bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The poor outcome of second primary oral squamous cell carcinoma is attributed to Bmi1 upregulation
Authors: Hu Qinchao , Wu Tong , Chen Xiaobing , Li Huan , Du Zhicheng , Hao Yuantao , Peng Jianmin , Tai Shanshan , Song Ming , Cheng Bin
Published: February 2018

Radiotherapy for nasopharyngeal carcinoma has been reported to cause second primary oral squamous cell carcinoma (s‐OSCC). The prognosis and pathologic characteristic of s‐OSCC are largely unknown. Bmi1 was associated with the repair of radiation‐induced DNA damage, suggesting its possible involvement in the pathologic process of s‐OSCC. Herein, we compared the prognosis between s‐OSCC and primary OSCC (p‐OSCC) and explored the involvement of Bmi1 in s‐OSCC development. In this retrospective study, s‐OSCC and p‐OSCC patients were matched by propensity scores. Their outcomes were compared by univariate and multivariate analyses. The expression of Bmi1 in s‐OSCC and p‐OSCC was detected by immunohistochemistry (IHC). Radiation‐induced Bmi1 alteration in early‐stage was explored in a rat model and HaCaT cells. After matching, 116 pairs of patients with highly balanced characteristics were included. In univariate analysis, the overall survival (OS), disease‐specific survival (DSS), and local recurrence‐free survival (LRFS) were poorer in s‐OSCC than in p‐OSCC (P < 0.05), while their regional metastasis‐free survival (RMFS) was parallel (P = 0.112). Multivariate analysis further revealed that radiotherapy history was an independent risk factor for OS, DSS, and LRFS (P < 0.05). IHC results showed that the positive rate of Bmi1 was higher in s‐OSCC (P = 0.0027). In a rat model of radiotherapy‐induced mucositis, Bmi1 upregulation was observed 8 days after irradiation. Consistently, Bmi1 was upregulated in HaCaT cells 1 h after irradiation, and its upregulation was in accord with X‐ray exposure duration. In conclusion, the prognosis of s‐OSCC is poorer as compared to p‐OSCC, which may be attributed to Bmi1 upregulation.
Clinical outcomes of radio‐hyperthermo‐chemotherapy for soft tissue sarcoma compared to a soft tissue sarcoma registry in Japan: a retrospective matched‐pair cohort study
Authors: Aiba Hisaki , Yamada Satoshi , Mizutani Jun , Yamamoto Norio , Okamoto Hideki , Hayashi Katsuhiro , Kimura Hiroaki , Takeuchi Akihiko , Miwa Shinji , Kawai Akira , Yoshimura Kenichi , Tsuchiya Hiroyuki , Otsuka Takanobu
Published: February 2018

Regional hyperthermia is considered to enhance the antitumor effects of chemotherapy and radiotherapy. In this study, we confirmed the efficacy of concomitant radiotherapy, hyperthermia, and chemotherapy (RHC) for neoadjuvant treatment of malignant soft tissue sarcoma (STS). From 1994 to 2013, we performed RHC in 150 patients. This study was limited to 60 patients using the following exclusion criteria: salvage for recurrence or unplanned excision, trunk location, metastasis at initiation, non‐STS, and no definitive surgery. As a control group, we collected data from 11,031 patients in the Bone and Soft Tissue Tumor Registry in Japan (BSTT). We performed multivariate logistic regression analysis, and propensity scores were created for comparisons between groups. The primary outcome of this study was to compare oncologic outcomes (5‐year local control rate [LC] and overall survival rate [OS]). In the RHC group, two local recurrences (3.3%) occurred, and no patients underwent amputation. Margins of definitive surgery were not identical between groups [wide margins (60.0% vs. 85.3%), marginal margins (28.3% vs. 10.5%), and intralesional margins (7.4% vs. 4.2%), RHC and BSTT groups, respectively, P < 0.001]. After adjustment, the difference in OS was not significant between groups (HR = 1.26, P = 0.532); however, a statistically significant difference in LC was observed (HR = 4.82, P = 0.037). RHC resulted in a high LC at 5 years compared to the BSTT group, and amputation was averted in the RHC group, despite the wider margins in the BSTT group. This indicates that less invasive surgery might be achieved with effective neoadjuvant therapy.
Three New Indole Diketopiperazine Alkaloids from Aspergillus ochraceus
Authors: Wen Huiling , Liu Xiaorui , Zhang Qing , Deng Yanfang , Zang Yi , Wang Jianping , Liu Junjun , Zhou Qun , Hu Linzhen , Zhu Hucheng , Chen Chunmei , Zhang Yonghui
Published: February 2018

Asperochramides A – D (1 – 4), a new natural product and three new indole diketopiperazine alkaloids, along with seven known analogs (5 – 11), were isolated from the ethyl acetate extract of Aspergillus ochraceus. Their structures were elucidated by extensive spectroscopic analyses, ECD calculation, and single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction analysis. Compounds 3 and 4 represent a rare group of indole diketopiperazine alkaloid with a 3‐hydroxyl‐2‐indolone moiety. The in vitro anti‐inflammatory effects of compounds 1 and 3 – 11 were investigated by using LPS‐stimulated murine macrophage RAW 264.7 cells. Compounds 1, 8, 10, and 11 showed potential anti‐inflammatory activities.
Transcatheter aortic valve implantation via the superficial femoral artery: An underused access route?
Authors: Saraf Smriti , Cockburn James , Alsanjari Osama , Hildick‐Smith David
Published: February 2018

Common femoral arterial (CFA) access is the most commonly used access route for transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI). In majority of cases, it is easily accessible percutaneously without requiring surgical cut down. However, in patients with high body mass index (BMI) or central obesity, it can be more than 8–10 cm below the skin making the procedure more technically demanding and satisfactory hemostasis more difficult to achieve. The superficial femoral artery (SFA) lies only a few centimeters distal to the CFA with little compromise on vessel caliber, yet can allow more suitable access in certain patients with a high BMI. We describe three cases in which SFA access was successfully used as the primary delivery route for TAVI.
Incidence, predictors and longer‐term impact of troponin elevation following hybrid chronic total occlusion percutaneous coronary intervention
Authors: Dautov Rustem , Ybarra Luiz Fernando , Nguyen Can Manh , Gibrat Claire , Joyal Dominique , Rinfret Stéphane
Published: February 2018

Objectives

We examined the incidence of periprocedural cardiac enzyme rise (PCER) [troponin T (TnT) or high‐sensivity (hs)TnT >5× the upper limit of normal (ULN)] and periprocedural myocardial infarction (PMI), predictors of PCER and impact of PCER on the longer‐term major adverse cardiac events (MACE) following hybrid chronic total occlusion (CTO) percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI).

Background

PCER and PMI after CTO PCI, risk factors for PCER and its impact on longer‐term MACE are not fully understood.

Methods

Among 469 CTO PCI cases performed between 01/2010 and 12/2015, next‐day TnT or hsTnT was measured in 455 (97%). We examined the incidence of PCER and PMI (with clinical context or TnT ≥70× ULN). In 269 successful cases who had TnT measured, longer‐term MACE (death, MI or target‐vessel revascularisation/re‐occlusion) were assessed.

Results

Overall, 420 CTOs (92.3%) were treated successfully. PCER was documented in 34%, while PMI in 2.9%. By multivariable analyses, higher J‐CTO score (OR = 1.3 per point; P = 0.002), lower creatinine clearance (OR = 1.01 per each cc/min decrease; P < 0.0001) and recent MI (OR = 2.4; P = 0.007) were independent pre‐PCI risk factors for PCER. Among procedural variables, retrograde approach (OR = 1.9; P = 0.014) and procedure duration (OR = 1.2 per 30 min; P = 0.007) were associated with PCER. At a median follow‐up of 396 days following successful CTO PCI, PCER was not associated with higher MACE (9.3% vs. 8.1%; P = 0.60), and was not a predictor of MACE in multivariable analysis.

Conclusions

PCER following hybrid CTO PCI is detected in 1/3 of patients. However, true PMI occurs in 2.9%. PCER does not predict adverse long‐term outcomes.
Coronary sinus perforation during reducer implantation
Authors: Cortese Bernardo , di Palma Gaetano , Latini Roberto
Published: February 2018

Coronary Sinus Reducer (Neovasc, Inc., Richmond B.C., Canada) has shown to be an effective and safe treatment option for the treatment of refractory angina. Until now, a few number of complications related to its implantation have been reported. Coronary sinus perforation is a rare complication, more often related to cardiac surgery procedures. We report the first case of coronary sinus perforation after a sinus Reducer implantation.
Ionic Liquids in Asymmetric Synthesis: An Overall View from Reaction Media to Supported Ionic Liquid Catalysis
Authors: Karimi Babak , Tavakolian Mina , Akbari Maryam , Mansouri Fariborz
Published: February 2018

Ionic liquids, as a special class of organic compounds, have attracted ever‐growing interest in recent years. They have been employed in many organic transformations as a green alternative to volatile organic solvents and as a catalyst to modify catalytic activity and recyclability. Recent developments have demonstrated that ionic liquids might also have many benefits in asymmetric reactions. In this review, we survey the use of ionic liquids in asymmetric transformations, including the use of ionic liquids as reaction media in asymmetric reactions, ionic‐liquid‐tagged chiral catalysts for use in asymmetric synthesis, and supported ionic liquid catalysts in asymmetric transformations.
Expanding the Scope of Photocatalysis: Atom Transfer Radical Addition of Bromoacetonitrile to Aliphatic Olefins
Authors: Voutyritsa Errika , Triandafillidi Ierasia , Kokotos Christoforos G.
Published: February 2018

An efficient photocatalyzed bromocyanomethylation of alkenes is reported. Among a range of organocatalysts and metal complexes, Ir(ppy)3 proved to be the best photocatalyst in promoting the addition of BrCH2CN to olefins. This photocatalytic atom transfer protocol can be expanded into a wide substrate scope of aliphatic olefins bearing various functional groups, leading to the corresponding products in good to excellent yields. In addition, linchpin catalysis was developed, since the bromo group can undergo further transformation into useful functional groups, such as the synthesis of amino acids.
Microwave Reaction: A Facile Economic and Green Method to Synthesize Oxygen‐Decorated Graphene from Carbon Cloth for Oxygen Electrocatalysis
Authors: Zhang Weifeng , Li Yaguang , Xu Yingqi , Zhang Zisheng , Wang Shufang , Fu Guangsheng
Published: February 2018

Oxygen‐functionalized graphene is active for oxygen evolution reaction (OER). However, the high costs, complex instruments and pollution risks in the synthesis process make oxygen‐functionalized graphene difficult to be industrialized. The microwave reaction has originally been used to remove the oxygen groups on graphene structures. In this work, the microwave reaction is reversed to decorate oxygen groups on graphene from carbon cloth, by solely using a household microwave oven. After microwave treatment, the carbon cloth shows greatly improved OER performance with a much lower overpotential of 417 mV, in comparison with the pristine carbon cloth (627 mV), due to the decoration of oxygen groups on graphene, a higher electron conductivity and a higher specific surface area. Meanwhile, an overpotential of 542 mV at 10 mA cm−2 is obtained in an acidic electrolyte, which is one of the best values for non‐precious OER catalysts in acidic media. This work provides a facile, green and economic method for producing functionalized carbon catalysts for OER.
Iron and Nitrogen Co‐doped Carbide‐Derived Carbon and Carbon Nanotube Composite Catalysts for Oxygen Reduction Reaction
Authors: Ratso Sander , Käärik Maike , Kook Mati , Paiste Päärn , Kisand Vambola , Vlassov Sergei , Leis Jaan , Tammeveski Kaido
Published: February 2018

Replacing Pt‐based catalysts with noble‐metal free catalysts for the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) is one of the most important topics currently in electrocatalysis. Iron‐ and nitrogen‐doped carbon materials have shown great promise in this area. In this work, we demonstrate the remarkable electrocatalytic activity towards the ORR of carbide‐derived carbon (CDC) and multi‐walled carbon nanotube (MWCNT) composite catalysts. The CDC material is synthesized from titanium carbide and doped using 1,10‐phenanthroline and iron (II) acetate. The material is then mixed with MWCNTs and further modified with dicyandiamide (DCDA) and additional iron by using a multi‐step pyrolysis procedure. The morphology, structure, porosity, and elemental composition are then comprehensively studied with scanning electron microscopy, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, N2 physisorption, and inductively coupled plasma mass spectroscopy. The electrocatalytic activity of the catalysts for the ORR is studied using the rotating disk electrode method and in a single‐cell anion exchange membrane fuel cell using the Tokuyama A201 membrane.
Predictive risk factors for recurrent atrial fibrillation after modified endoscopic ablation: A 2‐year follow‐up
Authors: An Kang , Zhu Jiaquan , Ma Nan , Tang Min , Mei Ju
Published: February 2018

Background

Our previous study reported a modified endoscopic procedure for nonvalvular atrial fibrillation (AF) that requires only 3 ports in the left chest wall.

Hypothesis

Certain preoperative variables might be predictive risk factors for AF recurrence among patients who underwent this procedure.

Methods

From October 2010 to April 2014, 114 patients with either paroxysmal AF (PAF) or nonparoxysmal AF (non‐PAF) underwent the procedure and completed postoperative cardiac‐rhythm measurement via electrocardiography and Holter monitoring. Univariate and multivariate analyses of the possible AF‐related risk factors were conducted.

Results

During 2‐year follow‐up, 99 of 114 patients (86.8%) were free from atrial tachyarrhythmia. Results from univariate analyses showed that AF duration, left atrial diameter (LAD), left atrial minimum volume, left atrial empty fraction, left atrial expansion index, and left atrial active empty fraction (LAAEF) were significantly associated with postoperative AF recurrence. Results from multivariate analyses showed that AF duration (odds ratio [OR]: 1.194, 95% CI: 1.063‐1.340, P = 0.003), LAD (OR: 1.101, 95% CI: 1.005‐1.205, P = 0.039), and LAAEF (OR: 0.490, 95% CI: 0.277‐0.865, P = 0.014) were independent risk factors. There was no difference in AF recurrence between patients with PAF and non‐PAF (P = 0.250).

Conclusions

Our 2‐year follow‐up study suggested that low LAAEF, long AF duration, and large LAD might be potential predictive risk factors for AF recurrence. Patients with PAF and non‐PAF had a similar AF recurrence rate after modified endoscopic ablation.
Cardiac implantable electrical devices in women
Authors: Elango Kalaimani , Curtis Anne B.
Published: February 2018

Clinical trials have demonstrated the benefits of cardiac implantable electrical devices, which include pacemakers, implantable cardioverter‐defibrillators (ICDs), and cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT), with respect to key clinical outcomes and survival. Women more often require permanent pacing for sick sinus syndrome, whereas atrioventricular block is more common in men. Women appear to have a higher incidence of complications with pacemaker implantation, as well as with ICD and CRT implantation. The indications for ICDs and CRT do not have any distinctions based on sex, and outcomes are comparable in men and women. In fact, women often seem to have better outcomes with CRT compared with men. Despite the demonstrated benefits of these devices, ICDs and CRT are underutilized in women. In this review, we explore sex differences in utilization, outcomes, and complications with pacemakers, ICDs, and CRT.
Taking cardiology clinical trials to the next level: A call to action
Authors: Clayton Janine A. , Arnegard Matthew E.
Published: February 2018

Physicians previously perceived heart disease to be a man's disease; yet, since 1984, more women have died of ischemic heart disease. Because women who develop obstructive coronary heart disease and heart failure tend to do so 10 years later than men, cardiology clinical trials that use arbitrary age cutoffs or exclusion criteria based on comorbidities and polypharmacy often limit the pool of potential participants to a greater extent for women. Issues related to trial design and insufficient accounting for female‐predominant disease patterns have contributed to low rates of enrollment of women in certain domains of cardiology research. Accordingly, women do not benefit from as rich an evidence base for cardiology as men. Here, we review major sex differences in heart disease and discuss areas of cardiology research in which women have been underrepresented. Considering the widespread sex differences in cardiovascular structure and function, it is important to include balanced numbers of women and men in cardiovascular clinical trials. Beyond inclusion, sex‐specific reporting is also essential. Moreover, with ongoing developments of clinical‐trial methodology, it is imperative to seek innovative ways to learn as much as possible about how interventions behave in women and men. Adaptive trials are specifically identified as promising opportunities to consider sex‐based analyses at interim stages, allowing sex‐specific flexibility as these trials unfold. Finally, we emphasize the importance of factoring sex as a biological variable into the design, analysis, and reporting of preclinical research, because this research critically informs the design and execution of clinical trials.
Atherosclerotic vascular disease in the autoimmune rheumatologic woman
Authors: Kurmann Reto Daniel , Mankad Rekha
Published: February 2018

Autoimmune rheumatologic conditions have increased cardiovascular morbidity and mortality compared to the general population. Many of these diseases occur more commonly in women, such as rheumatoid arthritis (RA), systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), systemic sclerosis, and Sjogren's. Most of the literature that has identified the link between autoimmune diseases and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) has been regarding patients with RA and SLE. The reason for the increased ASCVD is related to both traditional risk factors for atherosclerosis and nontraditional risk factors such as the burden of inflammation. Presently, our ability to adequately determinecardiovascular risk in the autoimmune patient is subpar, as scoring systems fail to take into account the role of inflammation. No present guidelines exist that take into account the increased burden of cardiovascular disease in this complex patient cohort.
Selective Cleavage of C−O Bonds in Lignin Catalyzed by Rhenium(VII) Oxide (Re2O7)
Authors: Qi Zaojuan , Zhang Bo , Ji Jianwei , Li Xinxin , Dai Tao , Guo Haiwei , Wang Aiqin , Lu Lican , Li Changzhi
Published: February 2018

The selective cleavage of C−O bonds in typical model lignin β‐O‐4 compounds and deconstruction of a realistic lignin feedstock catalyzed by Re2O7 is described. High yields of C−O cleavage products (up to 97.8 %) from model compounds and oils (76.3 %) from organosolv pinewood lignin were obtained under mild conditions. Evidence for the pathway of this catalytic process is also provided.
Effects of Alkali‐Metal Ions and Counter Ions in Sn‐Beta‐Catalyzed Carbohydrate Conversion
Authors: Elliot Samuel G. , Tolborg Søren , Madsen Robert , Taarning Esben , Meier Sebastian
Published: February 2018

Alkali‐metal ions have recently been shown to strongly influence the catalytic behavior of stannosilicates in the conversion of carbohydrates. An effect of having alkali‐metal ions present is a pronounced increase in selectivity towards methyl lactate. Mechanistic details of this effect have remained obscure and are herein addressed experimentally through kinetic experiments and isotope tracking. The presence of alkali‐metal ions has a differential effect in competing reaction pathways and promotes the rate of carbon–carbon bond breakage of carbohydrate substrates, but decreases the rates of competing dehydration pathways. Further addition of alkali‐metal ions inhibits the activity of Sn‐Beta in all major reaction pathways. The alkali‐metal effects on product distribution and on the rate of product formation are similar, thus pointing to a kinetic reaction control and to irreversible reaction steps in the main pathways. Additionally, an effect of the accompanying basic anions is shown, supposedly facilitating the cation exchange and eliciting a different concentration‐dependent effect to that of neutral alkali‐metal salts.
Species turnover and invasion of dominant freshwater invertebrates alter biodiversity–ecosystem‐function relationship
Authors: Little Chelsea J. , Altermatt Florian
Published: February 2018

Freshwater ecosystems rely on allochthonous resources. Integration of these subsidies depends on diversity of both terrestrial resources and aquatic shredder and decomposer communities, but the diversity effects on leaf litter breakdown and decomposition are less clear in aquatic than terrestrial ecosystems. We need a better understanding of this relationship because aquatic communities are rapidly changing with species invasions and anthropogenic impacts. Here, we experimentally disentangled the effects of leaf and shredder richness on leaf litter breakdown by macroinvertebrates in mesocosm experiments using three species of amphipods, a dominant guild of crustaceans in European freshwater ecosystems. Increased leaf richness led to lower‐than‐predicted leaf consumption by native shredders, with mixed evidence of resource‐switching or prioritization of preferred food items within a leaf mix. Higher shredder species richness never promoted leaf consumption rates compared to predictions from relevant single‐species experiments, and instead sometimes substantially decreased leaf consumption. We then conducted a meta‐analysis of leaf litter consumption rates by seven widely distributed amphipod species (the three used in the experiments and four additional species). As expected based on our own experiments, nonnative amphipod species generally had lower biomass‐adjusted leaf litter consumption rates, although their larger body size led to higher per‐individual leaf consumption rates. Contamination of the water by metals, pesticides, and other chemicals additionally significantly decreased leaf litter consumption by multiple native and nonnative species compared to unpolluted systems. While the meta‐analysis suggested that litter consumption, and thus breakdown, would decline if native shredders are replaced by nonnative heterospecifics, complete species replacement is not the only outcome following immigration in a meta‐community context. Our experiments suggest that breakdown rates could remain reasonably high where native species coexist with nonnative arrivals. Experiments that neglect the ecological realism of species coexistence will necessarily mischaracterize effects on ecosystem functioning.
Evaluation of invasive and non‐invasive methods to monitor rodent abundance in the Arctic
Authors: Fauteux Dominique , Gauthier Gilles , Mazerolle Marc J. , Coallier Nicolas , Bêty Joël , Berteaux Dominique
Published: February 2018

Monitoring rodent abundance is critical to understand direct and indirect trophic interactions in most northern terrestrial ecosystems. However, logistic constraints can prevent researchers from using capture–mark–recapture methods, a robust approach to estimate abundance. Our objective was to determine the correlation between abundance estimates of Arctic lemmings obtained from live‐trapping data with spatially explicit capture–recapture models (SECR; N/ha) and abundance indices obtained from snap‐trapping along trap lines (N/100 trap‐nights), winter nest sampling along transects with distance sampling models (N/ha), burrow counting within quadrats (N/100 m2), and incidental observations (N/100 observer‐hr). We also evaluated the impact of reduced sampling effort on the bias and precision of each abundance estimate. Data from brown (Lemmus trimucronatus) and collared lemmings (Dicrostonyx groenlandicus) were collected each year from 2007 to 2016 on Bylot Island, Nunavut, Canada. Snap‐trapping (r = 0.90) and incidental observations (r = 0.92) yielded the highest correlations with live‐trapping densities for brown lemmings, the most abundant species. When combining abundance of both lemming species, snap‐trapping (r = 0.77) and incidental observations (r = 0.90) also yielded the highest correlations. Indices from winter nests and burrows were also correlated (r > 0.50) with live‐trapping densities, but to a lesser degree. We found that bias generally increased when effort was reduced for methods involving modeling of capture or detection probabilities (i.e., live‐trapping, winter nests), but remained low for the other methods. In contrast, precision of estimates remained high when usingSECRmodels, but decreased substantially for the other methods during years of low lemming abundance. Non‐convergence ofSECRand distance sampling models generally increased when reducing effort and was frequent in years of low lemming abundance. Interestingly, collecting >200 h of incidental observations generated highly reliable estimates of lemming abundance compared to results from live‐trapping, indicating that such non‐invasive method can provide valuable data at low cost. We provide guidelines on other invasive or non‐invasive methods that can be used when small mammals cannot be live‐trapped and suggest the effort required to achieve a given precision.
Is doping of cognitive performance an anti‐herbivore adaptation? Alkaloids inhibiting acetylcholinesterase as a case
Authors: Ejsmond Maciej J. , Provenza Frederick D.
Published: February 2018

Historically, people who study interactions between plants and herbivores focused on the ecological costs and benefits of synthesizing secondary metabolites. These compounds have diverse functions including defenses against herbivores. Some plants produce alkaloids that act as acetylcholinesterase inhibitors, increasing both the level and duration of action of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine with potential toxic effects in insects and mammals. Yet, among a number of neuroactive plant chemicals, alkaloids that inhibit acetylcholinesterase (AIA) display nootropic activities, that is, positively affect cognition, learning, and memory in mammals. This creates a paradox: Neuroactive AIA, expected to punish herbivores, enhance cognition, learning, and memory. A prevailing view is AIA are pesticides that adversely affecting the nervous systems of herbivorous insects, and the positive influences in mammals are merely a by‐product of other functions. We review literature on the behavioral ecology of diet choice, food‐aversion learning, and neurophysiological actions of AIA in mammals to provide a more comprehensive view of the adaptive significance of AIA. These compounds act as anti‐herbivory defenses that influence flavor (taste plus odor) preference/aversion, the formation of memories, and the feeding behavior of mammalian herbivores. Thus, what appears from an insect standpoint to be an enigma makes sense for mammals: AIA enable mammalian herbivores to quickly learn and remember specific plant(s) and the locations where they ate those plant(s). We provide examples of AIA, synthesized by over 200 plant species in 16 families, which affect learning and memory in mammals. Using 36 examples of acetylcholinesterase inhibitors synthesized by plants in 58 families, we also show that acetylcholinesterase blockers contribute to anti‐herbivore chemical defense by affecting food‐aversion learning and memory in mammalian herbivores. We provide an evolutionary rationale for why natural selection may favor synthesis of chemicals that positively affect mental functions of herbivores. Our hypothesis, which challenges the current view that plant chemical defenses are aimed solely at destabilizing herbivore physiology, facilitates a broader understanding of diet preferences and feeding behavior in mammalian herbivores.
Conventional and novel “omics”‐based approaches to the study of carbon nanotubes pulmonary toxicity
Authors: Ventura Célia , Sousa‐Uva António , Lavinha João , Silva Maria João
Published: February 2018

The widespread application of carbon nanotubes (CNT) on industrial, biomedical, and consumer products can represent an emerging respiratory occupational hazard. Particularly, their similarity with the fiber‐like shape of asbestos have raised a strong concern about their carcinogenic potential. Several in vitro and in vivo studies have been supporting this view by pointing to immunotoxic, cytotoxic and genotoxic effects of some CNT that may conduct to pulmonary inflammation, fibrosis, and bronchioloalveolar hyperplasia in rodents. Recently, high throughput molecular methodologies have been applied to obtain more insightful information on CNT toxicity, through the identification of the affected biological and molecular pathways. Toxicogenomic approaches are expected to identify unique gene expression profiles that, besides providing mechanistic information and guiding new research, have also the potential to be used as biomarkers for biomonitoring purposes. In this review, the potential of genomic data analysis is illustrated by gene network and gene ontology enrichment analysis of a set of 41 differentially expressed genes selected from a literature search focused on studies of C57BL/6 mice exposed to the multiwalled CNT Mitsui‐7. The majority of the biological processes annotated in the network are regulatory processes and the molecular functions are related to receptor‐binding signalling. Accordingly, the network‐annotated pathways are cell receptor‐induced pathways. A single enriched molecular function and one biological process were identified. The relevance of specific epigenomic effects triggered by CNT exposure, for example, alteration of the miRNA expression profile is also discussed in light of its use as biomarkers in occupational health studies. Environ. Mol. Mutagen. 59:334–362, 2018. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Advance planning, updated strategies can help prevent summer melt
Authors: Hilton Warren
Published: February 2018

In 2007, I experienced something that changed my outlook on summer melt. That was the year Samantha showed up for new student orientation but she wasn't on any of our student lists. All of us at the small liberal arts college where I worked at the time scrambled to find out the problem. Eventually, Samantha's mother revealed she had not paid her deposit. Samantha had attended class at another institution the week before but was unhappy there so she wanted to try our college. Samantha's story ended well for her and for us — she enrolled and graduated in four years. But the situation leaves a lot of unanswered questions about how the other institution lost her to summer melt.
Issue secure digital credentials using technology behind bitcoin
Authors: Hope Joan
Published: February 2018

Secure, verifiable, learner‐owned credentials: Many registrars envision a future where those are the norm. The Registrar's Office at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology has become the first to issue digital diplomas through the blockchain, the technology that enables bitcoin. The goal was to provide a secure service to students who become stewards of their own record, said Mary Callahan, registrar and senior associate dean for undergraduate education.
Find creative workarounds to implement competency‐based education
Authors: Sutton Halley
Published: February 2018

SAN DIEGO — Competency‐based education is a huge buzzword in higher education right now, but say it to a prospective student, and does he understand what that means in a practical sense? And how do you move from the idea of CBE to an implementation that works for your students and has meaning for your local industry? That was the first hurdle tackled by Eric Heiser, dean of the School of Applied Technology and Technical Specialties at Salt Lake Community College, when overhauling the flight technology program to be a CBE‐focused channel for delivering skilled workers into the Utah economy more quickly.
Behavioral analytics boosts conversion rate of prospective students
Authors: Hope Joan
Published: February 2018

Are phone calls with prospective students having the impact you hope for? Program managers at Wiley Education Services who recruit students for their clients' programs receive reports that document whether the call focused on information shown to boost the likelihood of enrollment. For follow‐up calls, they also know the prospect's personality type, a categorization that can help with effective communication.
It takes a team to make a transformation
Authors: Santovec Mary Lou
Published: February 2018

As a youngster, Tomikia Pickett LeGrande, Ed.D., thought she wanted to be a pharmacist. But an organic chemistry class “corrected” her beliefs.
Fuel Cells in a Changing Energy World
Authors: Stimming Ulrich , Bele Petra
Published: February 2018

No abstract.
Persistence of depressive symptoms and gait speed recovery in older adults after hip fracture
Authors: Rathbun Alan M. , Shardell Michelle D. , Stuart Elizabeth A. , Gruber‐Baldini Ann L. , Orwig Denise , Ostir Glenn V. , Hicks Gregory E. , Hochberg Marc C. , Magaziner Jay
Published: February 2018

Objective

Depression after hip fracture in older adults is associated with worse physical performance; however, depressive symptoms are dynamic, fluctuating during the recovery period. The study aim was to determine how the persistence of depressive symptoms over time cumulatively affects the recovery of physical performance.

Methods

Marginal structural models estimated the cumulative effect of persistence of depressive symptoms on gait speed during hip fracture recovery among older adults (n = 284) enrolled in the Baltimore Hip Studies 7th cohort. Depressive symptoms at baseline and at 2‐month and 6‐month postadmission for hip fracture were evaluated by using the Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale, and persistence of symptoms was assessed as a time‐averaged severity lagged to standardized 3 m gait speed at 2, 6, and 12 months.

Results

A 1‐unit increase in time‐averaged Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression score was associated with a mean difference in gait speed of −0.0076 standard deviations (95% confidence interval [CI]: −0.0184, 0.0032; P = .166). The association was largest in magnitude from baseline to 6 months: −0.0144 standard deviations (95% CI: −0.0303, 0.0015; P = 0.076). Associations for the other time intervals were smaller: −0.0028 standard deviations (95% CI: −0.0138, 0.0083; P = .621) at 2 months and −0.0121 standard deviations (95% CI: −0.0324, 0.0082; P = .238) at 12 months.

Conclusion

Although not statistically significant, the magnitude of the numerical estimates suggests that expressing more depressive symptoms during the first 6 months after hip fracture has a meaningful impact on functional recovery.
Proposal of big data route selection methods for autonomous vehicles
Authors: Reddig Klaudia , Dikunow Błażej , Krzykowska Karolina
Published: February 2018

The automotive industry is developing rapidly, mainly in the direction of automation. Automation means constructing self‐driving vehicles that will not need any human assistance. This would not only rise the comfort of travel but most of all it would allow to minimize congestions and reduce car accidents. In this paper, we propose a solution for self‐driving vehicles' development based on big data Kafka and Spark architectures that would enable to gather large quantities of diversified data in real‐time. This, in turn would allow the future cars to make fast, autonomous decisions concerning optimal route selection.
Water, Cheaper than Dirt
Authors: Mercer Kenneth L. , Haskins Charles A.
Published: February 2018

As Charles Haskins points out in his 1933 article, “the profits in water‐works operation are more of a social than of a financial nature,” and these words still ring true today. So begins Haskins' exploration of what “profitable” means beyond the ability to cover the costs of capital improvements, operations and maintenance, and debt service. Haskins also shines a light on the fact that the useful life of many water works is much longer than their payback period, which can impose a burden on the present consumer for the benefit of the future consumer unless addressed through fair and reasonable rates. And while the fixed portion of water rates may have been a concern with regard to the cost of fire protection in the past, it's still a timely issue with regard to overall infrastructure financing and affordability. Unfortunately, many today will still probably agree with Haskins' notion that “the expression should be changed to ‘water cheap’ because this, the most essential of all commodities, is actually far cheaper than dirt.”
Evaluation of bone marrow stem cell response to PLA scaffolds manufactured by 3D printing and coated with polydopamine and type I collagen
Authors: Teixeira Bruna Nunes , Aprile Paola , Mendonça Roberta H. , Kelly Daniel J. , Thiré Rossana Mara da Silva Moreira
Published: February 2018

The majority of synthetic polymers used in 3 D printing are not designed to promote specific cellular interactions and hence possess limited bioactivity. Most of the strategies proposed to overcome this limitation demand multiple and expensive processing steps. This study aimed to evaluate the surface modification of 3D‐printed poly(lactic acid) (PLA) scaffolds with polydopamine (PDA) coating as an alternative strategy to enhance their bioactivity and to facilitate the immobilization of type I collagen (COL I) onto the implant surface. Physical and chemical properties of PLA scaffolds coated with PDA, COL I or both were evaluated. The response of porcine bone marrow stem cells (MSCs) to the coatings was also investigated. The PDA layer improved COL immobilization onto the surface of the PLA scaffolds by 92%. The combination of PDA and COL functionalizations provided the best conditions for early‐stage (<7 days) cell response. In addition, the PDA plus COL surface facilitated the robust deposition of extracellular matrix in the first 14 days of cell culture. Although the behavior of the MSCs appeared to be similar for both uncoated PLA and PDA plus COL‐coated scaffolds by day 21, cells seeded onto PDA plus COL scaffolds produced substantially higher amounts of alkaline phosphatase. These results indicate that the osteoinductivity of 3D‐printed PLA scaffolds can be enhanced by PDA and type I collagen coatings. This surface modification of polymeric scaffolds represents a promising strategy for bone tissue engineering. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 107B: 37–49, 2019.
Evaluating the durability of UHMWPE biomaterials used for articulating surfaces of joint arthroplasty using delamination tests
Authors: Sakoda Hideyuki , Osaka Yuta , Uetsuki Keita , Okamoto Yoshihiro , Haishima Yuji
Published: February 2018

Ultra‐high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) is the most popular material used for the articulating surface of joint replacements. Delamination is a common fatigue‐related failure mode in UHMWPE components; however, the relationship between delamination resistance and fatigue crack growth has not been reported. Here, the delamination resistance of contemporary UHMWPE materials, including highly cross‐linked UHMWPE (HXLPE), vitamin E blended UHMWPE (VEPE), and vitamin E blended HXLPE (VEXLPE), was measured to verify a previously proposed accelerated test method using a U‐shaped sliding motion; the results were compared with those of fatigue crack growth tests. The oxidative stability of each material was estimated using Fourier transform infrared analysis. UHMWPE sterilized by gamma irradiation in an inert atmosphere and annealed HXLPE had lower delamination resistance than virgin UHMWPE after artificial aging. This was consistent with previous findings from retrieval studies, and in vitro knee simulator and ball‐on‐flat unidirectional reciprocation wear studies. In contrast, remelted HXLPE, VEPE, and VEXLPE showed excellent delamination resistance after artificial aging. The results of the delamination tests were not consistent with those of fatigue crack growth tests, indicating the complex delamination mechanism and importance of evaluating these factors separately. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 107B: 65–72, 2019.
Higher Dairy Food Intake Is Associated With Higher Spine Quantitative Computed Tomography (QCT) Bone Measures in the Framingham Study for Men But Not Women
Authors: van Dongen Laura H , Kiel Douglas P , Soedamah-Muthu Sabita S , Bouxsein Mary L , Hannan Marian T , Sahni Shivani
Published: February 2018

Previous studies found that dairy foods were associated with higher areal bone mineral density (BMD). However, data on bone geometry or compartment-specific bone density is lacking. In this cross-sectional study, the association of milk, yogurt, cheese, cream, milk+yogurt, and milk+yogurt+cheese intakes with quantitative computed tomography (QCT) measures of bone were examined, and we determined if associations were modified by serum vitamin D (25-OH D, tertiles) or age (<50 versus ≥50 years). Participants were 1522 men and 1104 women (aged 32 to 81 years, mean 50 years [men]; 55 years [women]) from the Framingham Heart Study with measures of dairy food intake (servings/wk) from a food-frequency questionnaire, volumetric BMD (vBMD, integral and trabecular, g/cm3), cross-sectional area (CSA, cm2), and estimated vertebral compressive strength (VCS, N) and 25-OH D (radioimmunoassay). Sex-specific multivariable linear regression was used to calculate the association of dairy food intake (energy adjusted) with each QCT measure, adjusting for covariates. Mean milk intake ±SD was 6 ± 7 servings/week in both men and women. In men, higher intake of milk, milk+yogurt, and milk+yogurt+cheese was associated with higher integral (p = 0.001 to 0.006) and trabecular vBMD (p = 0.006 to 0.057) and VCS (p = 0.001 to 0.010). Further, a higher cheese intake was related with higher CSA (p = 0.049). In women, no significant results were observed for the dairy foods, except for a positive association of cream intake with CSA (p = 0.016). The associations appeared to be stronger in older men. Across 25-OH D tertiles, dairy was positively associated with bone health. In summary, men with higher intakes of milk, milk+yogurt, and milk+yogurt+cheese had higher trabecular and integral vBMD and VCS but not CSA. Dairy intake seems to be most beneficial for older men, and dairy continued to have positive associations among all 25-OH D levels. © 2018 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Direct conversion of cellulose to sorbitol via an enhanced pretreatment with ionic liquids
Authors: Gao Kai , Xin Jiayu , Yan Dongxia , Dong Huixian , Zhou Qing , Lu Xingmei , Zhang Suojiang
Published: February 2018

BACKGROUND

Direct conversion of cellulose into platform chemicals, is regarded as one of the most promising aspects of biomass resource utilization. However, the development of direct conversion of cellulose to high value‐added chemicals such as sorbitol still remains a tremendous problem owing to the robust structure of cellulose to resist degradation.

RESULTS

In this study, ball‐milled microcrystalline cellulose was dissolved in ionic liquids, and finally converted to sorbitol smoothly through hydrolytic hydrogenation processes. Both ball‐milling and ionic liquids dissolution can effectively destroy the strong inter‐ and intramolecular hydrogen bond network formed between hydroxyl groups within cellulose. Furthermore, water‐soluble ionic cellulose came into being due to the dissolution of cellulose in ionic liquids, which increased the contact of cellulose to catalyst remarkably. The crystalline index of cellulose can be reduced from 79.9% to 3.2% under an optimum ball‐milling time of 4 h, and the preferred cellulose dissolution solvent was selected to be [Amim]Cl. Finally, the final product, sorbitol was successfully synthesized over the catalysis of Nafion NR50 and Ru/AC (active carbon) with the sorbitol yield to be 34.3% at 150 °C for 1 h.

CONCLUSION

This study proposed a novel approach about direct conversion of cellulose to sorbitol with ionic liquids as well as extended the application of ionic liquids in the field of conversion of renewable biomass to platform chemicals. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
How much can synthetic cannabinoid damage the heart? A case of cardiogenic shock following resistant ventricular fibrillation after synthetic cannabinoid use
Authors: Yamanoglu Adnan , Celebi Yamanoglu Nalan Gokce , Evran Tugba , Sogut Ozgur
Published: February 2018

New substances are constantly being added to the content of synthetic cannabinoids (SCs). SCs can affect the cardiovascular system and cause hypotension and bradycardia, myocardial infarction, atrial fibrillation, prolonged QTc, and Mobitz type II atrioventricular block. However, no cases associated with ventricular fibrillation (VF) have been reported to date. We report a case of a 26‐year‐old male patient admitted to the emergency department due to altered consciousness after SC use and requiring prolonged cardiopulmonary resuscitation due to resistant VF and cardiogenic shock.
Elevated and super‐elevated CO2 differ in their interactive effects with nitrogen availability on fruit yield and quality of cucumber
Authors: Dong Jinlong , Xu Qiao , Gruda Nazim , Chu Wenying , Li Xun , Duan Zengqiang
Published: February 2018

BACKGROUND

Elevated carbon dioxide (CO2) and nitrogen (N) availability can interactively promote cucumber yield, but how the yield increase is realized remains unclear, whilst the interactive effects on fruit quality are unknown. In this study, cucumber plants (Cucumis sativus L. cv. Jinmei No. 3) were grown in a paddy soil under three CO2 concentrations – 400 (ambient CO2), 800 (elevated CO2, eCO2) and 1200 µmol mol−1 (super‐elevated CO2) – and two N applications – 0.06 (low N) and 0.24 g N kg−1 soil (high N).

RESULTS

Compared with ambient CO2, eCO2 increased yield by 106% in high N but the increase in total biomass was only 33%. This can result from greater carbon translocation to fruits from other organs, indicated by the increased biomass allocation from stems and leaves, particularly source leaves, to fruits and the decreased concentrations of fructose and glucose in source leaves. Super‐elevated CO2 reduced the carbon allocation to fruits thus yield increase (71%). Additionally, eCO2 also increased the concentrations of fructose and glucose in fruits, maintained the concentrations of dietary fiber, phosphorus, potassium, calcium, magnesium, sulfur, manganese, copper, molybdenum and sodium, whilst it decreased the concentrations of nitrate, protein, iron, and zinc in high N. Compared with eCO2, super‐elevated CO2 can still improve the fruit quality to some extent in low N availability.

CONCLUSIONS

Elevated CO2 promotes cucumber yield largely by carbon allocation from source leaves to fruits in high N availability. Besides a dilution effect, carbon allocation to fruits, carbohydrate transformation, and nutrient uptake and assimilation can affect the fruit quality. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry