bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Experimental investigation on the urea injection and mixing module for improving the performance of urea‐SCR in diesel engines
Authors: Xu Zhengxin , Liu Jingping , Fu Jianqin
Published: November 2017

In a urea selective catalytic reduction (urea‐SCR) system for diesel engines, the atomization, evaporation, and mixing conditions of urea water solution (UWS) play a crucial role for NOX conversion and ammonia slip in the SCR process. In this paper, a series of novel mixing modules were proposed to improve UWS evaporation, mixing, and distribution for NOX reduction in the SCR system. Experimental investigations were conducted on the performances of the existing and developed mixing modules under various engine test conditions, including particle size test, NOX conversion efficiency, flow bench tests, etc. To determine ammonia slip, the urea and ammonia distribution patterns were constructed and the non‐uniformity index was then calculated. Compared with the baseline (without mixing module) and existing mixing module, the NOX conversion efficiency of the SCR system with a developed mixing module is improved by 37.7 and 14.1 % at maximum, respectively. Furthermore, ammonia slip and distribution are ameliorated significantly with low‐pressure drops simultaneously. Among the mixing modules, Concept 3 design exhibits superior performance under the engine test conditions.
Occurrence of primarily noninducible atrioventricular nodal reentry tachycardia after radiofrequency delivery in the slow pathway region during empirical slow pathway modulation
Authors: Wegner Felix Konrad , Bögeholz Nils , Leitz Patrick , Frommeyer Gerrit , Dechering Dirk Georg , Kochhäuser Simon , Lange Philipp Sebastian , Köbe Julia , Wasmer Kristina , Mönnig Gerold , Eckardt Lars , Pott Christian
Published: November 2017

Background

The first‐line therapy for atrioventricular nodal reentry tachycardia (AVNRT) is catheter‐based slow pathway modulation. If AVNRT is not inducible during an electrophysiological study, an empirical slow pathway modulation (ESPM) may be considered in patients with dual atrioventricular nodal physiology and/or a typical electrocardiogram (ECG).

Methods

We screened 149 symptomatic patients who underwent ESPM in our department between 1993 and 2013. All patients fulfilled the following criteria: (1) either dual atrioventricular nodal (AVN) physiology with up to 2 AVN echo beats or characteristic ECG documentation or both, (2) noninducibility of AVNRT by programmed stimulation, and (3) completion of a telephone questionnaire for long‐term follow‐up. Out of this population we retrospectively investigated 13 patients who were primarily noninducible but in whom an AVNRT occurred during or after radiofrequency (RF) delivery.

Results

When AVNRT occurred, the procedure lost its empirical character, and RF delivery was continued until the procedural endpoint of noninducibility of AVNRT. This endpoint was reached in all but one patient (92%). After a follow‐up of 73 ± 15 months, this patient was the only one who reported no benefit from the procedure.

Conclusions

Out of 149 initially noninducible patients, a considerable number (9%) exhibited AVNRT during or after RF delivery. These patients crossed over from empirical to controlled slow pathway modulation resulting in a good clinical outcome. Our observations should encourage electrophysiologists to repeat programmed stimulation even after initial empirical RF delivery to retest for inducibility.
Inhibitors against Fungal Cell Wall Remodeling Enzymes
Authors: Delso Ignacio , Valero‐Gonzalez Jessika , Gomollón‐Bel Fernando , Castro‐López Jorge , Fang Wenxia , Navratilova Iva , van Aalten Daan M. F. , Tejero Tomás , Merino Pedro , Hurtado‐Guerrero Ramon
Published: November 2017

Fungal β‐1,3‐glucan glucanosyltransferases are glucan‐remodeling enzymes that play important roles in cell wall integrity, and are essential for the viability of pathogenic fungi and yeasts. As such, they are considered possible drug targets, although inhibitors of this class of enzymes have not yet been reported. Herein we report a multidisciplinary approach based on a structure‐guided design using a highly conserved transglycosylase from Sacharomyces cerevisiae, that leads to carbohydrate derivatives with high affinity for Aspergillus fumigatus Gel4. We demonstrate by X‐ray crystallography that the compounds bind in the active site of Gas2/Gel4 and interact with the catalytic machinery. The topological analysis of noncovalent interactions demonstrates that the combination of a triazole with positively charged aromatic moieties are important for optimal interactions with Gas2/Gel4 through unusual pyridinium cation–π and face‐to‐face π–π interactions. The lead compound is capable of inhibiting AfGel4 with an IC50 value of 42 μm.
Physician interpretation of genomic test results and treatment selection
Authors: Brusco Lauren L. , Wathoo Chetna , Mills Shaw Kenna R. , Holla Vijaykumar R. , Bailey Ann M. , Johnson Amber M. , Khotskaya Yekaterina B. , Litzenburger Beate C. , Sanchez Nora S. , Zeng Jia , Bernstam Elmer V. , Eng Cathy , Kee Bryan K. , Amaria Rodabe N. , Routbort Mark J. , Mills Gordon B. , Mendelsohn John , Meric‐Bernstam Funda
Published: November 2017

BACKGROUND

Genomic testing is increasingly performed in oncology, but concerns remain regarding the clinician's ability to interpret results. In the current study, the authors sought to determine the agreement between physicians and genomic annotators from the Precision Oncology Decision Support (PODS) team at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston regarding actionability and the clinical use of test results.

METHODS

On a prospective protocol, patients underwent clinical genomic testing for hotspot mutations in 46 or 50 genes. Six months after sequencing, physicians received questionnaires for patients who demonstrated a variant in an actionable gene, investigating their perceptions regarding the actionability of alterations and clinical use of these findings. Genomic annotators independently classified these variants as actionable, potentially actionable, unknown, or not actionable.

RESULTS

Physicians completed 250 of 288 questionnaires (87% response rate). Physicians considered 168 of 250 patients (67%) as having an actionable alteration; of these, 165 patients (98%) were considered to have an actionable alteration by the PODS team and 3 were of unknown significance. Physicians were aware of genotype‐matched therapy available for 119 patients (71%) and 48 of these 119 patients (40%) received matched therapy. Approximately 46% of patients in whom physicians regarded alterations as not actionable (36 of 79 patients) were classified as having an actionable/potentially actionable mutation by the PODS team. However, many of these were only theoretically actionable due to limited trials and/or therapies (eg, KRAS).

CONCLUSIONS

Physicians are aware of recurrent mutations in actionable genes on “hotspot” panels. As larger genomic panels are used, there may be a growing need for annotation of actionability. Decision support to increase awareness of genomically relevant trials and novel treatment options for recurrent mutations (eg, KRAS) also are needed. Cancer 2018;124:966‐72. © 2017 American Cancer Society.
Organic−Inorganic‐Hybrid‐Derived Molybdenum Carbide Nanoladders: Impacts of Surface Oxidation for Hydrogen Evolution Reaction
Authors: Shi Zhangping , Gao Boxu , Mo Qijie , Shao Zheng‐Jiang , Nie Kaiqi , Liu Bolun , Zhang Hongbin , Wang Yangxia , Zhang Yahong , Gao Qingsheng , Sun Xuhui , Cao Xiao‐Ming , Hu P. , Tang Yi
Published: November 2017

Molybdenum carbides are widely adopted as efficient noble‐metal‐free electrocatalysts for hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). Their surface oxidation is inevitable under air but is often ignored, which can be detrimental for the accurate understanding and precise design of stable carbide catalysts. Herein, molybdenum carbide nanoladders are derived via pyrolyzing MoOx/amine hybrid precursors, and two types of impact of surface oxidation on their HER performance are obvious: (1) the downshift of d‐band center in Mo, and (2) the introduced steric hindrance from surface oxygen. Consequently, the negative hydrogen‐binding free energy (ΔGH*, −0.52 eV) of pristine MoC gradually increases to positive values with surface oxidation, indicating the effectively weakened strength of Mo−H. With moderate surface oxygen incorporation, a ΔGH* of almost 0 eV is in accordance with the efficiently promoted HER performance via a good balance of Volmer and Heyrovsky/Tafel steps in kinetics. The optimal catalyst supported on a Ti plate (1 cm2) gives a high hydrogen production rate of 0.35 mL min−1 at 300 mV with high stability over the self‐made water‐splitting configuration. This work does not only make us reacquaint the surface oxidation of carbides on electrocatalysis but also paves the way for developing efficient and stable catalysts via surface engineering.
Mechanism matters: the cause of fluctuations in boom–bust populations governs optimal habitat restoration strategy
Authors: Himes Boor Gina K. , Schultz Cheryl B. , Crone Elizabeth E. , Morris William F.
Published: November 2017

Many populations exhibit boom–bust dynamics in which abundance fluctuates dramatically over time. Past research has focused on identifying whether the cause of fluctuations is primarily exogenous, e.g., environmental stochasticity coupled with weak density dependence, or endogenous, e.g., over‐compensatory density dependence. Far fewer studies have addressed whether the mechanism responsible for boom–bust dynamics matters with respect to at‐risk species management. Here, we ask whether the best strategy for restoring habitat across a landscape differs under exogenously vs. endogenously driven boom–bust dynamics. We used spatially explicit individual‐based models to assess how butterfly populations governed by the two mechanisms would respond to habitat restoration strategies that varied in the level of resource patchiness, from a single large patch to multiple patches spaced at different distances. Our models showed that the restoration strategy that minimized extinction risk and boom–bust dynamics would be markedly different depending on the governing mechanism. Exogenously governed populations fared best in a single large habitat patch, whereas for endogenously driven populations, boom–bust dynamics were dampened and extinction risk declined when the total restored area was split into multiple patches with low to moderate inter‐patch spacing. Adding environmental stochasticity to the endogenous model did not alter this result. Habitat fragmentation lowered extinction risk in the endogenously driven populations by reducing their growth rate, precluding both “boom” phases and, more importantly, “bust” phases. Our findings suggest that (1) successful restoration will depend on understanding the causes of fluctuations in at‐risk populations, (2) the level and pattern of spatiotemporal environmental heterogeneity will also affect the ideal management approach, and (3) counterintuitively, for at‐risk species with endogenously governed boom–bust dynamics, lowering the intrinsic population growth rate may decrease extinction risk.
Abiotic and biotic predictors of macroecological patterns in bird and butterfly coloration
Authors: Dalrymple Rhiannon L. , Flores‐Moreno Habacuc , Kemp Darrell J. , White Thomas E. , Laffan Shawn W. , Hemmings Frank A. , Hitchcock Timothy D. , Moles Angela T.
Published: November 2017

Animal color phenotypes are invariably influenced by both their biotic community and the abiotic environments. A host of hypotheses have been proposed for how variables such as solar radiation, habitat shadiness, primary productivity, temperature, rainfall, and community diversity might affect animal color traits. However, while individual factors have been linked to coloration in specific contexts, little is known about which factors are most important across broad taxonomic and geographic scales. Using data collected from 570 species of birds and 424 species of butterflies from Australia, which inhabit an area spanning a latitudinal range of 35° and covering deserts, tropical and temperate forests, savannas, and heathlands, we test multiple hypotheses from the coloration literature and assess their relative importance. We show that bird and butterfly species exhibit more reflective and less saturated colors in better‐lit environments, a pattern that is robust across an array of variables expected to influence the intensity or quality of ambient light in an environment. Both taxa display more diverse colors in regions with greater net primary production and longer growing seasons. Models that included variables related to energy inputs and resources in ecosystems have better explanatory power for bird and butterfly coloration overall than do models that included community diversity metrics. However, the diversity of the bird community in an environment was the single most powerful predictor of color pattern variation in both birds and butterflies. We observed strong similarities across taxa in the covariance between color and environmental factors, suggesting the presence of fundamental macroecological drivers of visual appearance across disparate taxa.
Tropical forest light regimes in a human‐modified landscape
Authors: Fauset Sophie , Gloor Manuel U. , Aidar Marcos P. M. , Freitas Helber C. , Fyllas Nikolaos M. , Marabesi Mauro A. , Rochelle André L. C. , Shenkin Alexander , Vieira Simone A. , Joly Carlos A.
Published: November 2017

Light is the key energy input for all vegetated systems. Forest light regimes are complex, with the vertical pattern of light within canopies influenced by forest structure. Human disturbances in tropical forests impact forest structure and hence may influence the light environment and thus competitiveness of different trees. In this study, we measured vertical diffuse light profiles along a gradient of anthropogenic disturbance, sampling intact, logged, secondary, and fragmented sites in the biodiversity hot spot of the Atlantic forest, southeast Brazil, using photosynthetically active radiation sensors and a novel approach with estimations of vertical light profiles from hemispherical photographs. Our results show clear differences in vertical light profiles with disturbance: Fragmented forests are characterized by rapid light extinction within their low canopies, while the profiles in logged forests show high heterogeneity and high light in the mid‐canopy despite decades of recovery. The secondary forest showed similar light profiles to intact forest, but with a lower canopy height. We also show that in some cases the upper canopy layer and heavy liana infestations can severely limit light penetration. Light extinction with height above the ground and depth below the canopy top was highest in fragmented forest and negatively correlated with canopy height. The novel, inexpensive, and rapid methods described here can be applied to other sites to quantify rarely measured vertical light profiles.
Patch and landscape‐scale variables influence the taxonomic and functional composition of beetles in urban greenspaces
Authors: Delgado de la Flor Yvan A. , Burkman Caitlin E. , Eldredge Taro K. , Gardiner Mary M.
Published: November 2017

Urbanization is a leading cause of species extinction; however, interest in urban greenspaces as sites for conservation has grown considerably in recent decades, raising questions about the ability of these habitats to support desired wildlife. Our goal was to determine how distinct forms of urban greenspace and their landscape context influenced the species composition of ground‐dwelling beetle communities. We examined the taxonomic and functional composition of Carabidae and Staphylinidae in urban vacant lots, urban farms, and planted urban prairies within the City of Cleveland, Ohio. Beetles were collected using pitfall traps across 23 sites. We found that the three habitats examined varied significantly in beetle composition, with several unique species found within each type of greenspace. Carabidae abundance and richness were greater in urban prairies and urban farms relative to vacant lots. The abundance and taxonomic richness of Staphylinidae were highest within urban farms. Canonical correspondence analysis (CCA) and partial CCA revealed that both local features and landscape variables influenced beetle community assembly. Most beetle taxa were negatively associated with buildings within the surrounding 1‐km landscape, whereas grass was the most important local habitat feature. Additionally, we found variation in the distribution of species traits among habitats; ecological traits such as moisture tolerance and dispersal capacity differed significantly among urban greenspaces. Most interesting from a conservation perspective was a greater abundance of brachypterous carabids found in urban prairies, which suggests that these habitats provide overwintering and breeding habitat for some beetle species. Our findings demonstrate that urban greenspaces play important roles in shaping arthropod diversity in cities, and maintaining habitats that vary in design and management is important for their conservation.
Impact of systolic blood pressure on the safety and tolerability of initiating and up‐titrating sacubitril/valsartan in patients with heart failure and reduced ejection fraction: insights from the TITRATION study
Authors: Senni Michele , McMurray John J.V. , Wachter Rolf , McIntyre Hugh F. , Anand Inder S. , Duino Vincenzo , Sarkar Arnab , Shi Victor , Charney Alan
Published: November 2017

Aims

The TITRATION trial investigated two strategies to initiate and up‐titrate sacubitril/valsartan (LCZ696) to the same target dose, over a condensed (3‐week) or conservative (6‐week) period, in patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) and systolic blood pressure (SBP) of ≥100 mmHg. This post hoc analysis examined the relationship between baseline SBP at screening and achievement of the target dose of sacubitril/valsartan of 97 mg/103 mg (also termed ‘LCZ696 200 mg’) twice per day during the study.

Methods and results

Patients (n = 498) were categorized in four groups based on SBP at screening: 100–110 mmHg (n = 70); 111–120 mmHg (n = 93); 121–139 mmHg (n = 168) and ≥140 mmHg (n = 167). Overall, 72.7%, 76.1%, 85.6% and 82.9%, respectively, of patients in these SBP categories achieved and maintained the target dose of sacubitril/valsartan without down‐titration/dose interruption over 12 weeks (‘treatment success’). Compared with patients with SBP of 100–110 mmHg, rates of treatment success among patients in the higher SBP groups [111–120 mmHg (P = 0.96); 121–139 mmHg (P = 0.06) and ≥140 mmHg (P = 0.25)] did not differ significantly. A higher percentage of patients with lower SBP (100–110 mmHg) achieved treatment success with gradual up‐titration (6 weeks) (∼80%) than with rapid up‐titration (∼69%). Similar findings were observed with regard to ‘tolerability success’ (maintenance of the target dose for at least the final 2 weeks prior to study completion). Hypotension occurred more frequently in patients with lower SBP.

Conclusions

The majority of patients (>80%) with SBP of ≥100 mmHg achieved and maintained the target dose of sacubitril/valsartan if the treatment was titrated gradually. These findings suggest that low SBP should not prevent clinicians from considering the initiation of sacubitril/valsartan.
Prevalence of left ventricular systolic dysfunction in pre‐dialysis and dialysis patients with preserved left ventricular ejection fraction
Authors: Hensen Liselotte C.R. , Goossens Kathleen , Delgado Victoria , Abou Rachid , Rotmans Joris I. , Jukema J. Wouter , Bax Jeroen J.
Published: November 2017

Aims

Patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) have an excess of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality, with heart failure (HF) being particularly frequent. Reduced left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) defines left ventricular (LV) systolic dysfunction and is associated with poor prognosis. However, CKD patients may have HF symptoms with preserved LVEF. In this subgroup of patients, two‐dimensional speckle tracking echocardiography can detect LV systolic dysfunction by analysing LV myocardial deformation. The present study evaluated the prevalence of impaired LV global longitudinal strain (GLS) in CKD patients with preserved LVEF and its prognostic consequences.

Methods and results

Overall, 200 pre‐dialysis and dialysis patients (65% men, mean age 60 ± 14 years) with CKD stage 3b–5 and preserved LVEF (≥50%) were evaluated. Left ventricular systolic dysfunction despite preserved LVEF was defined by LV GLS ≤15.2% (cut‐off value derived from two standard deviations below the mean value of individuals without structural heart disease). Impaired LV GLS (≤15.2%) despite preserved LVEF was observed in 32% of patients. During a median follow‐up of 33 months (interquartile range 17–62 months), 47% of patients underwent renal transplantation, 9% were admitted with HF, and 28% died. Patients with LV GLS ≤15.2% showed significantly worse cumulative event‐free survival rates of the combined endpoint of HF hospitalization and all‐cause mortality compared to patients with LV GLS >15.2% (log‐rank P = 0.018).

Conclusion

The prevalence of impaired LV GLS despite preserved LVEF in pre‐dialysis and dialysis patients is relatively high. Patients with preserved LVEF but impaired LV GLS have an increased risk of HF hospitalization and all‐cause mortality.
An Organocatalytic Synthesis of Chiral Pyrano[2,3‐d]pyrimidines through [3+3] Annulation of 1,3‐Dimethyl‐barbituric Acid with 2‐(1‐Alkynyl)‐2‐alken‐1‐ones
Authors: Zhu Yali , Wang Zhonghe , Zhang Jing , Yu Jia , Yan Lijuan , Li Yang , Chen Ligong , Yan Xilong
Published: November 2017

An efficient enantioselective [3+3] annulation has been developed to synthesize chiral pyrano[2,3‐d]pyrimidines from 1,3‐dimethyl‐barbituric acid and 2‐(1‐alkynyl)‐2‐alken‐1‐ones. A thiourea‐tertiary amine bifunctional catalyst was synthesized and applied in the construction of the framework of chiral pyrano[2,3‐d]pyrimidines. The reaction proceeds smoothly on a broad range of substrates (18 examples) to produce the target products in moderate to good yields and enantioselectivities. Reduced temperature leads to an improvement of enantiomeric excesses. Steric hindrance plays an important role in the performance of the reaction.
Regionally specific changes in the hippocampal circuitry accompany progression of cerebrospinal fluid biomarkers in preclinical Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Tardif Christine L. , Devenyi Gabriel A. , Amaral Robert S. C. , Pelleieux Sandra , Poirier Judes , Rosa‐Neto Pedro , Breitner John , Chakravarty M. Mallar ,   for the PREVENT‐AD Research Group
Published: November 2017

Neuropathological and in vivo brain imaging studies agree that the cornu ammonis1 and subiculum subfields of the hippocampus are most vulnerable to atrophy in the prodromal phases of Alzheimer's disease (AD). However, there has been limited investigation of the structural integrity of the components of the hippocampal circuit, including subfields and extra‐hippocampal white matter structure, in relation to the progression of well‐accepted cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) biomarkers of AD, amyloid‐β 1‐42 (Aβ) and total‐tau (tau). We investigated these relationships in 88 aging asymptomatic individuals with a parental or multiple‐sibling familial history of AD. Apolipoprotein (APOE)ɛ4 risk allele carriers were identified, and all participants underwent cognitive testing, structural magnetic resonance imaging, and lumbar puncture for CSF assays oftau, phosphorylated‐tau(p‐tau) and Aβ. Individuals with a reduction in CSF Aβ levels (an indicator of amyloid accretion into neuritic plaques) as well as evidenttaupathology (believed to be linked to neurodegeneration) exhibited lower subiculum volume, lower fornix microstructural integrity, and a trend towards lower cognitive score than individuals who showed only reduction in CSF Aβ. In contrast, persons with normal levels oftaushowed anincreasein structural MR markers in relation to declining levels of CSF Aβ. These results suggest that hippocampal subfield volume and extra‐hippocampal white matter microstructure demonstrate a complex pattern where an initial volume increase is followed by decline among asymptomatic individuals who, in some instances, may be a decade or more away from onset of cognitive or functional impairment.
Task‐related changes in degree centrality and local coherence of the posterior cingulate cortex after major cardiac surgery in older adults
Authors: Browndyke Jeffrey N. , Berger Miles , Smith Patrick J. , Harshbarger Todd B. , Monge Zachary A. , Panchal Viral , Bisanar Tiffany L. , Glower Donald D. , Alexander John H. , Cabeza Roberto , Welsh‐Bohmer Kathleen , Newman Mark F. , Mathew Joseph P. ,   Duke Neurologic Outcomes Research Group (NORG)
Published: November 2017

Objectives

Older adults often display postoperative cognitive decline (POCD) after surgery, yet it is unclear to what extent functional connectivity (FC) alterations may underlie these deficits. We examined for postoperative voxel‐wise FC changes in response to increased working memory load demands in cardiac surgery patients and nonsurgical controls.

Experimental design

Older cardiac surgery patients (n = 25) completed a verbal N‐back working memory task during MRI scanning and cognitive testing before and 6 weeks after surgery; nonsurgical controls with cardiac disease (n = 26) underwent these assessments at identical time intervals. We measured postoperative changes in degree centrality, the number of edges attached to a brain node, and local coherence, the temporal homogeneity of regional functional correlations, using voxel‐wise graph theory‐based FC metrics. Group × time differences were evaluated in these FC metrics associated with increased N‐back working memory load (2‐back > 1‐back), using a two‐stage partitioned variance, mixed ANCOVA.

Principal observations

Cardiac surgery patients demonstrated postoperative working memory load‐related degree centrality increases in the left dorsal posterior cingulate cortex (dPCC; p < .001, cluster p‐FWE < .05). The dPCC also showed a postoperative increase in working memory load‐associated local coherence (p < .001, cluster p‐FWE < .05). dPCC degree centrality and local coherence increases were inversely associated with global cognitive change in surgery patients (p < .01), but not in controls.

Conclusions

Cardiac surgery patients showed postoperative increases in working memory load‐associated degree centrality and local coherence of the dPCC that were inversely associated with postoperative global cognitive outcomes and independent of perioperative cerebrovascular damage.
Interaction between alcohol consumption and metabolic syndrome in predicting severe liver disease in the general population
Authors: Åberg Fredrik , Helenius‐Hietala Jaana , Puukka Pauli , Färkkilä Martti , Jula Antti
Published: November 2017

The metabolic syndrome and alcohol risk use are both associated with a high prevalence of hepatic steatosis, but only a minority develop liver failure or liver cancer. Few general population studies have analyzed metabolic predictors of such severe liver complications. We studied which metabolic factors best predict severe liver complications, stratified by alcohol consumption, in 6732 individuals without baseline liver disease who participated in the Finnish population‐based Health 2000 Study (2000‐2001), a nationally representative cohort. Follow‐up data from national registers until 2013 were analyzed for liver‐related admissions, mortality, and liver cancer. Baseline alcohol use and metabolic factors were analyzed by backward stepwise Cox regression analysis. Eighty‐four subjects experienced a severe liver event during follow‐up. In the final multivariate model, factors predictive of liver events were age (hazard ratio [HR], 1.02; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.004‐1.04), sex (women: HR, 0.55; 95% CI, 0.34‐0.91), alcohol use (HR, 1.002; 95% CI, 1.001‐1.002), diabetes (HR, 2.73; 95% CI, 1.55‐4.81), low‐density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol (HR, 0.74; 95% CI, 0.58‐0.93), and homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA‐IR) (HR, 1.01; 95% CI, 1.004‐1.02). Among alcohol risk users (≥210 g/week for men, ≥ 140 g/week for women), diabetes (HR, 6.79; 95% CI, 3.18‐14.5) was the only significant predictor. Among nonrisk drinkers, age, alcohol use, smoking, waist circumference, low LDL cholesterol and HOMA‐IR were significant independent predictors. The total‐to‐LDL cholesterol ratio and waist circumference‐to‐body mass index ratio emerged as additional independent predictors. Conclusion: Multiple components of the metabolic syndrome independently affected the risk for severe liver disease. Alcohol was significant even when average alcohol consumption was within the limits currently defining nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. (Hepatology 2018;67:2141‐2149)
Support for quotas for women in leadership: The influence of gender stereotypes
Authors: Mölders Sophie , Brosi Prisca , Bekk Magdalena , Spörrle Matthias , Welpe Isabell M.
Published: November 2017

This study examines support for quotas for women in leadership, a currently highly debated topic in management research and practice. Using a sample of German working adults (N = 761), our results suggest that stereotypes about women (n = 380) are significantly related to support for quotas for women in leadership. Ascriptions of agency to typical women, that is, the extent to which women are generally seen as assertive, active, and strong, were positively related to participants' support for quotas for women in leadership in male‐gendered industries and high hierarchical positions, whereas ascriptions of communality to typical women, that is, the extent to which women are seen as understanding, supportive, and caring, were generally positively related. This pattern emerged for both male and female participants. Unexpectedly, gender‐stereotypic ascriptions to men (n = 381) were also related to support for quotas for women in leadership—with a positive relationship with agency in male‐gendered industries and a general negative relationship with communality, although these results were less pronounced. Implications for organizations are derived from these results, highlighting how the introduction of quotas for women in leadership can be smoothed by addressing how employees see women in terms of agency and communality.
Influence of land use on the persistence effect of riverine phosphorus
Authors: Huang Hong , Wang Zhenfeng , Chen Dingjiang , Xia Fang , Shang Xu , Liu YuanYuan , Dahlgren Randy A. , Mei Kun
Published: November 2017

The persistence effect contribution of legacy nutrients is often cited as a reason for little or no improvement in water quality following extensive implementation of watershed nutrient mitigation actions, yet there is limited knowledge concerning factors influencing this response, often called the “persistence effect.” Here, we adopted detrended fluctuation analysis and Spearman analysis methods to assess the influence of land use on the watershed phosphorus (P) persistence effect, using monthly water quality records during 2010–2016 in 13 catchments within a drinking water reservoir watershed in eastern China. Detrended fluctuation analysis was used to calculate the Hurst exponent α to assess watershed legacy P characteristics (α ≈ 0.5, α > 0.5, and α < 0.5 indicate white noise, persistence, and anti‐persistence, respectively). Results showed weak to strong P persistence (0.60–0.81) in the time series of riverine P in the 13 catchments. The Hurst exponent α had negative relationships with agricultural land (R = −.47, p = .11) and developed land (R = −.67, p = .01) and a positive relationship with forest land cover (R = .48, p = .10). The persistence effect of riverine P was mainly determined by retention ability (biogeochemical legacy) and migration efficiency (hydrological legacy). A catchment with strong retention capacity (e.g., biomass uptake/storage and soil PO4 sorption) and low migration efficiency results in a stronger persistence effect for riverine P. In practice, source control is more effective in catchments with weak persistence, whereas sink control (e.g., riparian buffers and wetlands) is preferred in catchments with strong persistence effects.
Evaluating the utility of a point‐of‐care glucometer for the diagnosis of gestational diabetes
Authors: Adam Sumaiya , Rheeder Paul
Published: November 2017

Objective

To investigate the performance of the Roche Accuchek Active glucometer in diagnosing gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) versus the gold‐standard laboratory test.

Methods

In a prospective cohort observational study at a primary healthcare clinic in Johannesburg, South Africa, pregnant women, excluding known diabetics, were recruited between 2013 and 2016. A 75‐g 2‐hour oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) was scheduled at 24–28 gestational weeks. Glucose was measured in venous blood (laboratory) and capillary blood (glucometer). GDM was diagnosed via FIGO criteria. Diagnostic accuracy was evaluated by calculating the sensitivity, specificity, and coefficient of variance (CV) of the glucometer test, and by Bland‐Altman plots.

Results

Data from 529 women were analyzed. Of these, 141 (26.7%) and 79 (14.9%) were diagnosed with GDM by laboratory and glucometer measurements, respectively. The CV of the glucometer ranged from 15% to 17%. Bland‐Altman plots showed a positive bias of the glucometer results at 0 hours, but a negative bias at 1 and 2 hours of the OGTT. The sensitivity and specificity of the glucometer for the diagnosis of GDM were 27.0% and 89.4%, respectively.

Conclusion

Use of the Roche Accuchek Active glucometer for the diagnosis of GDM cannot be recommended.
A novel multisite confocal system for rapid Ca2+ imaging from submicron structures in brain slices
Authors: Filipis Luiza , Ait Ouares Karima , Moreau Philippe , Tanese Dimitrii , Zampini Valeria , Latini Andrea , Bleau Chun , Bleau Charlie , Graham Jeremy , Canepari Marco
Published: November 2017

In brain slices, resolving fast Ca2+ fluorescence signals from submicron structures is typically achieved using 2‐photon or confocal scanning microscopy, an approach that limits the number of scanned points. The novel multiplexing confocal system presented here overcomes this limitation. This system is based on a fast spinning disk, a multimode diode laser and a novel high‐resolution CMOS camera. The spinning disk, running at 20 000 rpm, has custom‐designed spiral pattern that maximises light collection, while rejecting out‐of‐focus fluorescence to resolve signals from small neuronal compartments. Using a 60× objective, the camera permits acquisitions of tens of thousands of pixels at resolutions of ~250 nm per pixel in the kHz range with 14 bits of digital depth. The system can resolve physiological Ca2+ transients from submicron structures at 20 to 40 μm below the slice surface, using the low‐affinity Ca2+ indicator Oregon Green BAPTA‐5N. In particular, signals at 0.25 to 1.25 kHz were resolved in single trials, or through averages of a few recordings, from dendritic spines and small parent dendrites in cerebellar Purkinje neurons. Thanks to an unprecedented combination of temporal and spatial resolution with relatively simple implementation, it is expected that this system will be widely adopted for multisite monitoring of Ca2+ signals.
Formulation and characterization of poly(propylacrylic acid)/poly(lactic‐co‐glycolic acid) blend microparticles for pH‐dependent membrane disruption and cytosolic delivery
Authors: Fernando Lawrence P. , Lewis Jamal S. , Evans Brian C. , Duvall Craig L. , Keselowsky Benjamin G.
Published: November 2017

Poly(lactic‐co‐glycolic acid) (PLGA) is widely used as a vehicle for delivery of pharmaceutically relevant payloads. PLGA is readily fabricated as a nano‐ or microparticle (MP) matrix to load both hydrophobic and hydrophilic small molecular drugs as well as biomacromolecules such as nucleic acids and proteins. However, targeting such payloads to the cell cytosol is often limited by MP entrapment and degradation within acidic endolysosomes. Poly(propylacrylic acid) (PPAA) is a polyelectrolyte polymer with the membrane disruptive capability triggered at low pH. PPAA has been previously formulated in various carrier configurations to enable cytosolic payload delivery, but requires sophisticated carrier design. Taking advantage of PPAA functionality, we have incorporated PPAA into PLGA MPs as a simple polymer mixture to enhance cytosolic delivery of PLGA‐encapsulated payloads. Rhodamine loaded PLGA and PPAA/PLGA blend MPs were prepared by a modified nanoprecipitation method. Incorporation of PPAA into PLGA MPs had little to no effect on the size, shape, or loading efficiency, and evidenced no toxicity in Chinese hamster ovary epithelial cells. Notably, incorporation of PPAA into PLGA MPs enabled pH‐dependent membrane disruption in a hemolysis assay, and a three‐fold increased endosomal escape and cytosolic delivery in dendritic cells after 2 h of MP uptake. These results demonstrate that a simple PLGA/PPAA polymer blend is readily fabricated into composite MPs, enabling cytosolic delivery of an encapsulated payload. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 106A: 1022–1033, 2018.
Functional self‐assembled peptide scaffold inhibits tumor necrosis factor‐alpha‐induced inflammation and apoptosis in nucleus pulposus cells by suppressing nuclear factor‐κB signaling
Authors: Li Xiaochuan , Cheng Shi , Wu Yaohong , Ying Jingwei , Wang Chaofeng , Wen Tianyong , Bai Xuedong , Ji Wei , Wang Deli , Ruan Dike
Published: November 2017

Although nucleus pulposus (NP) tissue engineering has achieved tremendous success, researches still face the huge obstacles in maintaining cell survival and function. A novel functional self‐assembled peptide RADA‐KPSS was constructed by conjugating BMP‐7 short active fragment (KPSS) to the C‐terminus of RADA16‐I that displays anti‐inflammatory and anti‐apoptosis effects. However, whether this functional self‐assembled RADA‐KPSS peptide can alleviate inflammation and NPC apoptosis induced by tumor necrosis factor‐alpha (TNF‐α) has not been studied. Therefore, we cultured NPCs treated with TNF‐α for 48 h with the RADA‐KPSS peptide, and compared the results to those with RADA16‐I peptide. The cell apoptosis rate, inflammatory mediator secretion, expression of matrix‐degrading enzymes, and extracellular matrix (ECM) protein levels were evaluated. The expression of nuclear factor‐κB‐p65 (NF‐κB‐p65) protein was also tested. TNF‐α‐treated NPCs cultured with the RADA16‐I peptide showed up‐regulated gene expression for matrix‐degrading enzymes, such as matrix metalloproteinases‐3 (MMP‐3), MMP‐9, and a disintegrin and metalloproteinase with thrombospondin motifs (ADAMTS‐4), and down‐regulated gene expression for ECM proteins such as aggrecan, collagen II, and Sox‐9. The RADA‐KPSS peptide could attenuate the expression of MMP‐3, MMP‐9, and ADAMTS‐4, promote accumulation of ECM proteins, and increase secretion of glycosaminoglycan as compared with the RADA16‐I peptide. Moreover, the TNF‐α‐damaged NPCs was further demonstrated to inhibit NF‐κB‐p65, IL‐1, IL‐6, and prostaglandin E‐2 proteins and decrease cell apoptosis in RADA‐KPSS peptide. In conclusion, the functional self‐assembled RADA‐KPSS peptides have anti‐inflammatory and anti‐apoptotic effects by promoting anabolic processes and inhibiting catabolic processes in intervertebral disk degeneration. These peptides may be feasible for clinical applications in NP tissue engineering. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 106A: 1082–1091, 2018.
Synthesis and Hypolipidemic Activity of New 6,6‐Disubstituted 3‐R‐6,7‐Dihydro‐2H‐[1,2,4]triazino[2,3‐c]quinazolin‐2‐Ones
Authors: Voskoboynik Оleksii Yu. , Kolomoets Oleksandra S. , Antypenko Oleksii M. , Zhernova Galina О. , Nosulenko Inna S. , Berest Galyna G. , Shvets Volodymyr M. , Kovalenko Sergiy I.
Published: November 2017

Presented article describes the synthesis and hypolipidemic activity of previously unknown 6,6‐disubstituted 3‐R‐6,7‐dihydro‐2H‐[1,2,4]triazino[2,3‐c]quinazolin‐2‐ones. It was shown, that interaction of 6‐R‐3‐(2‐aminophenyl)‐1,2,4‐triazin‐5(2Н)‐оnes with methylalkylketones in acetic acid resulted the single product, namely, the desired tricyclic derivatives. At the same time, after refluxing of 6‐R‐3‐(2‐aminophenyl)‐1,2,4‐triazin‐5(2Н)‐оnes with methylarylketones in acetic acid the mixture of target compound and insignificant amount of corresponding 3‐substituted 6‐methyl‐2H‐[1,2,4]triazino[2,3‐c]quinazolin‐2‐ones were isolated. The mechanism of above‐mentioned mixture formation was discussed. The structures of all synthesized compounds were proven using the appropriate physicochemical methods. The compounds with promising lipid‐lowering activity were identified and the «structure — hypolipidemic activity» correlations were discussed.
Climatology of wind speed persistence over Turkey
Authors: Korkmaz Fatih Mehmet , Koçak Kasım
Published: November 2017

It is a well‐known fact that, sustainability is very important issue in the field of energy production of any kind. Wind speed persistence, as a climatological indicator, is one of the most important components of wind phenomenon which is closely related with sustainability of wind energy production. The most suitable areas for wind energy production are the areas with high wind speed persistence. On the other hand, there are a few studies on how to measure persistence of wind properly. In this study, two novel methods used to investigate persistence characteristics of a given area were applied to Turkey's wind speed data. The results have revealed some important characteristics of persistence throughout Turkey. According to these results western parts of Anatolia have highest persistence. The second region that has high persistence is inner parts of Anatolia because the topography of the Aegean region which enables wind to penetrate along long distances from the coast to the inner parts of Anatolia. All of the results obtained from the study are in accordance with the observations.
A novel and validated prognostic nomogram based on liver fibrosis and tumor burden for patients with hepatocellular carcinoma after curative resection
Authors: Huang Jin‐Long , Fu Yi‐Peng , Jing Chu‐Yu , Yi Yong , Sun Jian , Gan Wei , Lu Zhu‐Feng , Zhou Jian , Fan Jia , Qiu Shuang‐Jian
Published: November 2017

Background and Objectives

Most conventional staging systems were formulated concerning the tumor burden rather than the severity of liver fibrosis, which plays a central role in tumor promotion. The aim of this study was to formulate a prognostic nomogram comprehensively considering these two aspects for HCC after hepatectomy.

Methods

The prognostic significances of the four indicators namely laminin, hyaluronic acid, human procollagen type‐III, and collagen type‐IV that reflect liver fibrosis were explored in two independent cohorts. A nomogram was established based on the results of multivariate analysis. The predictive accuracy of the nomogram was measured by concordance index (C‐index) and calibration. The decision curve analysis (DCA) was used to evaluate the clinical benefit of the nomogram.

Results

Preoperative serum laminin level is an independent prognostic factor for overall survival in HCC patients after resection. The C‐indices of the nomogram in the training and validation cohorts were 0.779 and 0.719, respectively. The calibration showed optimal agreement between the prediction by nomogram and actual observation. Moreover, the C‐indices and DCA revealed that the nomogram provided better clinical benefit compared with the BCLC stage, CLIP score, and AJCC 7th edition.

Conclusions

The prognostic nomogram constructed on laminin represents a superior predictive model.
Identification of predisposing factors for osteonecrosis of the jaw after marginal mandibulectomy in the surgical management of oral squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Ito Ran , Huang Jung‐Ju , Hsieh Wei‐Chuan , Kao Huang‐Kai , Lao William Wei‐Kai , Fang Ku‐Hao , Huang Yenlin , Chang Yu‐Liang , Cheng Ming‐Huei , Chang Kai‐Ping
Published: November 2017

Background

The aim of this study is to evaluate osteonecrosis of the jaw (ONJ) with the extent of marginal mandibulectomy.

Methods

Between January 2006 and December 2012, 3087 patients undergoing ablative resection were consecutively enrolled. Among them, 345 cases undergoing marginal mandibulectomy were retrospectively reviewed.

Results

The occurrence of ONJ was 5.51% and associated with body mass index, overall stage, diabetes, concomitant mandibulotomy, and radiotherapy (P = 0.023, 0.033, 0.009, 0.016, and 0.006, respectively). As for bone parameters based on radiological measurements after marginal mandibulectomy, resected bone height, remaining bone height to original bone height ratio, and resected bone height to original bone height ratio were associated with ONJ. In multivariate logistic analyses, concomitant mandibulotomy, radiotherapy, diabetes, resected bone height of >14.5 mm, resected bone height to original bone height ratio of >49.5%, and remaining bone height to original bone height ratio of <53.5% indicated higher risks for ONJ (adjusted HR: 4.345, 4.152, 4.079, 3.402, 3.541, and 3.211; P = 0.018, 0.013, 0.009, 0.021, 0.018, and 0.043, respectively).

Conclusions

This study demonstrated the predisposing factors and parameters associated with ONJ with marginal mandibulectomy; more caution is necessitated in performing marginal mandibulectomy in patients with multiple risks to prevent ONJ.
Microphase‐Separated Morphology and Liquid Crystal Orientation in Block Copolymers Comprising a Main‐Chain Liquid Crystalline Central Segment Connected to Side‐Chain Liquid Crystalline Segments at Both Ends
Authors: Koga Maito , Sato Kazunori , Kang Sungmin , Tokita Masatoshi
Published: November 2017

The self‐assembly behavior of ABA triblock copolymers comprising side‐chain (SC) liquid crystalline (LC) polymer (A blocks) and a main‐chain (MC) LC polyester (B block) is investigated for SCLC segment volume fractions (ϕ) ranging from 22% to 81%. At ϕ = 81% and 65%, the MCLC segments form cylinders and spheres, respectively, embedded in an SCLC matrix. At ϕ ≤ 56%, block copolymers form lamellar microdomains in which each segment forms smectic layers parallel to the lamellae. Whereas MCLC segments are mostly extended along the lamella normal but are folded to fit within the lamellae, the SCLC segment backbone is more elongated, traversing the smectic layers. Such backbone dimensions and mesogens' orientation in the SCLC segment are explained in light of the small interfacial area with the B5 segment, which is conserved even when the SCLC segment is in the isotropic liquid state.
Percutaneous Endoscopic Transgastric Jejunostomy (PEG‐J) Tube Placement for Levodopa‐Carbidopa Intrajejunal Gel Therapy in the Interventional Radiology Suite: A Long‐term Follow‐up
Authors: Saddi Maria Valeria , Sarchioto Marianna , Serra Giulia , Murgia Daniela , Ricchi Valeria , Melis Marta , Arca Roberta , Carreras Pierpaolo , Sitzia Loredana , Zedda Sandro , Dui Giovanni , Rossi Rosario , Ticca Anna , Melis Maurizio , Cossu Giovanni
Published: November 2017

Background

Percutaneous endoscopic gastrojejunostomy (PEG) and radiologically inserted gastrojejunostomy (RIG) are both safe and effective techniques for gastrojejunal tube placement. The authors compared these 2 procedures in patients with advanced Parkinson's disease (PD) who required the continuous intrajejunal delivery of a levodopa/carbidopa gel suspension (LCIG).

Methods

Outcomes were retrospectively collated from 30 PEG and 12 RIG procedures performed at 2 centers in patients with advanced PD for the delivery of LCIG.

Results

Baseline clinical characteristics, incidence of early severe adverse events, late major complications, dropout, and the mean time‐lapse of tube replacements were comparable in the PEG and RIG groups.

Conclusion

The current results suggest that, in patients with PD, the RIG technique is as safe and effective as the endoscopic procedure, and it can be considered a valid option for patients who require LCIG when the endoscopic procedure is not available or unfeasible.