bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ionic Liquids and Salts from Ibuprofen as Promising Innovative Formulations of an Old Drug
Authors: Santos Miguel M. , Raposo Luís R. , Carrera Gonçalo V. S. M. , Costa Alexandra , Dionísio Madalena , Baptista Pedro V. , Fernandes Alexandra R. , Branco Luís C.
Published: February 2019

Herein we report the synthesis of novel ionic liquids (ILs) and organic salts by combining ibuprofen as anion with ammonium, imidazolium, or pyridinium cations. The methodology consists of an acid–base reaction of neutral ibuprofen with cation hydroxides, which were previously prepared by anion exchange from the corresponding halide salts with Amberlyst A‐26(OH). In comparison with the parent drug, these organic salts display higher solubility in water and biological fluids and a smaller degree of polymorphism, which in some cases was completely eliminated. With the exception of [C16Pyr][Ibu] and [N1,1,2,2OH1][Ibu], the prepared salts did not affect the viability of normal human dermal fibroblasts or ovarian carcinoma (A2780) cells. Therefore, these ibuprofen‐based ionic liquids may be very promising lead candidates for the development of effective formulations of this drug.
Multi‐channel helical‐antenna inner‐volume RF coils for ultra‐high field MR scanners
Authors: Athalye Pranav S. , Ilić Milan M. , van de Moortele Pierre‐Francois , Kiruluta Andrew J. M. , Notaroš Branislav M.
Published: February 2019

RF coil design for human ultra‐high field (7 T and higher) magnetic resonance (MR) imaging is an area of intense development, to overcome difficult challenges such as RF excitation spatial heterogeneity and low RF transfer efficiency into the spin system. This article proposes a novel category of multi‐channel RF volume coil structures at both 7 T and 10.5 T based on a subject‐loaded multifilar helical‐antenna RF coil that aims at addressing these problems. In some prior applications of helix antennas as MR RF coils at 7 T, the imaged sample was positioned outside the helix. Here, we introduce a radically different approach, with the inner volume of a helix antenna being utilized to image a sample. The new coil uniquely combines traveling‐wave behavior through the overall antenna wire structure and near‐field RF interaction between the conducting elements and the imaged tissues. It thus benefits from the congruence of far‐ and near‐field regimes. Design and analysis of the novel inner‐volume coils are performed by numerical simulations using multiple computational electromagnetics techniques. The fabricated coil prototypes are tested, validated, and evaluated experimentally in 7‐T and 10.5‐T MR human wide bore (90‐cm) MR scanners. Phantom data at 7 T show good consistency between numerical simulations and experimental results. Simulated B1+ transmit efficiencies, in T/√W, are comparable to those of some of the conventional and state‐of‐the‐art RF coil designs at 7 T. Experimental results at 10.5 T show the scalability of the helix coil design.
Gaussian sliding window for robust processing laser speckle contrast images
Authors: Postnikov Eugene B. , Tsoy Maria O. , Timoshina Polina A. , Postnov Dmitry E.
Published: February 2019

The laser speckle contrast analysis (LASCA) is one of the most applicable tools in microcirculation studies. While the basic idea, as well as experimental setup for this method, are fairly simple, there is still the room for advancing of data processing algorithms. Specifically, the conventional realizations of LASCA method may limit the spatial and/or temporal resolution and thus fail in the detection of very small contrast objects since they based on the fixed‐size rectangular sliding window function. We suggest an alternative data processing algorithm based on the usage of the Gaussian sliding filter for a sequential determination of both spatial and temporal parts of the speckle contrast. The suggested replacement of conventional box filter leads to the monotonic damping of high‐frequency spectral components that results in a better elimination of ringing and aliasing effects in the spatio‐temporal speckle contrast outputs. Additionally, we show that such sliding filtration increases robustness with respect to the processing of a sequence of nonstabilised images. We support this consideration with representative examples of processing both surrogate and real experimental data.
Surgical resection of medulloblastoma: How much is sufficient and necessary? A systematic review of literature
Authors: Katiyar Varidh , Sharma Ravi , Tandon Vivek , Garg Kanwaljeet , Kale Shashank S.
Published: February 2019

Background

The risk stratification after surgery for patients with medulloblastoma has been based on three variables, ie, age, metastasis, and residual tumor following surgery for a long time. Out of these, there is lack of consensus regarding the impact of extent of resection (EOR) on survival.

Aim

In this study, we aim to systematically review the impact of EOR on the prognosis and long‐term outcomes of medulloblastoma.

Methods and results

The authors performed a systematic review of prospective studies published in PubMed that evaluated the role of EOR on long‐term outcomes in terms of overall survival (OS) and progression‐free survival (PFS). The data of the identified studies were systematically analyzed. Ten prospective studies fulfilling the eligibility criteria were identified. Five studies found no significant difference in either OS or PFS with EOR. On the other hand three studies found a clear association with higher OS and PFS with gross total resection (GTR). One study found PFS to be correlated with <1.5 cm2 residual but not with >90% resection. Another study noted that EOR is important for PFS but not for OS. There was significant heterogeneity in the assessment criteria and classification of EOR across the studies.

Conclusions

There is a need to update and standardize the criteria to classify EOR according to current understanding of the disease, including its molecular subtypes. Prospective studies evaluating the impact of EOR in relation with molecular subtyping will help in deciding the future management algorithms for medulloblastoma.
Rituals and preoccupations associated with bulimia nervosa in adolescents: Does motivation to change matter?
Authors: Gorrell Sasha , Kinasz Kathryn , Hail Lisa , Bruett Lindsey , Forsberg Sarah , Lock James , Le Grange Daniel
Published: February 2019

This study evaluated the effects of two treatments for adolescent bulimia nervosa (BN), family‐based treatment (FBT‐BN), and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT‐A), on both attitudinal and behavioural outcomes at end‐of‐treatment. These associations were examined specifically relative to motivation for change in obsessive–compulsive (OC) features of eating disorder (ED) symptoms. Adolescents (N = 110) were randomly assigned to FBT‐BN or CBT‐A and completed assessments of eating pathology and OC‐ED behaviour. Across both treatments, greater motivation for change in OC‐ED behaviour was associated with improved attitudinal features of ED at end‐of‐treatment. Motivation for change did not demonstrate a direct or interaction effect on BN behavioural outcomes. Results suggest that adolescents with BN who are more motivated to change OC‐ED behaviours at the start of treatment, FBT‐BN or CBT‐A, are more likely to demonstrate improvements in cognitions, but not behaviours associated with EDs, at treatment conclusion.
Predictive power of Markovian models: Evidence from US recession forecasting
Authors: Tian Ruilin , Shen Gang
Published: February 2019

This paper provides extensions to the application of Markovian models in predicting US recessions. The proposed Markovian models, including the hidden Markov and Markov models, incorporate the temporal autocorrelation of binary recession indicators in a traditional but natural way. Considering interest rates and spreads, stock prices, monetary aggregates, and output as the candidate predictors, we examine the out‐of‐sample performance of the Markovian models in predicting the recessions 1–12 months ahead, through rolling window experiments as well as experiments based on the fixed full training set. Our study shows that the Markovian models are superior to the probit models in detecting a recession and capturing the recession duration. But sometimes the rolling window method may affect the models' prediction reliability as it could incorporate the economy's unsystematic adjustments and erratic shocks into the forecast. In addition, the interest rate spreads and output are the most efficient predictor variables in explaining business cycles.
Exploring relevance, public perceptions, and business models for establishment of private well water quality monitoring service
Authors: Thomson Kalen K. , Rahman Arifur , Cooper Tom J. , Sarkar Atanu
Published: February 2019

Existing public policies mostly focus on public water systems, leaving aside the quality issues regarding private wells in small and rural locations. Establishment of affordable and accessible water quality monitoring services may ensure acceptable levels of all the parameters.

This paper aims to explore (a) health risk because of chemical contaminants of private wells, (b) population perspective on well water quality and monitoring, and (c) to create a business model of a centralized water quality monitoring service. The results show potential problems with toxic levels of arsenic, barium, cadmium, chromium, lead, mercury, and selenium. About 5% of the province's population is at risk for potential exposure to contaminated private well water. The survey reinforces that the successful implementation of water testing laboratories for private wells is a shared responsibility between well owners and the government organizations, and almost three‐fourths respondents were willing to share the cost up to certain limit. A business model including financial projections for a centralized water testing laboratory is presented. Drinking of unmonitored private well water is putting population health at risk. Either strong regulation with mandatory water testing or voluntary water testing with adequate government subsidy can ensure sustainable function of a centralized water testing laboratory.
Recent increase in incidence of cervical precancerous lesions in Norway: Nationwide study from 1992 to 2016
Authors: Orumaa Madleen , Leinonen Maarit K , Campbell Suzanne , Møller Bjørn , Myklebust Tor Åge , Nygård Mari
Published: February 2019

We analysed patterns in the incidence of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia grades 2 and 3 (CIN2, CIN3) and adenocarcinoma in situ (AIS) by age and histology in 1992–2016 in Norway and described changes in screening tests. Incident cases of CIN2, CIN3, AIS and cervical cancer were identified in the Cancer Registry of Norway, as were all women with at least one screening test. The annual percentage change statistic was used to assess point estimates and changes in age‐specific and age‐standardised incidence rates (IR). Women aged 25–29 years had the highest incidence of cervical precancerous lesions (CIN2: 192.9/10, CIN3: 737.2/10, AIS: 32.5/105 in 2016). The IR of CIN2 increased for all screening ages (25–69 years) from 3.6% to 6.7% per year. CIN3 incidence increased by 1.6% (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.6–2.6) annually. A steep increase in AIS incidence was observed in all age groups (7.1% per year, 95% CI 5.3–8.8). Changes in screening tests and the histological verification of cervical precancerous lesions alone cannot explain the steady increase in incidence we observed over the 25‐year study period, and increased exposure to human papillomavirus (HPV) likely plays a role. Age‐appropriate treatment of screening‐detected cervical precancerous lesions is needed for effective cervical cancer control while avoiding overtreatment and related health risks. In order to perform an appropriate harm‐benefit evaluation of cervical cancer control efforts, detailed information on screening technology and background risks, including HPV vaccination status, is needed to create optimal public health policy.
Assessment of Field Water Budget Components for Increasing Water Productivity Under Drip Irrigation in Arid and Semi‐Arid Areas, Syria
Authors: Abou Zakhem Boulos , Al Ain Farid , Hafez Rania
Published: February 2019

Water shortage and global water demand in arid and semi‐arid countries are continuously increasing, and therefore the agricultural sector is under critical pressure. Sustainable water management is a crucial issue and needs detailed investigation. Lysimeter measurement and nuclear techniques have been used to improve water management, saving water by reducing loss components which are not used by the plants and thus enhance water productivity (WP). Two experimental sites were selected at Nashabieh and Serghaya in the Damascus Basin (Syria). Monitoring of soil water content, evaporation and deep percolation measurements were carried out. The results showed that the measured deep percolation in a maize field (Nashabieh) formed 20% of the applied drip irrigation. On average, volumetric water content increased with depth from 30 to 37% in the apple orchard field under drip irrigation (Serghaya). Water component distribution reveals that 10–20% of water can be saved and used to enhance WP. The computed WP of maize crop was 1.4 kg m−3. Thus the surface drip irrigation method increases WP significantly. Consequently, the application of this irrigation method at the farm scale is highly recommended. Finally, these results may help to develop better agricultural water management strategies, increase agriculture productivity, and consequently improve WP. © 2019 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A note on informal economy and ICT
Authors: Rangaswamy Nimmi
Published: February 2019

This note offers a perspective on the informal markets as an assortment of human players and networks contributing to a socio‐business culture of economic survival. The note also offers a few thoughts on specific segments of the informal workforce in India based on ethnographic evidence and a sociological assessment. The author begins with an appraisal of the socio‐economic phenomenon of informality including an anthropological framing of the “informal.” An important focus is the IT‐based businesses and the variety of players ranging from middle‐range businesses to floating or freelancing actors. The note ends with a spotlight on the internet fuelled gig economy where ICTs move beyond being a product or a service and take over as the business platform ushering a new era of informal or gig economy.
Topography enhances Runx2 expression in outgrowing cells from iPS cell‐derived embryoid bodies
Authors: Al‐Wahabi Akram , Ser‐Od Tungalag , Inoue Kenji , Nakajima Kei , Matsuzaka Kenichi , Inoue Takashi
Published: February 2019

The effect of differing polystyrene substrate topographies on the osteogenic potential of the outgrowing cells (OGCs) formed from mouse‐induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells (miPSCs)‐derived embryoid bodies (EBs) was investigated. Polystyrene substrates were sandblasted with 25, 50, and 150 μm aluminum oxide particles to obtain topographies with average Sa values of 0.6, 1.1, and 1.8 μm, respectively. 3D‐SEM was used to evaluate substrate's topographies. Examination was done by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), by immunocytofluorescence (ICF) analysis for vinculin, Runx2 and collagen type I, and by quantitative RT‐PCR (qRT‐PCR) analysis for Runx2 and collagen type I. SEM and ICF analyses revealed that surface roughness caused cells elongation (2, 6, 8, 10 times for the NT, 0.6 μm, 1.1 μm, and 1.8 μm, respectively). Vinculin staining demonstrated how the Sa value affected cellular attachment to the substrate. FA points were randomly distributed on flat surfaces, but rough surfaces resulted in more concentrated FA points on the podia of the cells (11.7, 25.2, 26.7, 16.6 vinculin spots per 20 μm2 for the NT, 0.6 μm, 1.1 μm, and 1.8 μm, respectively). qRT‐PCR revealed that Runx2 expression was highest on day 16 on surfaces with Sa of 0.6 μm and 1.1 μm. Collagen type I expression increased from day 0 to day 16, no significance was found among the groups. In conclusion, surface topography affects cell shape and expression of early osteogenic potential in OGC, particularly surfaces with Sa values of 0.6 μm and 1.1 μm which showed the highest concentration of FA points on podia. These findings could be utilized in the development of inner surface topographies of scaffolds used with iPSCs. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater 107B: 2288–2296, 2019.
One‐Pot Knoevenagel–Michael–Cyclization Cascade Reaction for the Synthesis of Functionalized Novel 4H‐pyrans by Using ZnCl2 as a Catalyst
Authors: Khan M. Musawwer , Saigal  , Khan Sarfaraz
Published: February 2019

An expedient and cost‐effective protocol has been developed for the synthesis of novel 2‐methyl‐6‐(methylamino)‐5‐nitro‐4‐(4‐aryl)‐4H‐pyran‐3‐carboxylate derivatives. This domino, one‐pot, three‐component reaction was carried out between β‐ketoesters, aromatic aldehydes, and (E)‐N‐methyl‐1‐(methylthio)‐2‐nitroethenamine (NMSM) in the presence of 30 mol% anhydrous ZnCl2 under the neat condition at 120°C. The synthesized 4H‐pyran derivatives were characterized by spectroscopic techniques such as IR, 1H NMR, 13C NMR, CHNS, and HRMS. The molecular structure of compound methyl‐2‐methyl‐6‐(methylamino)‐5‐nitro‐4‐(4‐nitrophenyl)‐4H‐pyran‐3‐carboxylate 4a was confirmed by the single crystal X‐ray analysis. This solvent‐free protocol has several advantages such as shorter reaction time, an inexpensive catalyst, good yields, simple workup, and column‐free purification.
A lambda‐shaped retractor lentis muscle in the yellowfin goby Acanthogobius flavimanus
Authors: Miyazaki Taeko , Kato Akari , Ikenaga Takanori , Hagio Hanako , Yamamoto Naoyuki
Published: February 2019

We identified a morphologically uncommon piscine retractor lentis muscle in the yellowfin goby Acanthogobius flavimanus. This lentis muscle has a shape similar to the Greek small letter lambda (λ). The two legs of the muscle are attached to the retinal periphery at the ventral eyecup, while the tip is connected to the lens surface by a ligament. Scanning electron microscopy showed that the fibers of the lentis muscle run along the length of both the anterior and posterior legs. Immunolabeling with antiacetylated tubulin antibody and neuronal tracing with DiI of the whole lentis muscle revealed that the anterior leg is innervated by one or more nerves. The topographic distribution of ganglion cells in the retina was investigated to identify the visual axis. Three high cell density areas were observed in the dorso‐temporal, ventro‐nasals and ventro‐temporal retina. These findings suggest that the λ‐shaped lentis muscle may enable accommodatory movement of the lens toward the temporal as well as the nasal and/or ventral retina.
Cleavable Surfactants: A Comparison between Ester, Amide, and Carbonate as the Weak Bond
Authors: Stjerndahl Maria , Lundberg Dan , Chauhan Vinay , Bordes Romain , Holmberg Krister
Published: February 2019

Cleavable surfactants, i.e., surfactants in which a weak bond has deliberately been inserted into the molecule, are of interest when remaining surface‐active material at a surface can cause problems. Ester and amide bonds are established as week linkages in surfactants but these generate an acid when they hydrolyze. For some applications, acidic degradation products are unwanted. Surfactants with a carbonate bond between the polar headgroup and the hydrophobic tail are of interest for such purposes. In this article, we compare the physical–chemical properties of nonionic carbonate surfactants with those of the corresponding ester and amide surfactants. The half‐lives of the different cleavable surfactants are also compared and it was found that a carbonate bond is slightly more stable to alkaline hydrolysis than an ester bond when present in otherwise identical structures. A nonionic Gemini surfactant with a carbonate bond in the spacer, which on hydrolysis decomposes into two identical single‐tailed nonionic amphiphiles, is also presented. The hydrolysis kinetics for this surfactant was studied in some detail and it was found that it degrades much faster at low temperature than at higher temperature. This anti‐Arrhenius type of hydrolysis kinetics is proposed to be due to the reverse solubility versus temperature behavior of ethoxylated surfactants.
Application of magnetized MOF‐74 to phthalate esters extraction from Chinese liquor
Authors: Wang Tiefeng , Zhang Ruiqi , Li Di , Su Ping , Yang Yi
Published: February 2019

In this study, magnetized MOF‐74 (Ni) was prepared using an ultrasound‐assisted synthesis method. This novel functional magnetic adsorbent was characterized using various techniques. Using the prepared material as adsorbents, a magnetic solid‐phase extraction method coupled with high‐performance liquid chromatography was proposed for determining four phthalate esters in Chinese liquor samples. The extraction parameters, including solution pH, adsorbent amount, extraction time, and eluent type and volume, were optimized. Under the optimized conditions, proposed method showed good linearity within the range of 1.53–200 μg/L for diphenyl phthalate, 2.03–200 μg/L for butyl benzyl phthalate, 7.02–200 μg/L for diamyl phthalate, and 6.03–200 μg/L for dicyclohexyl phthalate, with correlation coefficients > 0.9944, low limits of detection (0.46–2.10 μg/L, S/N = 3), and good extraction repeatability (relative standard deviations of 3.7%, n = 6). This method was successfully used to analyze phthalate esters in Chinese liquor samples with recoveries of 74.4–104.8%. Two phthalate esters were detected in two samples, both at concentrations that satisfied the Chinese national standard, indicating this method has practical application prospects. The extraction efficiency of this method was also compared with conventional solid‐phase extraction using commercial C18 cartridges. The results demonstrated that the proposed magnetic solid‐phase extraction is a simple, time‐saving, efficient, and low‐cost method.
Histoanatomical structures of laryngeal atresia: Functional considerations
Authors: Fayoux Pierre , Devisme Louise
Published: February 2019

Objective

To study the histoanatomical structure of laryngeal atresia with a focus on the laryngeal functional components in order to evaluate the functional prognosis of laryngeal atresia repair.

Methods

Twenty‐one consecutives cases of laryngeal atresia were diagnosed at our institution between 2009 and 2016. Morphological analysis by macroscopic exam during autopsy was performed in 19 cases. Histological study of the larynx included hematoxylin and eosin staining and protein S100 immunostaining. Our analysis focused on the vocal folds, structures of the lamina propria, cricoarytenoid joints, muscles, and innervation. For each case, associated malformations were classified into two groups: severe and moderate.

Results

Antenatal diagnosis was suspected because of congenital high airway obstruction syndrome in nine cases (37%).

Associated malformations were present in 19 cases (90%), including severe malformations in 12 cases (57%). Atresia involved the cricoid in all cases, with a residual lumen in only one case and the glottis in 18 cases. Separation between the cricoid and arytenoid cartilages was observed in all cases. Fusion of the vocal process of the arytenoids in the midline was present in 13 cases.

According to the gestational age, posterior maculae flavae (MF) were present in 17 of 19 cases, with abnormal structure and median fusion in 13 cases. Anterior MF were present in nine of 18 cases, with fusion on the midline in five cases.

Intrinsic abductors and adductors muscles were identifiable in all cases, with fusion of thyroarytenoids muscles in the midline in 18 cases. Both recurrent laryngeal nerves were observed in all cases.

Conclusion

Laryngeal atresia is generally associated with other malformations, with a high risk of fatal outcomes. We observed that the functional structures of the glottic plane were present in most cases, with the exception of MF, which were frequently abnormal.

Level of Evidence

4 Laryngoscope, 130:252–256, 2020
Liver Transplant in Colombia
Authors: Salinas Nova Maria‐Angélica , Rojas Meneses Ángela , Restrepo Gutierrez Juan‐Carlos
Published: February 2019

Liver transplantation began in Colombia in 1979. It is one of the most active countries in this field in Latin America but has faced problems with the regulation and appropriate management of solid organ transplantations, including transplant tourism, which is a worldwide problem. There is a well‐structured donation and transplant network regulated by the government in all the stages of the process. In 2017, the country was ranked fourth for the number of liver transplantations (LTs) performed in Latin America, after Brazil, Argentina, and Uruguay, with a rate of 5.6 LTs per million population. Current regulatory bodies were created to coordinate and provide transparency and equality to transplant recipients. This article describes the evolution, government commissions, assignation criteria, and current status of LT in Colombia.
Effects of deregulation and performance on government accountability: Role of trust in Korea, Japan, and the United States
Authors: Hwang Kwangseon
Published: February 2019

Public administration has been struggling to address the balance between conflicting government values. Trust in the study is employed as nodal value to reconcile modern management dilemma concerning conflicting relationships between performance and accountability and between discretion and accountability. Using 2012 International Social Survey Program data, this paper analyzed the moderator and mediator role of government trust among discretion, performance, and accountability in cases of South Korea, Japan, and the United States.

This study used factor analysis and ordinary least square multiple regression analysis. The statistical results partially confirmed the hypotheses regarding the mediating and moderating role of trust: (a) the moderating effect of the trust on the relationship between performance and accountability in South Korea; (b) the moderating impact of the trust on the relationship between deregulation and accountability in Japan; and (c) when governments work well, it leads to high level of trust, in turn followed by high accountability in the United States and Japan.
Financial inclusion, banking the unbanked: Concepts, issues, and policies for India
Authors: Menon Priyanka
Published: February 2019

We use the data from World Bank Global Findex for the year 2011 , 2014 and 2017 to understand financial inclusion in India, at the same time we compare India's situation with the other BRICS nations. We fathom the fact that financial inclusion is definitely the way forward for an economy to achieve inclusive growth. Financial inclusion is just not an economic concept rather it is termed as a socio‐economic concept, as it helps people have a security for future life through access to education and health facility, a secure future and better standard of living. In India we see the barriers to inclusion are predominately caused by voluntary exclusion, and though policies will help to reach out but the ultimate goal of financial inclusion could be only achieved through improving awareness and financial literacy in India. Thus financial inclusion should be backed by financial literacy to get the best results.
Acute Blood Pressure Management in Neurocritically Ill Patients
Authors: Der‐Nigoghossian Caroline , Levasseur‐Franklin Kimberly , Makii Jason
Published: February 2019

Optimal blood pressure (BP) management is controversial in neurocritically ill patients due to conflicting concerns of worsening ischemia with decreased BP versus cerebral edema and increased intracranial pressure with elevated BP. In addition, high‐quality evidence is lacking regarding optimal BP goals in patients with most of these conditions. This review summarizes guideline recommendations and examines the literature for BP management in patients with ischemic stroke, intracerebral hemorrhage, aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage, traumatic brain injury, and spinal cord injury.
Prevalence of Myofascial Trigger Points in Poststroke Patients With Painful Shoulders: A Cross‐Sectional Study
Authors: Villafañe Jorge H. , Lopez‐Royo Maria P. , Herrero Pablo , Valdes Kristin , Cantero‐Téllez Raquel , Pedersini Paolo , Negrini Stefano
Published: February 2019

Background

In patients with stroke, hemiplegic shoulder pain can be a major problem. One source of shoulder pain can be myofascial trigger points (MTrPs).

Objective

To determine the prevalence of myofascial trigger points (MTrPs) and the correlation between MTrPs and pain and function in patients presenting with shoulder pain following a stroke.

Design

Cross‐sectional study.

Setting

Department of Physical Therapy.

Patients

Fifty patients with stroke with shoulder pain.

Intervention

Not applicable.

Main Outcome Measurements

The prevalence of the MTrPs located in infraspinatus, supraspinatus, teres minor, and upper trapezius was studied, using the diagnosis criteria recommended by Simons et al. The pressure pain threshold was also evaluated. Pain and function were assessed with the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) and the Disability of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) scale, respectively.

Results

The prevalence of latent MTrPs was 68%, 92%, 40%, and 62% for supraspinatus, infraspinatus, teres minor, and upper trapezius muscle, respectively. The prevalence of active MTrPs was 34%, 50%, 12%, and 20% for supraspinatus, infraspinatus, teres minor, and upper trapezius muscle, respectively. Pain was moderately correlated with the prevalence of latent MTrPs (r = 0.35; P = .01) and active MTrPs (r = 0.31; P = .03) in the supraspinatus muscle. Disability was measured with the DASH scale and was moderately correlated with latent MTrPs in the infraspinatus (r = 0.31; P = .03) and active MTrPs of the supraspinatus (r = 0.32; P = .02).

Conclusions

This study shows that the prevalence of MTrPs is high in patents following a stroke. MTrPs in this population are moderately associated with pain and function.

Level of Evidence

II.
Strength and Motion in the Shoulder, Elbow, and Hip in Softball Windmill Pitchers
Authors: West Amy M. , Scarborough Donna Moxley , McInnis Kelly C. , Oh Luke S.
Published: February 2019

Background

Softball pitching is a ballistic, complex movement that requires an underhand windmill motion to create force and ball velocity. In addition to proper pitch biomechanics, upper and lower extremity strength and joint motion likely contribute to ball location accuracy and velocity. Yet, the number of studies reporting muscle strength and joint range of motion among softball pitchers is scarce.

Objective

To assess differences between throwing and nonthrowing shoulder, elbow, and hip (lead and trail leg) strength and range of motion (ROM) in high school and collegiate level softball windmill pitchers.

Design

Cross‐sectional study.

Participants

Thirty‐three female softball pitchers (24 high school, 9 collegiate) were recruited from local teams.

Methods

Goniometric joint ROM and handheld dynamometer strength measurements of the bilateral shoulders, elbows, and hips were measured.

Main Outcome Measurements

Goniometric joint ROM of the bilateral elbows (flexion, extension), shoulders, and hips (flexion, extension, internal rotation [IR], external rotation [ER]). Handheld dynamometer strength measurements of the bilateral shoulders (flexion, extension, abduction, IR, ER), elbows (flexion, extension), and hips (flexion, extension, IR, ER, abduction).

Results

Across all pitchers, there was greater shoulder flexion ROM in the nonthrowing limb than in the throwing limb (P = .004). There was greater hip extension in the lead leg than trail leg. Among high school pitchers, there was greater shoulder ER (x = 105.792 ± 7.11) than collegiate pitchers (x = 100.1 ± 6.92), P = .05. There was no difference in total arc of shoulder rotational motion (ER+ IR) between throwing and nonthrowing limbs across all pitchers, nor between high school and collegiate pitchers. Strength measures demonstrated greater throwing limb shoulder abduction (P = .006) and IR strength (P = .001) than the nonthrowing shoulder across all pitchers. Elbow flexion strength was significantly greater than the nonthrowing side (P = .001). No difference was noted in hip strength between lead and trail lower extremities.

Conclusions

Developing normative data for softball pitchers upper and lower extremity strength and range of motion may allow providers to assess players more comprehensively and identify athletes out of the expected value range. This information may help in guiding strength and conditioning programs for softball pitchers.

Level of Evidence

III
Direct Heteroarylation versus Stille Polycondensation Reaction for the Synthesis of TQ1 Conjugated Polymer
Authors: Akkuratov Alexander V. , Prudnov Fedor A. , Chernyak Alexander V. , Kuznetsov Petr M. , Peregudov Alexander S. , Troshin Pavel A.
Published: February 2019

We report a facile synthesis of the well‐known and highly promising conjugated polymer TQ1 using eco‐friendly direct heteroarylation reaction. Optimization of the reaction conditions yielded the target polymer with good optoelectronic and charge‐transport characteristics. The TQ1 polymer obtained in the direct heteroarylation reaction delivered power conversion efficiency of ∼5% in organic bulk heterojunction solar cells, which matches well the characteristics of the reference devices assembled using TQ1 batch synthesized via conventional Stille polycondensation reaction. The obtained results highlight the potential of the direct heteroarylation reaction as an efficient and environment‐friendly alternative to Stille cross‐coupling in the design of high‐quality semiconductor materials for organic electronics. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2019, 57, 776–782
Systematic coarse‐graining of semicrystalline polyethylene
Authors: Li Yiyang , Agrawal Vipin , Oswald Jay
Published: February 2019

In an effort to accelerate simulations exploring deformation mechanisms in semicrystalline polymers, we have created structure‐based coarse‐grained (CG) models of polyethylene and evaluated the extent to which they can simultaneously represent its amorphous and crystalline phases. Two CG models were calibrated from target data sampled from atomistic simulations of supercooled oligomer melts that differ in how accurately they represent the distribution of bond lengths between CG sites. Both models yield semicrystalline morphology when simulations are performed at ambient conditions, and both accurately predict the glass transition and melt temperatures. A thorough evaluation of the models was then conducted to assess how well they represent various properties of the amorphous and crystalline phases. We found that the model that more faithfully reproduces the target bond length distribution poorly represents the crystalline phase, which results from its inability to reproduce correlations in the structural distributions. The second model, which utilizes a harmonic bond potential and thus reproduces the target bond length distribution less accurately, represents the structure and chain mobility within the crystalline phase more realistically. Furthermore, the latter model more faithfully reproduces the vastly different relaxation timescales of the phases, a critical feature for modeling deformation mechanisms in semicrystalline polymers. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part B: Polym. Phys.2019,57, 331–342
Unexpected Molecular Weight Dependence to the Physical Aging of Thin Polystyrene Films Present at Ultra‐High Molecular Weights
Authors: Thees Michael F. , Roth Connie B.
Published: February 2019

The physical aging behavior, time‐dependent densification, of thin polystyrene (PS) films supported on silicon are investigated using ellipsometry for a large range of molecular weights (MWs) from Mw = 97 to 10,100 kg mol−1. We report an unexpected MW dependence to the physical aging rate of h < 80‐nm thick films not present in bulk films, where samples made from ultra‐high MWs ≥ 6500 kg mol−1 exhibit on average a 45% faster aging response at an aging temperature of 40 °C compared with equivalent films made from (merely) high MWs ≤ 3500 kg mol−1. This MW‐dependent difference in physical aging response indicates that the breadth of the gradient in dynamics originating from the free surface in these thin films is diminished for films of ultra‐high MW PS. In contrast, measures of the film‐average glass transition temperature T
g(h) and effective average film density (molecular packing) show no corresponding change for the same range of film thicknesses, suggesting physical aging may be more sensitive to differences in dynamical gradients. These results contribute to growing literature reports signaling that chain connectivity and entropy play a subtle, but important role in how glassy dynamics are propagated from interfaces. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part B: Polym. Phys. 2019, 57, 1224–1238
Molecular features and expression profiles of octopamine receptors in the brown planthopper, Nilaparvata lugens
Authors: Wu Shun‐Fan , Jv Xiao‐Min , Huang Jing‐Mei , Gao Cong‐Fen
Published: February 2019

BACKGROUND

Octopamine, the invertebrate counterpart of adrenaline and noradrenaline, regulates and modulates many physiological and behavioral processes in insects. It mediates its effects by binding to specific octopamine receptors, which belong to the superfamily of G‐protein coupled receptors (GPCRs). The expression profiles of octopamine receptor genes have been well documented in different developmental stages and multiple tissue types in several different insect orders. However, little work has addressed this issue in Hemiptera.

RESULTS

In this study, we cloned four octopamine receptor genes from brown planthopper. The deduced amino acid sequences share high identity with other insect homologues and have the characteristic GPCRs domain architecture: seven transmembrane domains. These genes were expressed in all developmental stages and examined tissues. The expression of NlOA2B3 and NlOA3 was relatively higher in egg and first instar nymph stage than in other stages and other receptor genes. All of these receptor genes were more highly expressed in brain than other tissues.

CONCLUSION

The identification of octopamine receptor genes in this study will provide a foundation for investigating the diverse roles played by NlOARs and for exploring specific target sites for chemicals that control agricultural pests. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
Robust identification of MISO neuro‐fractional‐order Hammerstein systems
Authors: Rahmani Mohammad‐Reza , Farrokhi Mohammad
Published: February 2019

This paper introduces a multiple‐input–single‐output (MISO) neuro‐fractional‐order Hammerstein (NFH) model with a Lyapunov‐based identification method, which is robust in the presence of outliers. The proposed model is composed of a multiple‐input–multiple‐output radial basis function neural network in series with a MISO linear fractional‐order system. The state‐space matrices of the NFH are identified in the time domain via the Lyapunov stability theory using input‐output data acquired from the system. In this regard, the need for the system state variables is eliminated by introducing the auxiliary input‐output filtered signals into the identification laws. Moreover, since practical measurement data may contain outliers, which degrade performance of the identification methods (eg, least‐square–based methods), a Gaussian Lyapunov function is proposed, which is rather insensitive to outliers compared with commonly used quadratic Lyapunov function. In addition, stability and convergence analysis of the presented method is provided. Comparative example verifies superior performance of the proposed method as compared with the algorithm based on the quadratic Lyapunov function and a recently developed input‐output regression‐based robust identification algorithm.
Robust model predictive control for polytopic uncertain systems with state saturation nonlinearities under Round‐Robin protocol
Authors: Wang Jianhua , Song Yan , Wei Guoliang , Dong Yuying
Published: February 2019

This paper is concerned with the robust model predictive control (RMPC) problem for polytopic uncertain systems with state saturation nonlinearities under the Round‐Robin (RR) protocol. With respect to the practical application, one of the most commonly encountered obstacles that stem from the physical limitation of system components, ie, state saturation, is adequately taken into consideration. In order to reduce the network transmission burden and improve the utilization of the network from the controller nodes to the actuator node, a so‐called RR protocol is employed to orchestrate the data transmission order. At each transmission instant, only one controller node that obtains the priority is accessible to the shared communication network. Our aim of the underlying problem is to design a set of controllers in the framework of RMPC such that the closed‐loop system is asymptotically stable. By taking the influence of the RR protocol and the state saturation precisely into account, some sufficient criteria are established in terms of the token‐dependent Lyapunov‐like approach. Then, an online optimization problem subjected to some matrix inequality constraints is provided, and the desired controllers can be obtained by solving the certain upper bound of the objective addressed. Finally, a distillation process example is provided to illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed RMPC approach.
What happens at home does not stay at home: The role of family and romantic partner conflict in destructive leadership
Authors: Dionisi Angela M. , Barling Julian
Published: February 2019

Why leaders behave the way they do is of considerable importance. Our goal in this research was to understand how family‐to‐work conflict and romantic relationship conflict influence two different forms of destructive leadership, namely, abusive supervision and passive leadership. To do so, we invoke the conservation of resources theory. One hundred twenty‐three leader–follower dyads participated. Leaders completed questionnaires on their own family‐to‐work conflict and romantic relationship conflict, depressive symptoms, and cognitive distraction. Their followers rated their abusive supervision and passive leadership. With the use of Hayes's PROCESS program, depressive symptoms mediated the effects of family‐to‐work conflict and romantic relationship conflict on abusive supervision, whereas cognitive distraction mediated the effects of family‐to‐work conflict on passive leadership. Implications and several directions for further research are offered.
DNA‐Mediated Self‐Assembly of Plasmonic Antennas with a Single Quantum Dot in the Hot Spot
Authors: Nicoli Francesca , Zhang Tao , Hübner Kristina , Jin Boyuan , Selbach Florian , Acuna Guillermo , Argyropoulos Christos , Liedl Tim , Pilo‐Pais Mauricio
Published: February 2019

DNA self‐assembly is a powerful tool to arrange optically active components with high accuracy in a large parallel manner. A facile approach to assemble plasmonic antennas consisting of two metallic nanoparticles (40 nm) with a single colloidal quantum dot positioned at the hot spot is presented here. The design approach is based on DNA complementarity, stoichiometry, and steric hindrance principles. Since no intermediate molecules other than short DNA strands are required, the structures possess a very small gap (≈ 5 nm) which is desired to achieve high Purcell factors and plasmonic enhancement. As a proof‐of‐concept, the fluorescence emission from antennas assembled with both conventional and ultrasmooth spherical gold particles is measured. An increase in fluorescence is obtained, up to ≈30‐fold, compared to quantum dots without antenna.
Nitrogen Reduction to Ammonia on Atomic‐Scale Active Sites under Mild Conditions
Authors: Yan Xiao , Liu Daolan , Cao Huanhuan , Hou Feng , Liang Ji , Dou Shi Xue
Published: February 2019

Ammonia is one of the most important chemicals and energy carriers. Currently, ammonia is industrially produced through the Haber–Bosch process under harsh conditions of high pressure and high temperature, which are energy consuming and environmentally unfriendly. Recently, nitrogen reduction to ammonia under ambient conditions has attracted intensive research interest, in which highly efficient catalysts are of great importance. In this review, recent theoretical and experimental progresses on novel heterogeneous catalysts with low atomicity for the nitrogen reduction reaction (NRR) under ambient conditions are highlighted. Reaction mechanisms for the NRR are first introduced. Then, advances in the synthesis and characterization of catalysts with single atom features are summarized, with a particular focus on the rational design of atomic catalysts for the NRR. Lastly, the critical challenges, possible solutions, and future perspectives in the research on NRR catalysis are presented. This review systematically presents the readers with the latest advances in this field, and more importantly, sheds light on the future development of NRR catalysis with the single atomic feature.
3D Manipulation and Imaging of Plant Cells using Acoustically Activated Microbubbles
Authors: Läubli Nino F. , Shamsudhin Naveen , Vogler Hannes , Munglani Gautam , Grossniklaus Ueli , Ahmed Daniel , Nelson Bradley J.
Published: February 2019

The precise manipulation of single cells and organisms opens exciting new possibilities for biological research. In this work, an acoustic rotational manipulation method for imaging single cells of different plant species (pollen grains of Lilium longiflorum and Arabidopsis thaliana) is demonstrated. Acoustically activated microbubbles generate radiation forces as well as microvortices in the aqueous medium, which allow various specimens to be trapped and precisely rotated. The rotational behavior of individual plant cells is studied and their motion to facilitate 3D fluorescent microscopy is controlled. The use of this manipulation technique for high‐resolution 3D optical reconstructions of nontransparent samples is demonstrated. The applicability of this method for open‐microchannel arrangement, which may enable multiplexed 3D access to samples for microsurgery and injection, is further demonstrated.
Light‐Activated Rapid Disinfection by Accelerated Charge Transfer in Red Phosphorus/ZnO Heterointerface
Authors: Li Jun , Liu Xiangmei , Tan Lei , Liang Yanqin , Cui Zhenduo , Yang Xianjin , Zhu Shengli , Li Zhaoyang , Zheng Yufeng , Yeung Kelvin Wai Kwok , Wang Xianbao , Wu Shuilin
Published: February 2019

A red phosphorus (RP)/ZnO heterojunction thin film is developed to harvest solar or light emitting diode (LED) light for rapid, effective, ecofriendly, lower‐cost, and safe disinfection, which is convenient for universal and large‐scale deposition. The most stable geometrical structure of the RP/ZnO heterojunction, i.e., an RP (001) plane and a ZnO (002) plane, exhibits charge redistribution largely at the interface region. Therefore, the effective interfacial charge transfer and the improved separation efficiency of photogenerated electron–hole pairs can strongly boost reactive oxygen species (ROS)‐generation reactions to enhance photocatalytic bacterial inactivation. The excellent light‐activated point‐of use disinfection can be achieved even through LED light of phone. Additionally, the RP/ZnO heterojunction also possesses excellent solar light‐to‐heat conversion efficiency, leading to further lethality to bacteria through hyperthermia. Antibacterial efficacy of 99.96 ± 0.03% against Staphylococcus aureus at 5 min and 99.97 ± 0.02% against Escherichia coli at 4 min can be attributed to the synergetic antibacterial activity of solar photocatalysis and photothermal effect (more than 50 °C in 2 min). This platform provides a surface strategy for designing synergetic photocatalytic and photothermal materials to fully harvest solar energy for not only water disinfection but also antibacterial surfaces in medical facilities, touch screen devices, or seawater desalination.