zaw Min , Thein Zaw Win , Aung Poe Poe , Veronese Vanessa , Ryan Claire , Thant Myo , Hughes Chad , Stoové Mark
Published: July 2017

Introduction: HIV pre‐exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) has emerged as a key component of contemporary HIV combination prevention strategies. To explore the local suitability of PrEP, country‐specific acceptability studies are needed to inform potential PrEP implementation. In the context of Myanmar, in addition to resource constraints, HIV service access by gay men, other men who have sex with men, and transgender women (GMT) continues to be constrained by legislative and community stigma and marginalization. We aimed to determine PrEP acceptability among GMT in Myanmar and explore the factors associated with willingness to use PrEP.

Methods: GMT were recruited in Yangon and Mandalay through local HIV prevention outreach programmes in November and December 2014. Quantitative surveys were administered by trained peer educators and collected data on demographics, sexual risk, testing history and PrEP acceptability. A modified six‐item PrEP acceptability scale classified self‐reported HIV undiagnosed GMT as willing to use PrEP. Multivariable logistic regression identified factors associated with willingness to use PrEP.

Results: Among 434 HIV undiagnosed GMT, PrEP awareness was low (5%). PrEP acceptability was high, with 270 (62%) GMT classified as willing to use PrEP. GMT recruited in Mandalay (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) = 1.79; 95%CI = 1.05–3.03), who perceived themselves as likely to become HIV positive (aOR = 1.82; 95%CI = 1.10–3.02), who had more than one recent regular partner (aOR = 2.94; 95%CI = 1.41–6.14), no regular partners (aOR = 2.05; 95%CI = 1.10–3.67), more than five casual partners (aOR = 2.05; 95%CI = 1.06–3.99) or no casual partners (aOR = 2.25; 95%CI = 1.23–4.11) were more likely to be willing to use PrEP. The association between never or only occasionally using condoms with casual partners and willingness to use PrEP was marginally significant (aOR = 2.02; 95%CI = 1.00–4.10). GMT who reported concern about side effects and long‐term use of PrEP were less likely (aOR = 0.35; 95%CI = 0.21–0.59) to be willing to use PrEP.

Conclusions: This is the first study to assess PrEP acceptability in Myanmar. Findings suggest PrEP is an acceptable prevention option among GMT in Myanmar, providing they are not required to pay for it. Implementation/demonstration projects are needed to explore the feasibility and cost‐effectiveness of PrEP as a prevention option for GMT in Myanmar.
Physically driven patchy O2 changes in the North Atlantic Ocean simulated by the CMIP5 Earth system models
Authors: Tagklis F. , Bracco A. , Ito T.
Published: July 2017

The subpolar North Atlantic is a key region for the oceanic uptake of heat, oxygen, and carbon dioxide. Centennial oxygen (O2) changes are investigated in the upper 700 m of the North Atlantic Ocean using a subset of Earth system models (ESMs) included in the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project phase 5. The climatological distributions of dissolved O2 averaged for the recent past period (1975–2005) are generally well captured, although the convective activity differs among the models in space and strength, and most models show a cold bias south of Greenland. By the end of the twenty‐first century, all models predict an increase in depth‐integrated temperature of 2–3°C, resultant solubility decrease, weakened vertical mass transport, decreased nutrient supply into the euphotic layer, and weakened export production. Despite an overall tendency of the North Atlantic to lose oxygen, patchy regions of O2 increase are observed due to the weakening of the North Atlantic Current (NAC) causing a regional solubility increase (the warming hole effect) and a decrease in the advection of subtropical, low‐O2 waters into the subpolar regions (the nutrient stream effect). Additionally, a shift in the NAC position contributes to localized O2 changes near the boundaries of water masses. The net O2 change reflects the combination of multiple factors leading to highly heterogeneous and model‐dependent patterns. Our results imply that changes in the strength and position of the NAC will likely play crucial roles in setting the pattern of O2 changes in future projections.
Seasonal dynamics of particulate organic matter and its response to flooding in the Pearl River Estuary, China, revealed by stable isotope (δ13C and δ15N) analyses
Authors: Ye Feng , Guo Wei , Shi Zhen , Jia Guodong , Wei Gangjian
Published: July 2017

Nine cruises were conducted on a seasonal basis from 2013 to 2015 to investigate the spatial distribution and seasonal variability of δ13C and δ15N in particulate organic matter (POM), and its response to flooding in the Pearl River Estuary (PRE), south China. Our study reveals highly variable isotope ratios between seasons in this subtropical estuary, following seasonal climatic and hydrological cycles. Wet seasons had more isotopically depleted δ13C values, indicating the dominance of terrestrial and freshwater algae POM, whereas the contribution from marine phytoplankton (16%–59%) was higher during the dry seasons. In contrast, δ15N exhibited a sharp increase (up to 17.6‰) at low salinities (0–5) during high flow seasons. This was consistent with high
concentrations, reflecting phytoplankton and bacteria assimilation of δ15N enriched‐
as well as notable isotope fractionation during microbial mineralization. There was little annual variability in δ13C over the 2 year period; however, particulate nitrogen (PN) exhibited lower concentrations but more enriched isotope values in 2015 than in 2014. This can be best explained by temperature‐modulated biological processing of particulate organic nitrogen, partially due to different biogeochemical responses during normal (2014) and strong El Niño (2015) years. After flooding in June 2015, terrestrial organic matter and freshwater phytoplankton were the major components of POM within the estuary and shelf areas, whereas marine phytoplankton was the dominant component in the adjacent coastal waters with mid‐salinities (10 < S < 20), as revealed by a phytoplankton bloom (>10 μg L−1) and δ13C‐enriched but δ15N‐depleted POM.
Dynamical ocean response to projected changes of the global water cycle
Authors: Liu Xin , Köhl Armin , Stammer Detlef
Published: July 2017

Over the next century substantial changes will occur in the ocean as a consequence of an accelerated global hydrological cycle and the associated net surface freshwater flux change is projected to result from global warming. This paper is concerned with the dynamical response to the associated surface volume flux anomalies. Based on ocean model runs driven by RCP8.5 surface freshwater flux anomalies over the period 2081–2100 relative to 1986–2005, we show that the adjustment of the circulation involves a barotropic circulation response as predicted from the Goldsbrough‐Stommel theory. The corresponding barotropic circulation intensifies by approximately 20% with a stronger intensification of about 50% in the Southern Ocean, comparing to the present‐day Goldsbrough‐Stommel Circulation. The barotropic circulation anomaly induced by intensified freshwater flux reaches to 0.6 Sv in the Antarctic Circumpolar Current region. The adjustment also involves changes in the meridional overturning circulation mirroring the basin‐wide averages of changes in the convergence and divergence of the mass transport driven by the surface volume flux. The subsequent pathways of fresh water match with the spreading of volume flux in the shallow cells but diverge substantially with depth. Associated with changes of the flow field are the changes in meridional heat and freshwater transports. Changes in the circulation also lead to a redistribution of temperature and salinity from which a significant contribution results in form of regional steric sea level changes. These changes are of the order of 0.5 cm and can be largely attributed to the displacement of the isopycnals.
Circulation in the northwest Laptev Sea in the eastern Arctic Ocean: Crossroads between Siberian River water, Atlantic water and polynya‐formed dense water
Authors: Janout Markus A. , Hölemann Jens , Timokhov Leonid , Gutjahr Oliver , Heinemann Günther
Published: July 2017

This paper investigates new observations from the poorly understood region between the Kara and Laptev Seas in the Eastern Arctic Ocean. We discuss relevant circulation features including riverine freshwater, Atlantic‐derived water, and polynya‐formed dense water, emphasize Vilkitsky Strait (VS) as an important Kara Sea gateway, and analyze the role of the adjacent ∼250 km‐long submarine Vilkitsky Trough (VT) for the Arctic boundary current. Expeditions in 2013 and 2014 operated closely spaced hydrographic transects and 1 year‐long oceanographic mooring near VT's southern slope, and found persistent annually averaged flow of 0.2 m s−1 toward the Nansen Basin. The flow is nearly barotropic from winter through early summer and becomes surface intensified with maximum velocities of 0.35 m s−1 from August to October. Thermal wind shear is maximal above the southern flank at ∼30 m depth, in agreement with basinward flow above VT's southern slope. The subsurface features a steep front separating warm (–0.5°C) Atlantic‐derived waters in central VT from cold (<–1.5°C) shelf waters, which episodically migrates across the trough indicated by current reversals and temperature fluctuations. Shelf‐transformed waters dominate above VT's slope, measuring near‐freezing temperatures throughout the water column at salinities of 34–35. These dense waters are vigorously advected toward the Eurasian Basin and characterize VT as a conduit for near‐freezing waters that could potentially supply the Arctic Ocean's lower halocline, cool Atlantic water, and ventilate the deeper Arctic Ocean. Our observations from the northwest Laptev Sea highlight a topographically complex region with swift currents, several water masses, narrow fronts, polynyas, and topographically channeled storms.
Orographic effects on the transport and deposition of volcanic ash: A case study of Mount Sakurajima, Japan
Authors: Poulidis Alexandros P. , Takemi Tetsuya , Iguchi Masato , Renfrew Ian A.
Published: July 2017

Volcanic ash is a major atmospheric hazard that has a significant impact on local populations and international aviation. The topography surrounding a volcano affects the transport and deposition of volcanic ash, but these effects have not been studied in depth. Here we investigate orographic impacts on ash transport and deposition in the context of the Sakurajima volcano in Japan, using the chemistry‐resolving version of the Weather Research and Forecasting model. Sakurajima is an ideal location for such a study because of the surrounding mountainous topography, frequent eruptions, and comprehensive observing network. At Sakurajima, numerical experiments reveal that across the 2–8ϕ grain size range, the deposition of “medium‐sized” ash (3–5ϕ) is most readily affected by orographic flows. The direct effects of resolving fine‐scale orographic phenomena are counteracting: mountain‐induced atmospheric gravity waves can keep ash afloat, while enhanced downslope winds in the lee of mountains (up to 50% stronger) can force the ash downward. Gravity waves and downslope winds were seen to have an effect along the dispersal path, in the vicinity of both the volcano and other mountains. Depending on the atmospheric conditions, resolving these orographic effects means that ash can be transported higher than the initial injection height (especially for ash finer than 2ϕ), shortly after the eruption (within 20 min) and close to the vent (within the first 10 km), effectively modifying the input plume height used in an ash dispersal model—an effect that should be taken into account when initializing simulations.
A G protein‐coupled α7 nicotinic receptor regulates signaling and TNF‐α release in microglia
Authors: King Justin R. , Gillevet Trudy C. , Kabbani Nadine
Published: July 2017

Acetylcholine activation of α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (α7 nAChRs) in microglia attenuates neuroinflammation and regulates TNF‐α release. We used lipopolysaccharide to model inflammation in the microglial cell line EOC20 and examined signaling by the α7 nAChR. Co‐immunoprecipitation experiments confirm that α7 nAChRs bind heterotrimeric G proteins in EOC20 cells. Interaction with Gαi mediates α7 nAChR signaling via enhanced intracellular calcium release and a decrease in cAMP, p38 phosphorylation, and TNF‐α release. These α7 nAChR effects were blocked by the inhibition of Gαi signaling via pertussis toxin, PLC activity with U73122, and α7 nAChR channel activity with the selective antagonist α‐bungarotoxin. Moreover, α7 nAChR signaling in EOC20 cells was significantly diminished by the expression of a dominant‐negative α7 nAChR, α7345‐8A, shown to be impaired in G protein binding. These findings indicate an essential role for G protein coupling in α7 nAChR function in microglia leading to the regulation of inflammation in the nervous system.
Diversity‐Oriented Synthesis of Oxacyclic Spirooxindole Derivatives through Ring‐Closing Enyne Metathesis and Intramolecular Pauson–Khand (2+2+1) Cyclization of Oxindole Enynes
Authors: Kandimalla Satheeshkumar Reddy , Sabitha Gowravaram
Published: July 2017

An efficient approach for a reagent‐based diversity‐oriented synthesis (DOS) of novel fused spirooxindole scaffolds from oxindole enynes has been developed. The reaction involves a metal‐catalyzed C‐3 allylation/vinylation/homoallylation ofN‐substituted isatins which gives rise to the corresponding alcohols that can be converted into the required enynes. Further transformation to diverse complex molecular scaffolds proceedsviaa subsequent ruthenium‐catalyzed ring‐closing enyne metathesis (RCEYM), or cobalt‐catalyzed intramolecular Pauson–Khand (2+2+1) cyclization reaction (IPKR). This strategy provides a facile approach to various spirooxindole‐vinyldihydropyrans/tetrahydrooxepines and spirocyclic fused cyclopentenones in good to excellent yields.

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Metal‐Free Activation of DMF by Dioxygen: A Cascade Multiple‐Bond‐Formation Reaction to Synthesize 3‐Acylindoles from 2‐Alkenylanilines
Authors: Wang Ji‐Bo , Li Yin‐Long , Deng Jun
Published: July 2017

A cascade C−N, C−C and C−O multiple‐bond‐formation reaction to synthesize 3‐acylindoles from 2‐alkenylanilines with DMF (N,N‐dimethylformamide) as a one‐carbon synthon is described. This approach employed dioxygen as a terminal oxidant and oxygen donor, generally provided the 3‐acylindoles in moderate to good yields. Moreover, the mechanistic investigation unambiguously revealed that the 2‐carbon of 3‐acylindole was derived from the N‐methyl group of DMF.

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Phosphine‐Catalyzed [3+2] or [4+2] Cycloaddition/SN2 Substitution Domino Reaction of ortho‐Aminotrifluoroaceto‐ phenone Derivatives with Hex‐3‐yn‐2‐one: Preparation of Functionalized 1‐Benzazepine Compounds
Authors: Sun Yao‐Liang , Wei Yin , Shi Min
Published: July 2017

In this paper, we disclose a novel strategy for the phosphine‐catalyzed cycloaddition/SN2 substitution domino reaction, giving functionalized O‐bridged benzoazepine and benzoxazepine derivatives in moderate to good yields. Changing the N–H protecting group of ortho‐aminotrifluoroacetophenone derivatives gave different bridged‐ring products in one step.

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Molecular simulation study of aluminum–noble gas interfacial thermal accommodation coefficients
Authors: Sha Haoyan , Faller Roland , Tetiker Gulcin , Woytowitz Peter
Published: July 2017

Thermal accommodation coefficients (TAC) between aluminum and noble gases were studied with molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. Gases interacting with aluminum substrates were modeled by MD with gas velocities sampled from the Maxwell–Boltzmann distribution to give accumulated TAC results. Different implementations of the equation to calculate the TAC, which differ in the amount of information gleaned from MD and the corresponding simulation results, were carefully discussed. The best formula for MD modeling in finite simulation time was determined. Additionally, the influence of the combining rules applied on aluminum–noble gas interatomic potential was characterized with the well‐known Lennard–Jones 12–6 potential combined with Lorentz–Berthelot and Fender–Halsey mixing rules. The results were compared with experimental values and previous analytical model. TACs simulated with Fender–Halsey rules present excellent agreement with the experimental values. Detailed TAC distributions and accumulated TAC convergence are also included. © 2017 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 63: 338–345, 2018
Thermoresponsive hydrogels based on sucrose 1‐O′‐methacrylate and N‐isopropylacrylamide: Synthesis, properties, and applications
Authors: de Menezes Rafael Natal Lima , Camilo Ana Paula Rodrigues , Felisberti Maria Isabel
Published: July 2017

Chemically crosslinked hydrogels composed of carbohydrate‐based and thermoresponsive monomers, sucrose 1‐O′‐methacrylate (SMA), sucrose dimethacrylate, and N‐isopropylacrylamide, respectively, were synthesized by free radical polymerization. These materials were characterized with respect to their composition, thermoresponsiveness, porosity, degradability, and as drug and protein delivery systems. Swelling studies, thermomechanical analysis, and differential scanning calorimetry showed that the lower critical solution temperature behavior of the hydrogels can be controlled by the SMA amount in the copolymers. On the other hand, thermoporometry showed that the pore size is somewhat dependent on the composition, which is confirmed by scanning electron microscopy. Hydrolytic degradation studies indicated that SMA side chains, as well as the crosslinker (sucrose dimethacrylate), are hydrolysable at corporeal temperature and pH 10, and the water swelling capability of the resulting materials increases as the hydrolysis degree increases. Finally, protein delivery studies revealed that the kinetics of release can be tailored by the copolymer composition. The results of this study suggest the potential application of these hydrogels in drug delivery systems and tissue engineering. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2017, 134, 45495.
3D Printed Vascularized Device for Subcutaneous Transplantation of Human Islets
Authors: Farina Marco , Ballerini Andrea , Fraga Daniel W. , Nicolov Eugenia , Hogan Matthew , Demarchi Danilo , Scaglione Francesco , Sabek Omaima M. , Horner Philip , Thekkedath Usha , Gaber Osama A. , Grattoni Alessandro
Published: July 2017

Transplantation of pancreatic islets or stem cell derived insulin secreting cells is an attractive treatment strategy for diabetes. However, islet transplantation is associated with several challenges including function‐loss associated with dispersion and limited vascularization as well as the need for continuous immunosuppression. To overcome these limitations, here we present a novel 3D printed and functionalized encapsulation system for subcutaneous engraftment of islets or islet like cells. The devices were 3D printed with polylactic acid and the surfaces treated and patterned to increase the hydrophilicity, cell attachment, and proliferation. Surface treated encapsulation systems were implanted with growth factor enriched platelet gel, which helped to create a vascularized environment before loading human islets. The device protected the encapsulated islets from acute hypoxia and kept them functional. The adaptability of the encapsulation system was demonstrated by refilling some of the experimental groups transcutaneously with additional islets.
Ensemble characterization of an intrinsically disordered FG‐Nup peptide and its F>A mutant in DMSO‐d6
Authors: Reid Korey M. , Sunanda Punnepalli , Raghothama S. , Krishnan V.V.
Published: July 2017

Intrinsically disordered proteins (IDP) lack a well‐defined 3D‐structure under physiological conditions, yet, the inherent disorder represented by an ensemble of conformation plays a critical role in many cellular and regulatory processes. Nucleoporins, or Nups, are the proteins found in the nuclear pore complex (NPC). The central pore of the NPC is occupied by Nups, which have phenylalanine‐glycine domain repeats and are intrinsically disordered, and therefore are termed FG‐Nups. These FG‐domain repeats exhibit differing cohesiveness character and differ from least (FG) to most (GLFG) cohesive. The designed FG‐Nup is a 25 AA model peptide containing a noncohesive FG‐motif flanked by two cohesive GLFG‐motifs (WT peptide). Complete NMR‐based ensemble characterization of this peptide along with a control peptide with an F>A substitution (MU peptide) are discussed. Ensemble characterization of the NMR‐determined models suggests that both the peptides do not have consistent secondary structures and continue to be disordered. Nonetheless, the role of cohesive elements mediated by the GLFG motifs is evident in the WT ensemble of structures that are more compact than the MU peptide. The approach presented here allows an alternate way to investigate the specific roles of distinct amino acid motifs that translate into the long‐range organization of the ensemble of structures and in general on the nature of IDPs.
Imaging gait analysis: An fMRI dual task study
Authors: Bürki Céline N. , Bridenbaugh Stephanie A. , Reinhardt Julia , Stippich Christoph , Kressig Reto W. , Blatow Maria
Published: July 2017

Introduction

In geriatric clinical diagnostics, gait analysis with cognitive‐motor dual tasking is used to predict fall risk and cognitive decline. To date, the neural correlates of cognitive‐motor dual tasking processes are not fully understood. To investigate these underlying neural mechanisms, we designed an fMRI paradigm to reproduce the gait analysis.

Methods

We tested the fMRI paradigm’s feasibility in a substudy with fifteen young adults and assessed 31 healthy older adults in the main study. First, gait speed and variability were quantified using the GAITRite© electronic walkway. Then, participants lying in the MRI‐scanner were stepping on pedals of an MRI‐compatible stepping device used to imitate gait during functional imaging. In each session, participants performed cognitive and motor single tasks as well as cognitive‐motor dual tasks.

Results

Behavioral results showed that the parameters of both gait analyses, GAITRite© and fMRI, were significantly positively correlated. FMRI results revealed significantly reduced brain activation during dual task compared to single task conditions. Functional ROI analysis showed that activation in the superior parietal lobe (SPL) decreased less from single to dual task condition than activation in primary motor cortex and in supplementary motor areas. Moreover, SPL activation was increased during dual tasks in subjects exhibiting lower stepping speed and lower executive control.

Conclusion

We were able to simulate walking during functional imaging with valid results that reproduce those from the GAITRite© gait analysis. On the neural level, SPL seems to play a crucial role in cognitive‐motor dual tasking and to be linked to divided attention processes, particularly when motor activity is involved.
Care pathways models and clinical outcomes in Disorders of consciousness
Authors: Sattin Davide , Morganti Laura , De Torres Laura , Dolce Giuliano , Arcuri Francesco , Estraneo Anna , Cardinale Viviana , Piperno Roberto , Zavatta Elena , Formisano Rita , D'Ippolito Mariagrazia , Vassallo Claudio , Dessi Barbara , Lamberti Gianfranco , Antoniono Elena , Lanzillotti Crocifissa , Navarro Jorge , Bramanti Placido , Corallo Francesco , Zampolini Mauro , Scarponi Federico , Avesani Renato , Salvi Luca , Ferro Salvatore , Mazza Luigi , Fogar Paolo , Feller Sandro , De Nigris Fulvio , Martinuzzi Andrea , Buffoni Mara , Pessina Adriano , Corsico Paolo , Leonardi Matilde
Published: July 2017

Objective

Patients with Disorders of consciousness, are persons with extremely low functioning levels and represent a challenge for health care systems due to their high needs of facilitating environmental factors. Despite a common Italian health care pathway for these patients, no studies have analyzed information on how each region have implemented it in its welfare system correlating data with patients’ clinical outcomes.

Materials and Methods

A multicenter observational pilot study was realized. Clinicians collected data on the care pathways of patients with Disorder of consciousness by asking 90 patients’ caregivers to complete an ad hoc questionnaire through a structured phone interview. Questionnaire consisted of three sections: sociodemographic data, description of the care pathway done by the patient, and caregiver evaluation of health services and information received.

Results

Seventy‐three patients were analyzed. Length of hospital stay was different across the health care models and it was associated with improvement in clinical diagnosis. In long‐term care units, the diagnosis at admission and the number of caregivers available for each patient (median value = 3) showed an indirect relationship with worsening probability in clinical outcome. Caregivers reported that communication with professionals (42%) and the answer to the need of information were the most critical points in the acute phase, whereas presence of Non‐Governmental Organizations (25%) and availability of psychologists for caregivers (21%) were often missing during long‐term care. The 65% of caregivers reported they did not know the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.

Conclusion

This study highlights relevant differences in analyzed models, despite a recommended national pathway of care. Future public health considerations and actions are needed to guarantee equity and standardization of the care process in all European countries.
Impact of diabetes mellitus on procedural and one year clinical outcomes following treatment of severely calcified coronary lesions with the orbital atherectomy system: A subanalysis of the ORBIT II study
Authors: Lee Michael S. , Martinsen Brad J. , Lee Arthur C. , Behrens Ann N. , Shlofmitz Richard A. , Kim Christopher Y. , Chambers Jeffrey W.
Published: July 2017

Objectives

The goal of the study was to investigate the safety and efficacy of the coronary orbital atherectomy system to treat severe coronary artery calcification (CAC) prior to stent placement in diabetic and non‐diabetic patients.

Background

The ORBIT II study reported the safety and efficacy of orbital atherectomy treatment in 443 patients with severe CAC. Percutaneous coronary intervention in diabetic patients is associated with an increased risk of major adverse cardiac events (MACE) compared with non‐diabetics. The outcomes of diabetic patients who undergo orbital atherectomy are unknown.

Methods

Patients were sub‐grouped as either diabetic (160/443, 36.1%) or non‐diabetic (283/443, 63.9%). The MACE rate, defined as cardiac death, myocardial infarction (MI; CK‐MB > 3X ULN), and target vessel revascularization, was examined at 30 days and 1 year after treatment.

Results

Procedural success was similar in the diabetic and non‐diabetic groups (89.3 vs. 88.6%, P = 0.88). There was no significant difference in the 30‐day and 1‐year MACE rates between the diabetic and non‐diabetic groups (30 day: 8.8 vs. 11.3%; P = 0.40; 1 year: 17.1 vs. 16.7%, P = 0.97). The individual components of cardiac death (3.9 vs. 2.9%, P = 0.58), MI (9.4 vs. 11.3%, P = 0.52), and target vessel revascularization (5.9 vs. 5.8%, P = 0.99) were also similar in both groups at 1 year.

Conclusions

The rates of adverse clinical events in diabetic patients who underwent orbital atherectomy were low and similar to non‐diabetic patients. This study suggests orbital atherectomy is a reasonable treatment strategy for diabetic patients with severe CAC.
Carbon Nanotubes Loaded on Graphene Microfolds as Efficient Bifunctional Electrocatalysts for the Oxygen Reduction and Oxygen Evolution Reactions
Authors: Fang Bo , Yang Jia , Chen Chen , Zhang Chunxiao , Chang Dan , Xu Hangxun , Gao Chao
Published: July 2017

Advanced bifunctional electrocatalysts for the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) and oxygen evolution reaction (OER) are promising to improve the efficiency of fuel cells and metal–air batteries. Among the state‐of‐the‐art efficient oxygen electrocatalysts, heteroatom‐doped carbon materials are favorable candidates. However, the enriched doping requires a highly exposed carbon skeleton. Here, we report a scalable route to prepare carbon nanotubes (CNTs) loaded on graphene microfolds (CGFs) by a low‐temperature spray‐drying procedure. Molecular‐level assembly of graphene and CNTs, mesoporous structures, and large specific surface areas permit the carbon skeleton of CGFs to be highly exposed. After doping with abundant nitrogen and phosphorous (5.58 at % for N, 0.1 at % for P), CGFs exhibit excellent bifunctional electrocatalytic activity for both the ORR and OER, with superb durability and methanol tolerance. The measured variance of the ORR and OER metrics (ΔE=Ej=10−E1/2) was low at 0.9 V versus reversible hydrogen electrode (vs. RHE), being within only 20 mV of Pt‐ and Ru‐based electrodes, and superior to transition‐metal‐based catalysts and other carbon catalysts. Such efficient overall electrocatalytic activity allows CGFs to be used for high‐performance oxygen electrodes in renewable energy devices.
Significantly Enhanced Hydrogen Evolution Activity of Freestanding Pd‐Ru Distorted Icosahedral Clusters with less than 600 Atoms
Authors: Liu Suli , Zhang Qinghua , Bao Jianchun , Li Yafei , Dai Zhihui , Gu Lin
Published: July 2017

Freestanding metal nanoclusters can tune, precisely and effectively, the Gibbs free energy (ΔGH) of atomic hydrogen on the surface of materials. This enables the enhancement of hydrogen evolution activity. In this paper, we report a study of freestanding Pd‐Ru distorted icosahedral clusters (ico‐clusters) with less than 600 atoms by using a simple one‐pot synthesis method. This Pd‐Ru ico‐cluster can be used as an efficient electrocatalyst for the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) in acidic water, which is a promising alternative to Pt. The experimental and theoretical results suggest that the face‐centered cubic (fcc) freestanding Pd‐Ru distorted ico‐clusters with less than 600 atoms ensure increased active edges and distorted defect sites, which reduce the coordination number for the atoms on the catalyst surface. Furthermore, Ru is a more effective hydrogen dissociation source, whereas Pd has a better hydrogen storage function. Pd‐Ru can tune the ΔGH of atomic hydrogen adsorbed on a catalyst and reach an optimal equilibrium state that improves the HER performance. Our studies represent a robust approach towards the development of freestanding Pd‐Ru distorted ico‐clusters and advanced catalysts with non‐Pt content for HER and many other heterogeneous reactions.
The Concept of Value for CSR: A Debate Drawn from Italian Classical Accounting
Authors: Costa Massimo , Torrecchia Patrizia
Published: July 2017

This paper underlines the importance of the concept of value for corporate social responsibility (CSR) and then explores it beyond economics, looking for its social and philosophical roots. Considering the most recent literature on the matter, the dilemma between a non‐monetary, multi‐variable conception and a monetary, one‐variable conception is set. To obtain the origins of the meaning for this basic concept in CSR, Italian literature regarding ‘value in accounting’ is explored. The main result from this first survey is the existence of a ‘chain’ from the highest conception of value (philosophical, ethical), to the most practical conception (accounting techniques of measurement). By this first approach, some provisional normative clauses are then deduced, in a ‘problem‐setting attitude’ to be tested by means of further research on the topic, exploring other literature and building a new general paradigm to finally provide a commonly shared measure for social value. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment
Phenology of brown marmorated stink bug described using female reproductive development
Authors: Nielsen Anne L. , Fleischer Shelby , Hamilton George C. , Hancock Tori , Krawczyk Gregorz , Lee Jana C. , Ogburn Emily , Pote John M. , Raudenbush Amy , Rucker Ann , Saunders Michael , Skillman Victoria P. , Sullivan Jeanne , Timer Jody , Walgenbach James , Wiman Nik G. , Leskey Tracy C.
Published: July 2017

Temperature‐based degree‐day models describe insect seasonality and to predict key phenological events. We expand on the use of a temperature‐based process defining timing of reproduction through the incorporation of female reproductive physiology for the invasive pentatomid species Halyomorpha halys, the brown marmorated stink bug. A five‐stage ranking system based on ovary development was able to distinguish between the reproductive statuses of field‐collected females. Application of this ranking method described aspects of H. halys’ seasonality, overwintering biology, and phenology across geographic locations. Female H. halys were collected in the US from NJ, WV, NC, OR, and two sites in PA in 2006–2008 (Allentown, PA only) and 2012–2014. Results identify that H. halys enters reproductive diapause in temperate locations in the fall and that a delay occurs in developmental maturity after diapause termination in the spring. Modification of the Snyder method to identify biofix determined 12.7‐hr photoperiod as the best fit to define initiation of reproduction in the spring. Applying the biofix, we demonstrated significant differences between locations for the rate at which the overwintering generation transition into reproductive status and the factors contributing to this difference require further study. For example, after including abiotic variables influencing development such as temperature and photoperiod (critical diapause cue), reproduction occurred earlier in OR and for an extended period in NJ. This data describe a method to investigate insect seasonality by incorporating physiological development across multiple regions that can clarify phenology for insects with overlapping generations.
Dynamic‐landscape metapopulation models predict complex response of wildlife populations to climate and landscape change
Authors: Bonnot Thomas W. , Thompson Frank R. , Millspaugh Joshua J.
Published: July 2017

The increasing need to predict how climate change will impact wildlife species has exposed limitations in how well current approaches model important biological processes at scales at which those processes interact with climate. We used a comprehensive approach that combined recent advances in landscape and population modeling into dynamic‐landscape metapopulation models (DLMPs) to predict responses of two declining songbird species in the central hardwoods region of the United States to changes in forest conditions from climate change. We modeled wood thrush (Hylocichla mustelina) and prairie warbler (Setophaga discolor) population dynamics and distribution throughout the central hardwoods based on estimates of habitat and demographics derived from landscapes projected through 2100 under a current climate scenario and two future climate change scenarios. Climate change, natural forest succession, and forest management interacted to change forest structure and composition over time, variably affecting the distribution and amount of habitat of the two birds. The resulting changes in habitat and metapopulation processes produced contrasting predictions for future populations. Wood thrush, a forest generalist, showed little response to climate‐driven forest change but declined by >25% due to reduced productivity associated with existing forest fragmentation across much of the region. Prairie warblers initially declined due to loss of habitat resulting from current land management; however, after 2050 cumulative effects of climate change on forest structure created enough habitat in source landscapes to restore population growth. These species‐specific responses were the result of interactions among climate, landscape, and population processes. We suggest relationships between climate change, succession, and land management are species specific and important determinants of future wildlife populations and that DLMPs are a comprehensive approach that can capture such processes to generate more realistic predictions of populations under climate change.
Cophylogenetic signal is detectable in pollination interactions across ecological scales
Authors: Hutchinson Matthew C. , Cagua Edgar Fernando , Stouffer Daniel B.
Published: July 2017

That evolutionary history can influence the way that species interact is a basic tenet of evolutionary ecology. However, when the role of evolution in determining ecological interactions is investigated, focus typically centers on just one side of the interaction. A cophylogenetic signal, the congruence of evolutionary history across both sides of an ecological interaction, extends these previous explorations and provides a more complete picture of how evolutionary patterns influence the way species interact. To date, cophylogenetic signal has most typically been studied in interactions that occur between fine taxonomic clades that show high intimacy. In this study, we took an alternative approach and made an exhaustive assessment of cophylogeny in pollination interactions. To do so, we assessed the strength of cophylogenetic signal at four distinct scales of pollination interaction: (1) across plant–pollinator associations globally, (2) in local pollination communities, (3) within the modular structure of those communities, and (4) in individual modules. We did so using a globally distributed dataset comprised of 54 pollination networks, over 4000 species, and over 12,000 interactions. Within these data, we detected cophylogenetic signal at all four scales. Cophylogenetic signal was found at the level of plant–pollinator interactions on a global scale and in the majority of pollination communities. At the scale defined by the modular structure within those communities, however, we observed a much weaker cophylogenetic signal. Cophylogenetic signal was detectable in a significant proportion of individual modules and most typically when within‐module phylogenetic diversity was low. In sum, the detection of cophylogenetic signal in pollination interactions across scales provides a new dimension to the story of how past evolution shapes extant pollinator–angiosperm interactions.
Density dependence governs when population responses to multiple stressors are magnified or mitigated
Authors: Hodgson Emma E. , Essington Timothy E. , Halpern Benjamin S.
Published: July 2017

Population endangerment typically arises from multiple, potentially interacting anthropogenic stressors. Extensive research has investigated the consequences of multiple stressors on organisms, frequently focusing on individual life stages. Less is known about population‐level consequences of exposure to multiple stressors, especially when exposure varies through life. We provide the first theoretical basis for identifying species at risk of magnified effects from multiple stressors across life history. By applying a population modeling framework, we reveal conditions under which population responses from stressors applied to distinct life stages are either magnified (synergistic) or mitigated. We find that magnification or mitigation critically depends on the shape of density dependence, but not the life stage in which it occurs. Stressors are always magnified when density dependence is linear or concave, and magnified or mitigated when it is convex. Using Bayesian numerical methods, we estimated the shape of density dependence for eight species across diverse taxa, finding support for all three shapes.
Caught Between Personal and Collective Values: Biodiversity conservation in European decision‐making
Authors: Primmer Eeva , Termansen Mette , Bredin Yennie , Blicharska Malgorzata , García‐Llorente Marina , Berry Pam , Jääskeläinen Tiina , Bela Györgyi , Fabok Veronika , Geamana Nicoleta , Harrison Paula A. , Haslett John R. , Cosor Georgia Lavinia , Andersen Anne H.K.
Published: July 2017

Individual decision‐makers at different governance levels operate in social contexts, which means that they sometimes need to compromise their personal values. Yet, this dissonance is rarely the direct target of empirical analyses of environmental decision‐making. We undertake a Q‐analysis of decision‐makers' personal perspectives and the perspectives they perceive to dominate in their decision‐making contexts. Our empirical analysis addresses biodiversity conservation, which has traditionally been justified with intrinsic value‐ and science‐based arguments. The arguments have recently been broadened with the concept of ecosystem services, highlighting human benefits and values. This evolving context is interesting because of the new rise of anthropocentric values, which can lead to decision‐makers experiencing dissonance. Our analysis of interviews with 43 biodiversity conservation decision‐makers from nine European countries reveals four personally held perspectives that highlight different, yet partly overlapping, values – intrinsic, human benefit, conservation and connection – as well as three perspectives perceived to dominate in decision‐making – utilitarian, insurance and knowledge values. The comparison of personally held and perceived dominant perspectives points to one major conflict: those decision‐makers who personally associate with intrinsic values and perceive utilitarian values to dominate in decision‐making experience dissonance. By contrast, personally held human benefit values are accommodated well in decision‐making contexts and decision‐makers who perceive insurance values to dominate experience the least conflict with personally held values. These findings demonstrate the potential of arguments stressing long‐term benefits for easing tension and conflicts in conservation decision‐making, and the usefulness of empirically testing of the coincidence of individual and social values. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment
Cost‐effectiveness of left ventricular assist devices for patients with end‐stage heart failure: analysis of the French hospital discharge database
Authors: Tadmouri Abir , Blomkvist Josefin , Landais Cécile , Seymour Jerome , Azmoun Alexandre
Published: July 2017

Aims

Although left ventricular assist devices (LVADs) are currently approved for coverage and reimbursement in France, no French cost‐effectiveness (CE) data are available to support this decision. This study aimed at estimating the CE of LVAD compared with medical management in the French health system.

Methods and results

Individual patient data from the ‘French hospital discharge database’ (Medicalization of information systems program) were analysed using Kaplan–Meier method. Outcomes were time to death, time to heart transplantation (HTx), and time to death after HTx. A micro‐costing method was used to calculate the monthly costs extracted from the Program for the Medicalization of Information Systems. A multistate Markov monthly cycle model was developed to assess CE. The analysis over a lifetime horizon was performed from the perspective of the French healthcare payer; discount rates were 4%. Probabilistic and deterministic sensitivity analyses were performed. Outcomes were quality‐adjusted life years (QALYs) and incremental CE ratio (ICER). Mean QALY for an LVAD patient was 1.5 at a lifetime cost of €190 739, delivering a probabilistic ICER of €125 580/QALY [95% confidence interval: 105 587 to 150 314]. The sensitivity analysis showed that the ICER was mainly sensitive to two factors: (i) the high acquisition cost of the device and (ii) the device performance in terms of patient survival.

Conclusions

Our economic evaluation showed that the use of LVAD in patients with end‐stage heart failure yields greater benefit in terms of survival than medical management at an extra lifetime cost exceeding the €100 000/QALY. Technological advances and device costs reduction shall hence lead to an improvement in overall CE.
Synthesis of meso‐CF3‐Substituted BODIPY Compounds with Redshifted Absorption
Authors: Jiang Xin‐Dong , Fang Tao , Liu Xin , Xi Dongmei
Published: July 2017

The one‐pot synthesis of meso‐CF3‐substituted boron–dipyrromethene (BODIPY) compounds is achieved for the first time through the condensation of pyrroles with CF3COOH in the presence of PhSiCl3. The PhSiCl3 plays a vital role, as it provides the source of Cl– ions for the generation of acyl chloride. X‐ray crystallographic analysis revealed that the core skeleton of meso‐CF3‐BODIPY becomes nonplanar and twisted owing to the introduction of the –CF3 group. The introduction of the –CF3 group to the BODIPY core results in a remarkable bathochromic shift of the absorption to the near‐infrared (NIR) region. A meso‐CF3‐BODIPY with dimethylamino groups is a turn‐on fluorescent probe for pH, and the singlet‐oxygen generation of dibromo‐substituted meso‐CF3‐BODIPY is more effective (ca. 2.4‐fold rate enhancement) than that of the parent meso‐CF3‐BODIPY.
One‐Pot Synthesis of 2‐(Aryl/Alkyl)amino‐3‐cyanobenzo[b]thiophenes and Their Hetero‐Fused Analogues by Pd‐Catalyzed Intramolecular Oxidative C–H Functionalization/Arylthiolation
Authors: Saraiah Bonagiri , Gautam Vibha , Acharya Anand , Pasha Mohamed A. , Hiriyakkanavar Ila
Published: July 2017

We have developed a high‐yielding synthesis for substituted 2‐(aryl/alkyl)amino‐3‐cyanobenzo[b]thiophenes and their hetero‐fused analogues by using a palladium‐catalyzed intramolecular oxidative C–H functionalization/arylthiolation reaction of in situ generated N‐(alkyl/aryl)thioamides, prepared from readily available (hetero)arylacetonitriles and alkyl/aryl isothiocyanates. This protocol was then extended to the synthesis of amino‐substituted benzothieno[2,3‐b]quinolines by employing a triflic acid mediated intramolecular cyclocondensation of the prepared 2‐arylamino‐3‐cyanobenzo[b]thiophenes.
Pretreatments to enhance the anaerobic biodegradability of Chlorella protothecoides algal biomass
Authors: Ayala‐Parra Pedro , Liu Yuanzhe , Sierra‐Alvarez Reyes , Field Jim A.
Published: July 2017

Anaerobic digestion (AD) is a promising approach for the recovery of energy and nutrients from microalgae biomass, but the process is limited by the resistance of the thick algal cell wall to biodegradation. This study investigated the effect of sonication, thermal, and alkaline pretreatments to improve methane (CH4) production and nitrogen release during AD of Chlorella protothecoides algal biomass. C. protothecoides is a promising feedstock for biofuel production because it can accumulate high lipid levels. Sonication experiments at 20 kHz indicated that increasing power level enhanced organic matter solubilization, CH4 production, and nitrogen released during AD of the pretreated biomass. Sonication under optimized conditions provided a marked increase in the CH4 yield compared with the untreated algae following AD for 41 days (327 and 146 mLSTP CH4 per gram volatile solids, respectively). Sonication also led to 4.1‐fold increase in ammonia N release. In contrast, thermal and alkaline pretreatment showed limited potential to improve CH4 production and N release. The results indicated that AD of sonicated C. protothecoides biomass is a promising approach to generate CH4 gas, a valuable fuel material, and release nutrients that can be recycled to meet the high fertilizer demand of algal cultivation systems. © 2017 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 37: 418–424, 2018