bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dual-tasking effects on static and dynamic postural balance performance: a comparison between endurance and team sport athletes
Authors: Sarto Fabio , Cona Giorgia , Chiossi Francesco , Paoli Antonio , Bisiacchi Patrizia , Patron Elisabetta , Marcolin Giuseppe
Published: September 2020

In sports, postural balance control has been demonstrated to be one of the limiting factors of performance and a necessary component to achieve any sport technique. Team players (TP) must process and react to multiple external stimuli while executing at the same time the skills of the game. By contrast, endurance athletes (END) must perform the same gesture repetitively without a concurrent coordination of continuous stimuli-related actions. However, END are used to facilitate their physical performance by adopting cognitive strategies while performing their sport gesture. Therefore, we aimed to investigate static and dynamic balance performance in these two types of athletes, both in single and dual-task conditions. Nineteen END and sixteen TP underwent a static and a dynamic balance assessment on a dynamometric platform and an instrumented oscillating board, respectively. Among TP static but not dynamic postural balance performance was negatively affected by dual-tasking considering the area of the confidence ellipse (p < 0.001; d = 0.52) and the sway path mean speed (p < 0.001; d = 0.93). Conversely, END unaltered static balance performance but showed an overall improvement in the dynamic one when dual-tasking occurred. The limited human processing capacity accounted the worsening of the cognitive performance in both TP (p < 0.05; d = 0.22) and END (p < 0.001; d = 0.37). Although TP are more used coping dual tasking, the better performance of END could be accounted for by the employment of the external attentive focus (i.e. counting backward aloud) that called into play a strategy close to those adopted during training and competitions. These surprising results should be considered when driving and developing new trainings for team players in dual-tasking conditions.
Ultraviolet-reflective film applied to windows reduces the likelihood of collisions for two species of songbird
Authors: Swaddle John P. , Emerson Lauren C. , Thady Robin G. , Boycott Timothy J.
Published: September 2020

Perhaps a billion birds die annually from colliding with residential and commercial windows. Therefore, there is a societal need to develop technologies that reduce window collisions by birds. Many current window films that are applied to the external surface of windows have human-visible patterns that are not esthetically preferable. BirdShades have developed a short wavelength (ultraviolet) reflective film that appears as a slight tint to the human eye but should be highly visible to many bird species that see in this spectral range. We performed flight tunnel tests of whether the BirdShades external window film reduced the likelihood that two species of song bird (zebra finch, Taeniopygia guttata and brown-headed cowbird, Molothrus ater) collide with windows during daylight. We paid particular attention to simulate the lighting conditions that birds will experience while flying during the day. Our results indicate a 75–90% reduction in the likelihood of collision with BirdShades-treated compared with control windows, in forced choice trials. In more ecologically relevant comparison between trials where all windows were either treated or control windows, the estimated reduction in probability of collision was 30–50%. Further, both bird species slow their flight by approximately 25% when approaching windows treated with the BirdShades film, thereby reducing the force of collisions if they were to happen. Therefore, we conclude that the BirdShades external window film will be effective in reducing the risk of and damage caused to populations and property by birds’ collision with windows. As this ultraviolet-reflective film has no human-visible patterning to it, the product might be an esthetically more acceptable low cost solution to reducing bird-window collisions. Further, we call for testing of other mitigation technologies in lighting and ecological conditions that are more similar to what birds experience in real human-built environments and make suggestions for testing standards to assess collision-reducing technologies.
Nitrogen form plays an important role in the growth of moso bamboo (Phyllostachys edulis) seedlings
Authors: Zou Na , Huang Ling , Chen Huijing , Huang Xiaofeng , Song Qingni , Yang Qingpei , Wang Tianchi
Published: September 2020

Background

This study aimed to gain an understanding of the growth response of Phyllostachys edulis (moso bamboo) seedlings to nitrogen (N) and potassium (K) to benefit nutrient management practices and the design of proper fertilizer in nursery cultivation.

Methods

An orthogonal array L8(4×24) was used to study the effects of N forms (NH4+, NO3−), N concentrations (8, 32 mmol/L), and K+concentrations (0, 0.5, 1.5, 3 mmol/L) on seedling height, leaf number, chlorophyll content (SPAD value), biomass, root systems, and N content of P. edulis seedlings. Plants were grown in vermiculite under controlled greenhouse conditions.

Results

Our study showed that N form played a significant role in the overall performance of P. edulis seedlings, followed by the effect of N and K+ concentrations. Among the N forms, NH4+ significantly improved the growth of P. edulis seedlings compared with NO3−. Seedling height, leaf number, chlorophyll SPAD value, biomass, and root system architecture (root length, root surface area, root volume, and root tips) were greater with 8 mmol/L of NH4+ treatments than with 32 mmol/L of NH4+treatments, whereas root diameter and N content of P. edulis seedlings were higher with 32 mmol/L of NH4+ than with 8 mmol/L of NH4+. K displayed inconsistent effects on the growth of P. edulis seedlings. Specifically, seedling height, leaf number, biomass and root volume increased when the K+ concentration was increased from 0 to 0.5 mmol/L, followed by a decrease when the K+ concentration was further increased from 0.5 to 3 mmol/L. Root average diameter of the seedlings was the highest with a K+ concentration of 1.5 mmol/L, and K had some inhibitory effects on the chlorophyll SPAD value of the seedlings. P. edulis seedlings performed well with 8 mmol/L NH4+and further tolerated a higher concentration of both NH4+ and NO3−, although excessive N could inhibit seedling growth. A lower concertation of K (≤ 0.5 mmol/L) promoted seedling growth and increasing K+ concentration in the nutrient solution did not alleviate the inhibitory effect of high N on the growth of P. edulis seedlings. Therefore, NH4+nitrogen as the main form of N fertilizer, together with a low concertation of K+, should be supplied in the cultivation and nutrient management practices of moso bamboo.
Effect of concurrent training on trainability performance factors in youth elite golf players
Authors: Redondo Juan Carlos , de Benito Ana María , Izquierdo José María
Published: September 2020

Background

Due to the early specialization of golf players, examining the within session sequence of training should be considered to enhance performance and prevent injury risk. The present study analyzed the effects of an 18-week concurrent training developed before or after a specific golf session in adolescence elite golfers on several performance factors.

Methods

Sixteen right-handed male golfers, were randomly divided into two groups: after golf specific training (AG) (n = 8, age: 16.77 ± 0.58 years) and before golf specific training (BG) (n = 8, age: 16.93 ± 0.59 years). AG and BG players followed a concurrent physical conditioning program (CT) after or before the golf specific training, respectively. Body mass, body fat, muscle mass, jumping ability (CMJ), ball speed (Sball), golf movements screens (GMS), power in a golf swing-specific cable woodchop (Wmax) and the perceived training load (TL) in golf specific training (TL-G) and TL in CT (TL-CT) were measured on three separate occasions.

Results

BG demonstrates a lower TL-CT than AG (p < .001, ${\eta }_{p}^{2}=0.90$) along the training program without effects on TL-G, achieving significant percentage of change on CMJ (9.38%; p = .165; d = 0.73), GMS (50.52%; p = .41, d = 0.91), Wmax (16.93%; p = .001; d = 2.02) and Sball (1.82%; p = .018; d = 0.92) without interaction effects on anthropometric measures.

Conclusions

Performing CT sessions before the regular golf training can improve specific performance factors with a lower perceived TL than the same training carried out after the regular golf training.
Enrichment in conservative amino acid changes among fixed and standing missense variations in slowly evolving proteins
Authors: Wang Mingrui , Wang Dapeng , Yu Jun , Huang Shi
Published: September 2020

The process of molecular evolution has many elements that are not yet fully understood. Evolutionary rates are known to vary among protein coding and noncoding DNAs, and most of the observed changes in amino acid or nucleotide sequences are assumed to be non-adaptive by the neutral theory of molecular evolution. However, it remains unclear whether fixed and standing missense changes in slowly evolving proteins are more or less neutral compared to those in fast evolving genes. Here, based on the evolutionary rates as inferred from identity scores between orthologs in human and Rhesus Macaques (Macaca mulatta), we found that the fraction of conservative substitutions between species was significantly higher in their slowly evolving proteins. Similar results were obtained by using four different methods of scoring conservative substitutions, including three that remove the impact of substitution probability, where conservative changes require fewer mutations. We also examined the single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) by using the 1000 Genomes Project data and found that missense SNPs in slowly evolving proteins also had a higher fraction of conservative changes, especially for common SNPs, consistent with more non-conservative substitutions and hence stronger natural selection for SNPs, particularly rare ones, in fast evolving proteins. These results suggest that fixed and standing missense variants in slowly evolving proteins are more likely to be neutral.
The Competency-based Approach in Public Universities in Anglophone Cameroon: Implications for the Tuning Africa Project
Authors: Ngwa Emmanuel Shu , Lawyer Brenda Nachuah
Published: September 2020

The study assessed the Competency-based Approach (CbA) in public universities in Anglophone Cameroon, notably the Universities of Bamenda and Buea (UBa and UB); within the framework of the Bachelor, Masters and Ph.D. (BMP/LMD) system and its implications for the Tuning Africa project. Inspired by Vygotsky’s social constructivism, Dewey’s progressivism and Fullan’s change theories, the study; was guided by three objectives, answered three research questions and tested three hypotheses. The evaluative and descriptive survey designs were applied, and with a structured questionnaire known as the Competency-Based Education Questionnaire (CBEQ), data was collected from 200 persons (staff and students) sampled using the purposive sampling technique. Applying descriptive (frequencies, mean scores and standard deviation) and inferential (Independent T-test) statistics to analyzed data, the results revealed the following: Curriculum planning/design processes in public universities under study were not reflective of CbA (UBa X̅ = 2.9010 & UB X̅ = 2.7595*) and the mean score responses of academic staff and students (3.148 & 2.703 respectively) relating to the adoption of CbA in the curriculum planning/design processes were significantly different (p<0.05) at the 0.05 significance level. Secondly, the two institutions relatively embraced CbA in their teaching-learning processes and the mean score responses from both institutions (UBa = 3.3681* & UB = 3.2354) relating to the teaching-learning processes within the framework of CbA were not significantly different (p>0.05) at the 0.05 significance level. Thirdly, students’ assessment in both institutions significantly reflected CbA (UBa = 3.9028* & UB = 3.5979) and the process in UBa appeared better than that of UB. However, the mean score responses from both universities within the framework of CbA were not significantly different (p>0.05) at the 0.05 significance level. The implication of the results for the Tuning Africa project rested on the necessity to explore possibilities of partnership between the Tuning Africa project and any of these institutions, so as to share ideas and experiences on implementing the CbA in difficult areas of HE practices, and make improvements in areas where successes are already being registered.
Measurement of Neck-Shaft Angle Using CT Scout View in Healthy Jordanian Adults - A Reliability and Agreement Study
Authors: Altubasi Ibrahim , Hamzeh Hayat , Madi Mohammad
Published: September 2020

Aims: To report estimates of the reliability and agreement of a new method for measuring the femoral Neck-shaft angle in the Jordanian population. The neck-shaft angle is an important anatomical indicator in orthopedics of the hip. While there are different approaches to measuring the neck-shaft angle in the literature, there is no agreement on the best technique used for measurement. CT scout view was used in this study to provide a promising alternative.

Study Design: Observational reliability and agreement study.

Places and Duration of the Study: Department of physiotherapy, school of rehabilitation science, University of Jordan and University of Jordan Hospital between March 2014 and October 2015.

Methodology: Two independent raters calculated the neck-shaft angle on each hip of 50 pelvic CT scout images of healthy adults to determine inter-rater reliability. One rater performed the measurement twice to determine the intra-rater reliability. Intra-class correlation coefficients were used to examine relative reliability. The standard error of measurement (SEM) and 95% minimal detectable change (MDC) were calculated to examine absolute reliability. 

Results: The mean value of all angle measurements was 131.3. Intra-class correlation coefficients were 0.726 and 0.63 for inter and intra-rater measurements respectively. SEM and MDC for inter-rater measurements were 2.69 and 7.46 respectively. For intra-rater measurements, they were 2.84 and 7.86 respectively.

Conclusion: The new method proposed in this study for measuring the neck-shaft angle showed good reliability and small measurement error.
Nimesulide Inhibits MAPK/COX-2 Pathway, and Prevents Oxidative Stress, Inflammation, and Apoptosis in Testes of Cisplatin-Challenged Rats
Authors: Fouad Amr A. , Khalaf Hanaa M. , Akl Usama I. , Abdelghany Manal I.
Published: September 2020

The potential testicular protective effect of nimesulide (NSE) was studied in cisplatin (CSP)-challenged rats. NSE therapy (10 mg/kg/day, p.o.) was applied for 15 days, and a single dose of CSP (7 mg/kg, i.p.) was administered on the 10th day. CSP significantly decreased the levels of serum testosterone, testicular reduced glutathione, and superoxide dismutase. CSP also significantly increased testicular malondialdehyde, nitric oxide, tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin-1β, cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), prostaglandin E2, nuclear factor-κB p65, Bax, and caspase-3. NSE significantly ameliorated all the biochemical changes observed in CSP-challenged rats. Moreover, NSE significantly reduced the histopathological injury, and the expressions of phosphorylated c-Jun N-terminal kinase (p-JNK) and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) in testes of rats received CSP. It was concluded that NSE significantly blocked the CSP-induced acute testicular injury in rats through inhibition of MAPK/COX-2 signaling pathway, and by combating oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis.
Limiting the Risk of Osteoarthritis After Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injury: Are Health Care Providers Missing the Opportunity to Intervene?
Authors: Davis Aileen M. , Chahal Jas , Wong Rosalind , Steinhart Krista , Dwyer Tim , Li Linda , Marks Paul , Cruz Laura , Urquhart Nathan , Wilson Janie Astephen , Cudmore David , Nimmon Laura , Ogilvie‐Harris Darrell
Published: September 2020

Objective

To understand what sports orthopedic surgeons (OS), primary care physicians (PCPs) with sports medicine training, and physical therapists (PTs) managing nonelite athletes with anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury tell their patients about their osteoarthritis (OA) risk.

Methods

An electronic survey was distributed by the Canadian Academy of Sport and Exercise Medicine (PCPs, OS), the Sports and Orthopedic Divisions of the Canadian Physiotherapy Association (PTs), and to OS identified through the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons and the Canadian Orthopaedic Association. The survey included 4 sections: demographics, factors discussed, timing of discussions, and discussion of risk factors and their management. Proportions or means with 95% confidence intervals were calculated.

Results

A total of 501 health care professionals (HCPs) responded (98 PCPs, 263 PTs, and 140 OS). Of those responding, 70–77% of physicians reported always discussing OA risk, but only 35% of PTs did. All HCPs reported that patient activities perceived as detrimental to knee health, ACL reinjury, and simultaneous injury to other structures in the knee were most often the reason for discussing OA risk. OA risk was discussed at initial management post‐injury (65–94%), with few discussing risk subsequently. Eighty percent of physicians and 99% of PTs indicated that PTs were suited to provide OA risk and management information.

Conclusion

HCPs routinely managing people with ACL injury do not consistently discuss OA risk post‐injury with them. Educational strategies for HCPs are urgently needed to develop care pathways inclusive of support for OA risk management following ACL injury.
Trends in Office Visits During Which Opioids Were Prescribed for Adults With Arthritis in the US, 2006–2015
Authors: Santo Loredana , Schappert Susan M. , Hootman Jennifer M. , Helmick Charles G.
Published: September 2020

Objective

To analyze trends for visits to office‐based physicians at which opioids were prescribed among adults with arthritis in the US, from 2006 to 2015.

Methods

We analyzed nationally representative data on patient visits to office‐based physicians from 2006 to 2015 from the National Ambulatory Medical Care Survey (NAMCS). Visit percentages for first‐ and any‐listed diagnosis of arthritis by age groups and sex were reported. Time points were grouped into 2‐year intervals to increase the reliability of estimates. Annual percentage point change and 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) were reported from linear regression models.

Results

From 2006 to 2015, the percentage of visits to office‐based physicians by adults with a first‐listed diagnosis of arthritis increased from 4.1% (95% CI 3.5%, 4.7%) in 2006–2007 to 5.1% (95% CI 3.9%, 6.6%) in 2014–2015 (P = 0.033). Among these visits, the percentage of visits with opioids prescribed increased from 16.5% (95% CI 13.1%, 20.5%) in 2006–2007 to 25.6% (95% CI 17.9%, 34.6%) in 2014–2015 (P = 0.017). The percentage of visits with any‐listed diagnosis of arthritis increased from 6.6% (95% CI 5.9%, 7.4%) in 2006–2007 to 8.4% (95% CI 7.0%, 10.0%) in 2014–2015 (P = 0.001). Among these visits, the percentage of visits with opioids prescribed increased from 17.4% (95% CI 14.6%, 20.4%) in 2006–2007 to 25.0% (95% CI 19.7%, 30.8%) in 2014–2015 (P = 0.004).

Conclusion

From 2006 to 2015, the percentage of visits to office‐based physicians by adults with arthritis increased and the percentage of opioids prescribed at these visits also increased. NAMCS data will allow continued monitoring of these trends after the implementation of the 2016 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Guideline for prescribing opioids for chronic pain.
Impact of Psychiatric Diagnosis and Treatment on Medication Adherence in Youth With Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
Authors: Chang Joyce C. , Davis Alaina M. , Klein‐Gitelman Marisa S. , Cidav Zuleyha , Mandell David S. , Knight Andrea M.
Published: September 2020

Objective

Youth with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) experience high rates of psychiatric comorbidities, which may affect medication adherence. We undertook this study to examine the association between psychiatric disorders and hydroxychloroquine adherence and to determine whether psychiatric treatment modifies this association.

Methods

We identified incident hydroxychloroquine users among youth with SLE (ages 10–24 years) using de‐identified US commercial insurance claims in Optum Clinformatics Data Mart (2000–2016). Adherence was estimated using medication possession ratios (MPRs) over a 365‐day time period. Multivariable linear regression models were used to estimate the effect of having any psychiatric disorder on MPRs, as well as the independent effects of depression, anxiety, adjustment, and other psychiatric disorders. We tested for interactions between psychiatric diagnoses and treatment with psychotropic medications or psychotherapy.

Results

Among 873 subjects, 20% had a psychiatric diagnosis, most commonly depression. Only adjustment disorders were independently associated with decreased MPRs (β –0.12, P = 0.05). We observed significant crossover interactions, in which psychiatric disorders had opposite effects on adherence depending on the receipt of psychiatric treatment. Among youth with any psychiatric diagnosis, psychotropic medication use was associated with a 0.15 increase in the MPR compared with no psychotropic medication use (P = 0.02 for interaction). Among youth with depression or anxiety, psychotherapy was also associated with a higher MPR compared with no psychotherapy (P = 0.05 and P < 0.01 for interaction, respectively).

Conclusion

The impact of psychiatric disorders on medication adherence differed by whether youth had received psychiatric treatment. Improving recognition and treatment of psychiatric conditions may increase medication adherence in youth with SLE.
Effect of the Content and Morphology of β‐Compounds and Precipitation on the Corrosion Behavior of Biodegradable Magnesium Alloys
Authors: Gui Zhenzhen , Kang Zhixin , Zhou Yan , Zhang Jianhui
Published: September 2020

Microstructure analyses, immersion tests, and electrochemical measurements are performed to investigate the corrosion behavior of Mg–1.59Nd–2.91–Zn–0.05Zr–0.35Mn (NZKM) alloy under three different conditions (as‐cast, heat‐treated, and as‐extruded) in Hanks’ solution. The results indicate that the corrosion rates of the three types of NZKM alloys are all lower than 0.5 mm year−1. The primary driving force of the NZKM alloys’ corrosion is the microgalvanic coupling between α‐Mg and β‐compounds/precipitates in Hanks’ solution during the corrosion process. The lowest corrosion rates can be attributed to a low content of β‐compounds and less precipitation, a necklace‐type appearance, and discontinuous distribution of the β‐compounds in the heat‐treated NZKM alloy. The clustered precipitation that occurs within the as‐extruded NZKM exacerbates the corrosion process due to the formation of clustered microgalvanic couple groups. These results indicate that the content of β‐compounds and precipitation of the NZKM alloys, as well as their appearances and distributions, should be controlled to allow for further application as biodegradable materials.
Establishment of Facile Nanomedicine Construction Methodology to Comprehensively Overcome Hurdles across Tumor‐Specific Nano‐Delivery
Authors: Yu Wuyang , Cheng Qian , Ye Jingjie , Zhang Mingkang , Zhang Cheng , Gao Fan , Ding Xinglan , Feng Jun , Zhang Xian‐Zheng
Published: September 2020

To advance clinical translation of antitumor nanomedicines, the development of a universally applicable, facile, and safe methodology for nanomedicine construction to overcome major hurdles across tumor‐specific nano‐delivery in an all‐in‐one manner would be highly desirable. This study puts forward a HAylation strategy based on positively charged nanocore (NC+) and hyaluronic acid (HA) that is naturally present in the human body. HAylation leads to prolonged blood duration and active tumor targeting. It is demonstrated that HAylation facilitates not only selective uptake of nanomedicines by tumor cells but also deep tumor infiltration via the special transcytosis pathway. This characteristic is ascribed to the site‐specific exposure of NC+ in tumor cells due to fast HA degradation exclusively in response to HAase and an acidic pH in the lysosome after tumor accumulation. HAylation enables the free construction of a NC+ nano‐core with versatile functions. Here, a NC+ core is fabricated by directly assembling a photodynamic therapy (PDT) agent and an inhibitor of the DNA base excision repair (BER) pathway. The inhibition of BER‐mediated DNA repair has proven powerful to amplify antitumor efficacy since DNA damage is one major cell‐killing mechanism for many anticancer therapeutics. HAylation holds promise for the simplification of the industrial production of nanomedicines and arms nanomedicines to thoroughly overcome fundamental nano‐delivery hurdles.
Programmable Single‐Crystalline PbI2 Microplate Arrays and Their Organic/Inorganic Heterojunctions
Authors: Zhao Jinjin , Li Haohao , Qiu Yuchen , Feng Jiangang , Yang Junchuan , He Ke , Wu Penghua , Wang Naizheng , Gao Hanfei , Jiang Lei , Wu Yuchen
Published: September 2020

Deterministic patterning of inorganic semiconducting micro‐/nanostructures has laid the foundation for the on‐chip integration of optoelectronic devices. However, it requires complicated equipment for thin‐film deposition, lithography, and etching. Solution‐processing bottom‐up integration of micro‐/nanostructures has been extensively studied in organic semiconductors and nanoparticles, but solution‐patternable inorganic single‐crystalline micro‐/nanostructures are still elusive. It is still challenging to control the crystallization of inorganic semiconductors in solution processes. Herein, an efficient strategy is developed to steer the crystallization of PbI2 hexagonal microplates in capillary bridges. Evenly distributed mass and ordered microfluid in each capillary bridge are able to attain simultaneous manipulation of position, size, and crystallographic orientation. Complex patterns, including Latin characters, Arabic numeral characters, and mathematical symbols, are realized by positioning capillary bridges. Based on these high‐quality PbI2 microcrystals, high‐performance photodetectors are demonstrated with a responsivity of 625 mA W−1, an on–off ratio of 105 and response speeds of τrise = 0.31 ms and τdecay = 0.17 ms. This technique also allows for the integration of PbI2 microstructures with organic semiconductors to manufacture heterojunction arrays with efficient charge transfer. The strategy provides a perception to fabricate inorganic single‐crystalline microarrays and heterostructures for integrated optoelectronics.
Molecular Tuning of Redox‐Copolymers for Selective Electrochemical Remediation
Authors: Kim Kwiyong , Baldaguez Medina Paola , Elbert Johannes , Kayiwa Emmanuel , Cusick Roland D. , Men Yujie , Su Xiao
Published: September 2020

Molecular design of redox‐materials provides a promising technique for tuning physicochemical properties which are critical for selective separations and environmental remediation. Here, the structural tuning of redox‐copolymers, 4‐methacryloyloxy‐2,2,6,6‐tetramethylpiperidin‐1‐oxyl (TMA) and 4‐methacryloyloxy‐2,2,6,6‐tetramethylpiperidine (TMPMA), denoted as P(TMAx‐co‐TMPMA1−x), is investigated for the selective separation of anion contaminants ranging from perfluorinated substances to halogenated aromatic compounds. The amine functional groups provide high affinity toward anionic functionalities, while the redox‐active nitroxyl radical groups promote electrochemically‐controlled capture and release. Controlling the ratio of amines to nitroxyl radicals provides a pathway for tuning the redox‐activity, hydrophobicity, and binding affinity of the copolymer, to synergistically enhance adsorption and regeneration. P(TMAx‐co‐TMPMA1−x) removes a model perfluorinated compound (perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA)) with a high uptake capacity (>1000 mg g−1) and separation factors (500 vs chloride), and demonstrates exceptional removal efficiencies in diverse per‐ and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and halogenated aromatic compounds, in various water matrices. Integration with a boron‐doped diamond electrode allows for tandem separation and destruction of pollutants within the same electrochemical cell, enabling the energy integration of the separation step with the catalytic degradation step. The study demonstrates for the first time the tuning of redox‐copolymers for selective remediation of organic anions, and integration with an advanced electrochemical oxidation process for energy‐efficient water purification.
Enhanced Photocatalysis by Synergistic Piezotronic Effect and Exciton–Plasmon Interaction Based on (Ag‐Ag2S)/BaTiO3 Heterostructures
Authors: Lei Yanqiang , Xu Shuya , Ding Mei , Li Linlin , Sun Qijun , Wang Zhong Lin
Published: September 2020

Piezotronic and plasmonic effects are effective strategies to improve photocatalytic performance. Combining these two effects in one photocatalytic heterostructure is intriguing, but has yet to be reported. Here, a hybrid ternary structure ((silver‐silver sulfide)/barium titanate (Ag‐Ag2S)/BaTiO3) is introduced, where the synergistic exciton–plasmon interaction in Ag‐Ag2S and Ag2S/BaTiO3 heterojunction tuned by piezoelectric polarization can enhance the photon absorption and charge carrier separation to promote photocatalysis efficiency. The exciton–plasmon interaction in Ag‐Ag2S can amplify the plasmon resonance to the semiconductor region and enhance the light absorption of Ag2S. The piezoelectric polarization can tune the band structure of BaTiO3 and then change the heterojunction between Ag2S/BaTiO3 from Type I (i.e., straddling energy band alignments between BaTiO3 and Ag2S) to Type II (i.e., Z‐scheme system between BaTiO3 and Ag2S with a staggered energy band alignment), which can accelerate the separation of electron‐hole pairs. Using this hybrid material, a high methyl orange (MO) degradation rate up to 90% within 30 min is obtained, which is 20% higher than that of Ag/BaTiO3. The demonstrated hybrid material based on the synergistic piezotronic effect and exciton–plasmon interaction shows great promise in pollutant treatment with high efficiency.
Ultrastable Near‐Infrared Nonlinear Organic Chromophore Nanoparticles with Intramolecular Charge Transfer for Dually Photoinduced Tumor Ablation
Authors: Zhang Yi , Shi Mengke , Yan Zhangren , Zhang Shao , Wang Mengya , Xu Han , Li Hongyu , Ying Yuchen , Qiu Shihong , Liu Jialei , Yang Hong , Chen Huabing , He Hui , Guo Zhengqing
Published: September 2020

Near‐infrared (NIR) light‐responsive nanoparticles (NPs) of organic photosensitizers (PS) hold great promise as phototherapeutic agents for precision photoinduced cancer therapy. However, highly photostable PS nanoparticles with extraordinary photoconversion capacities are urgently desired to fully realize potent phototherapy. Here, NIR nonlinear organic chromophore nanoparticles (NOC‐NPs) are shown as single‐component PS for dually cooperative phototherapy. Upon 785 nm irradiation, excited NOC‐NPs pass through intrinsic intramolecular charge transfer (ICT) channel to generate both abundant singlet oxygen and local hyperthermia, affording synergistic photodynamic therapy (PDT) and photothermal therapy (PTT) for tumor ablation. Furthermore, NOC‐NPs exhibit dramatic photostability, enhanced cellular uptake, effective cytoplasmic translocation, as well as preferable tumor accumulation, further ensuring favorable in vivo singlet oxygen generation and hyperthermia for photoinduced tumor ablation. Thus, NOC‐NPs may represent novel high‐performance PS for synergistic photoinduced cancer therapy, providing new insights into the development of potent PS for clinical translation.
Critical Layer Thickness Analysis of Vertically Stacked Hyperbolic Metamaterials for Effective Negative Refraction Generation
Authors: Cho Hanlyun , So Sunae , Badloe Trevon , Bang Sanghun , Rho Junsuk
Published: September 2020

Vertically stacked narrow metal‐dielectric multilayered structures known as vertical hyperbolic metamaterials (vertical HMMs) are proposed for broadband negative refraction. The thickness of each layer is required to be subwavelength for effective medium theory (EMT) to be applicable. Therefore, each layer should be thin, forcing the aspect ratio to become extremely high. This requirement makes the fabrication of vertical HMMs difficult. Thus, it is important to determine the limit of the layer thickness for the realization of vertical HMM. In this study, the critical layer thicknesses of vertical HMMs are investigated numerically at the wavelengths of 400, 500, 600, and 700 nm. It is concluded that the critical layer thicknesses for both vertical and horizontal HMMs depend on the permittivity along the perpendicular direction of the layers. The maximum critical layer thickness of vertical HMMs, with a value of 0.22, is produced by a structure composed of gold and silicon dioxide at the wavelength of 500 nm, while the critical layer thickness tends to be smaller if silver is employed. It is believed that this study can provide a useful database as quantitative indicators which can be exploited in designing nanostructures using EMT.
Voltage‐Controlled Deblocking of Magnetization Reversal in Thin Films by Tunable Domain Wall Interactions and Pinning Sites
Authors: Zehner Jonas , Soldatov Ivan , Schneider Sebastian , Heller René , Khojasteh Nasrin B. , Schiemenz Sandra , Fähler Sebastian , Nielsch Kornelius , Schäfer Rudolf , Leistner Karin
Published: September 2020

High energy efficiency of magnetic devices is crucial for applications such as data storage, computation, and actuation. Redox‐based (magneto‐ionic) voltage control of magnetism is a promising room‐temperature pathway to improve energy efficiency. However, for ferromagnetic metals, the magneto‐ionic effects studied so far require ultrathin films with tunable perpendicular magnetic anisotropy or nanoporous structures for appreciable effects. This paper reports a fully reversible, low voltage‐induced collapse of coercivity and remanence by redox reactions in iron oxide/iron films with uniaxial in‐plane anisotropy. In the initial iron oxide/iron films, Néel wall interactions stabilize a blocked state with high coercivity. During the voltage‐triggered reduction of the iron oxide layer, in situ Kerr microscopy reveals inverse changes of coercivity and anisotropy, and a coarsening of the magnetic microstructure. These results confirm a magneto‐ionic deblocking mechanism, which relies on changes of the Néel wall interactions, and of the microstructural domain‐wall‐pinning sites. With this approach, voltage‐controlled 180° magnetization switching with high energy‐efficiency is achieved. It opens up possibilities for developing magnetic devices programmable by ultralow power and for the reversible tuning of defect‐controlled materials in general.
Integrated crop‐livestock effects on soil carbon and nitrogen in a semiarid region
Authors: Liebig M.A. , Faust D.R. , Archer D.W. , Kronberg S.L. , Hendrickson J.R. , Tanaka D.L.
Published: September 2020

Integrated crop−livestock (ICL) system effects on soil organic carbon (SOC) and total nitrogen (TN) are highly variable due to differences in ecoregion‐specific management practices, historical land use, and inherent climatic/edaphic attributes. Few studies have evaluated ICL system effects on SOC and TN in semiarid regions, where soil attributes change slowly. This study quantified ICL system effects on SOC and TN in a long‐term experiment near Mandan, ND. Effects of three residue management treatments (Grazed, Removed, Control) on SOC and TN were determined at five depths (0−0.08, 0.08−0.15, 0.15−0.31, 0.31−0.61, and 0.61−0.91 m) in 1999 and 2014. No‐till practices were employed throughout the study following conversion of perennial grass pastures. A significance criterion of P ≤ .10 was used to assess treatment effects as the experimental design was constrained to two replications. Residue management affected SOC and TN in near‐surface depths only, with greater concentration of SOC and TN at 0−0.08 m under Grazed compared to Removed in 2014 (P = .0844 and .0576). When expressed on an equivalent mass basis, SOC stocks were greater under Grazed and Control compared to Removed. Soil organic C and TN stocks increased over time in the Control by 11.2 Mg C ha−1 and 1.2 Mg N ha−1, respectively (P = .0728 and .0868). Soil organic C stocks also increased over time under the Grazed treatment by 10 Mg C ha−1 (P = .0630). Study results highlighted the importance of residue retention and livestock grazing for increasing SOC and TN in ICL systems under semiarid conditions.
Insufficient evidence exists to use histopathologic subtype to guide treatment of idiopathic multicentric Castleman disease
Authors: Fajgenbaum David C. , Wu David , Goodman Aaron , Wong Raymond , Chadburn Amy , Nasta Sunita , Srkalovic Gordan , Mukherjee Sudipto , Leitch Heather , Jayanthan Raj , Ferrero Simone , Sato Yasuharu , Schey Steve , Dispenzieri Angela , Oksenhendler Eric , Zinzani Pier Luigi , Lechowicz Mary Jo , Hoffmann Christian , Pemmaraju Naveen , Bagg Adam , Fossa Alexander , Lim Megan S. , van Rhee Frits ,   the Castleman Disease Collaborative Network Scientific Advisory Board diagnostic criteria international working group and treatment guidelines international working group
Published: September 2020

Idiopathic multicentric Castleman disease (iMCD) is a rare immunologic disorder characterized by systemic inflammation, multicentric lymphadenopathy, and organ dysfunction. Enlarged lymph nodes demonstrate a spectrum of characteristic but variable histopathologic features historically categorized into hyaline vascular (HV) (or hypervascular [HyperV] more recently), plasmacytic, or “mixed.” Though the etiology is unknown, a pro‐inflammatory cytokine storm, often involving interleukin‐6 (IL‐6), contributes to pathogenesis. Anti‐IL‐6 therapy with siltuximab is the only FDA‐ or EMA‐approved treatment based on efficacy and safety in multiple studies. Importantly, no patients considered to have HV histopathology achieved the primary endpoint in the Phase II study. NCCN currently recommends siltuximab first‐line for iMCD, except for patients considered to have HV histopathology. We investigated whether histopathologic subtype should guide siltuximab treatment decisions. Secondary analyses of clinical trial and real‐world data revealed similar clinical benefit across histopathologic subtypes. Notably, only 18 of 79 patients in the Phase II study were consistently classified into histopathologic subtype by three independent review panels, demonstrating limited reliability to guide treatment decisions. Real‐world data further demonstrate siltuximab's effectiveness in patients considered to have HV (or HyperV). Though histopathology is a critical component for diagnosis, there is insufficient evidence to guide treatment based solely on lymph node histopathologic subtype.
Bone density and frame size in adult women: Effects of body size, habitual use, and life history
Authors: Lee Katharine M. N. , Rogers‐LaVanne Mary P. , Galbarczyk Andrzej , Jasienska Grazyna , Clancy Kathryn B. H.
Published: September 2020

Objective

Bone mineral density (BMD) and frame size are important predictors of future bone health, with smaller frame size and lower BMD associated with higher risk of later fragility fractures. We test the effects of body size, habitual use, and life history on frame size and cortical BMD of the radius and tibia in sample of healthy adult premenopausal women.

Methods

We used anthropometry and life history data from 123 women (age 18‐46) from rural Poland. Standard techniques were used to measure height, weight, and body fat. Life history factors were recorded using surveys. Grip strength was measured as a proxy for habitual activity, wrist breadth for skeletal frame size. Cortical BMD was measured at the one‐third distal point of the radius and mid‐point of the tibia using quantitative ultrasound (reported as speed of sound, SoS).

Results

Radial SoS was high (meant‐score 3.2 ± 1.6), but tibia SoS was average (meant‐score 0.35 ± 1.17). SoS was not associated with age, although wrist breadth was positively associated with age after adjusting for height. Radius SoS was not associated with measures of body size, habitual use, or life history factors. Wrist breadth was associated with body size (p < .05 for all), lean mass, and grip strength. Tibia SoS was associated with height. Life history factors were not associated with frame size or cortical SoS.

Conclusions

Habitual use and overall body size are more strongly associated with frame size and cortical SoS than life history factors in this sample of healthy adult women.
Evaluation of the auricular surface method for subadult sex estimation on Italian modern (19th to 20th century) identified skeletal collections
Authors: Marino Roberta , Tanganelli Viola , Pietrobelli Annalisa , Belcastro Maria Giovanna
Published: September 2020

Objectives

Sex estimation in subadult skeletal remains is still considered highly problematic. The aim of this research is to test the reliability of the method of subadult sex assessment proposed by Luna and co‐workers in 2017, based on the analysis of the auricular surface of the ilium.

Materials and Methods

Seven ratios and three morphological traits were recorded for 127 subadult individuals (63 males and 64 females), aged between 0 and 17 years, from several Identified Skeletal Collections of the University of Bologna. Nonparametric Mann Whitney test, Kolmogorov Smirnov test, and the Pearson correlation coefficient were used for continuous variables, whereas the Cramer Coefficient was calculated for qualitative variable. A principal component analysis was also performed on ratio values. The statistic ƞ was taken into account for both types of variables.

Results

None of the ratios presented significant dimorphic results. Two qualitative variables show statistically significant differences between sexes. The overall morphology proved to be an accurate sex predictor among children aged ≥4 years (78%–86%) and meets the minimum accuracy standard (75%) for subadult sex estimation for individuals between 1 and 17 years of age. The morphology of the retroauricular end of the superior demiface (MRS) can be used with a high level of accuracy for sexing individuals from 1 to 12 years (77%–81%).

Conclusions

The metric variables did not replicate the accuracy values originally obtained by Luna and co‐workers. Otherwise, the evaluation of the morphological variables proposed by the authors yielded promising results as a reliable sexing technique for individuals who died before puberty.
Lesion Age Imaging in Acute Stroke: Water Uptake in CT Versus DWI‐FLAIR Mismatch
Authors: Broocks Gabriel , Leischner Hannes , Hanning Uta , Flottmann Fabian , Faizy Tobias D. , Schön Gerhard , Sporns Peter , Thomalla Götz , Kamalian Shahmir , Lev Michael H. , Fiehler Jens , Kemmling Andre
Published: September 2020

Purpose

In acute ischemic stroke with unknown time of onset, magnetic resonance (MR)‐based diffusion‐weighted imaging (DWI) and fluid‐attenuated inversion recovery (FLAIR) estimates lesion age to guide intravenous thrombolysis. Computed tomography (CT)‐based quantitative net water uptake (NWU) may be a potential alternative. The purpose of this study was to directly compare CT‐based NWU to magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) at identifying patients with lesion age < 4.5 hours from symptom onset.

Methods

Fifty patients with acute anterior circulation stroke were analyzed with both imaging modalities at admission between 0.5 and 8.0 hours after known symptom onset. DWI‐FLAIR lesion mismatch was rated and NWU was measured in admission CT. An established NWU threshold (11.5%) was used to classify patients within and beyond 4.5 hours. Multiparametric MRI signal was compared with NWU using logistic regression analyses. The empirical distribution of NWU was analyzed in a consecutive cohort of patients with wake‐up stroke.

Results

The median time between CT and MRI was 35 minutes (interquartile range [IQR] = 24–50). The accuracy of DWI‐FLAIR mismatch was 68.8% (95% confidence interval [CI] = 53.7–81.3%) with a sensitivity of 58% and specificity of 82%. The accuracy of NWU threshold was 86.0% (95% CI = 73.3–94.2%) with a sensitivity of 91% and specificity of 78%. The area under the curve (AUC) of multiparametric MRI signal to classify lesion age <4.5 hours was 0.86 (95% CI = 0.64–0.97), and the AUC of quantitative NWU was 0.91 (95% CI = 0.78–0.98). Among 87 patients with wake‐up stroke, 46 patients (53%) showed low NWU (< 11.5%).

Conclusion

The predictive power of CT‐based lesion water imaging to identify patients within the time window of thrombolysis was comparable to multiparametric DWI‐FLAIR MRI. A significant proportion of patients with wake‐up stroke exhibit low NWU and may therefore be potentially suitable for thrombolysis. ANN NEUROL 2020;88:1144–1152
Thermodynamics and Phase Transition of Topological Dilatonic Lifshitz‐Like Black Holes
Authors: Hendi Seyed Hossein , Azari Fereshteh , Rahimi Ebrahim , Elahi Mina , Owjifard Zahra , Armanfard Zahra
Published: September 2020

It is known that scalar‐tensor gravity models can be studied in Einstein and Jordan frames. In this paper, a model of scalar‐tensor gravity in Einstein's frame is considered to calculate the Lifshitz‐like black hole solutions with different horizon topologies. Thermodynamic properties and first order van der Waals‐like phase transition are studied, and it is found that the Lifshitz parameter affects the phase structure. In addition, thermal stability is investigated by using the behavior of heat capacity and various methods of geometrical thermodynamics.
Recent Advances in Spatial Self‐Phase Modulation with 2D Materials and its Applications
Authors: Liao Yunlong , Song Chunmei , Xiang Yuanjiang , Dai Xiaoyu
Published: September 2020

In recent years, spatial self‐phase modulation (SSPM) with two‐dimensional (2D) materials has attracted the attention of many researchers as an emerging and ubiquitous nonlinear optical effect. In this review, the state of the art of 2D material‐based SSPM is summarized. SSPM measures or tunes the nonlinearity of 2D materials, and it is also an effective approach to study the band structure of 2D materials. Several modified forms of SSPM, such as high‐order, white‐light‐excited, vector field excited, and optically nonlinearly enhanced SSPM are also presented. Subsequently, the physical origin of the SSPM formation mechanism is compared and analyzed. Furthermore, the applications of SSPM with 2D materials, including passive photonic devices, generation of Bessel beams, and identifying the mode of the orbital angular momentum, are listed. Finally, several urgent problems of the SSPM with 2D materials, potential applications, and prospects for future development are presented.