bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Soft Robotics: Review of Fluid‐Driven Intrinsically Soft Devices; Manufacturing, Sensing, Control, and Applications in Human‐Robot Interaction
Authors: Polygerinos Panagiotis , Correll Nikolaus , Morin Stephen A. , Mosadegh Bobak , Onal Cagdas D. , Petersen Kirstin , Cianchetti Matteo , Tolley Michael T. , Shepherd Robert F.
Published: May 2017

The emerging field of soft robotics makes use of many classes of materials including metals, low glass transition temperature (Tg) plastics, and high Tg elastomers. Dependent on the specific design, all of these materials may result in extrinsically soft robots. Organic elastomers, however, have elastic moduli ranging from tens of megapascals down to kilopascals; robots composed of such materials are intrinsically soft − they are always compliant independent of their shape. This class of soft machines has been used to reduce control complexity and manufacturing cost of robots, while enabling sophisticated and novel functionalities often in direct contact with humans. This review focuses on a particular type of intrinsically soft, elastomeric robot − those powered via fluidic pressurization.
Graphene Oxide/Ag Nanoparticles Cooperated with Simvastatin as a High Sensitive X‐Ray Computed Tomography Imaging Agent for Diagnosis of Renal Dysfunctions
Authors: Li Zhan , Tian Longlong , Liu Jianli , Qi Wei , Wu Qiang , Wang Haijing , Ali Mohammad Chand , Wu Wangsuo , Qiu Hongdeng
Published: May 2017

Graphene oxides (GO) are attracting much attention in the diagnosis and therapy of the subcutaneous tumor as a novel biomaterial, but its diagnosis to tissue dysfunction is yet to be found. Here, a novel application of GO for diagnosis of renal dysfunction via contrast‐enhanced computed tomography (CT) is proposed. In order to serve as contrast‐enhanced agent, Ag nanoparticles (AgNPs) are composited on the surface of GO to promote its X‐ray absorption, and then simvastatin is coinjected for eliminating in vivo toxicity induced by AgNPs. It is found that GO/AgNPs can enhance the imaging of CT into the lung, liver, and kidney of mice for a long circulation time (≈24 h) and a safety profile in vivo in the presence of simvastatin. Interestingly, the lower dose of GO/AgNPs (≈0.5 mg per kg bw) shows an excellent performance for CT imaging of renal perfusion, and visually exhibits the right renal dysfunction in model mice. Hence, this work suggests that graphene nanoparticles will play a vital role for the future medical translational development including drug carrier, biosensing, and disease therapy.
Photopromoted Entry to Benzothiophenes, Benzoselenophenes, 3H‐Indoles, Isocoumarins, Benzosultams, and (Thio)flavones by Gold‐Catalyzed Arylative Heterocyclization of Alkynes
Authors: Alcaide Benito , Almendros Pedro , Busto Eduardo , Herrera Fernando , Lázaro‐Milla Carlos , Luna Amparo
Published: May 2017

Visible light‐promoted and gold‐photoredox‐catalyzed reactions of heteroatom (N, S, Se, O) tethered alkynes with arenediazonium salts selectively proceeded to build vicinal diaryl‐substituted 2H‐benzo[e][1,2]thiazine 1,1‐dioxides (benzosultams), benzoselenophenes, benzothiophenes, 4H‐chromen‐4‐ones (flavones), 3H‐indoles, 1H‐isochromen‐1‐ones (isocoumarins), and 4H‐thiochromen‐4‐ones (thioflavones). Moreover, the utility of functionalized 3H‐indoles as precursors for further elaboration has been demonstrated with the switchable and facile preparation of 1H‐indoles, 2‐oxindoles, and 3‐oxindolines.

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Of lemurs and louse flies: The biogeochemical and biotic effects of forest disturbance on Propithecus edwardsi and its obligate ectoparasite Allobosca crassipes in Ranomafana National Park, southeastern Madagascar
Authors: McGee Elizabeth , Vaughn Stanley
Published: May 2017

From alleles to ecosystems and landscapes, anthropogenic activity continues to affect the environment, with particularly adverse effects on biodiversity hotspots such as Madagascar. Selective logging has been proposed as a “win‐win” conservation strategy, yet its effects on different components of biodiversity are still not fully understood. Here we examine biotic factors (i.e., dietary differences) that may be driving differences in biogeochemical stocks between disturbed and undisturbed forests. We present the stable nitrogen (δ15N) and carbon (δ13C) isotope composition of hair from the lemur Propithecus edwardsi and of whole bodies of its obligate ectoparasite, the louse‐fly Allobosca crassipes, from sites in Ranomafana National Park (RNP) that are comparable except for the history of logging and subsequent forest regeneration. P. edwardsi and A. crassipes from the disturbed (i.e., heavily selectively logged) site are lower in 15N and 13C relative to P. edwardsi and A. crassipes from sites that were minimally selectively logged or not commercially logged at all. There is a ∼3‰ decrease in 15N between disturbed and undisturbed sites that corresponds to a difference of nearly a full trophic level. Flowers from Bakerella clavata, a staple food source for P. edwardsi in disturbed habitats and a fallback food for P. edwardsi in primary forests, were also analyzed isotopically. B. clavata is δ15N‐depleted in both disturbed and undisturbed sites. Data from longitudinal behavioral surveys of P. edwardsi in RNP and other forests in eastern Madagascar point to significant differences in consumption patterns of B. clavata, with P. edwardsi in disturbed forests consuming almost twice as much of this plant. Depletion of 15N in animal tissues is a complex issue, but likely the result of the interaction of physiological and ecological factors. Anthropogenic disturbance in RNP from selective logging has had both biotic and biogeochemical effects that are observable trophically.
Nickel‐substituted cobalt ferrite nanoparticles supported on arginine‐modified graphene oxide nanosheets: Synthesis and catalytic activity
Authors: Ghadari Rahim , Namazi Hassan , Aghazadeh Mohammad
Published: May 2017

The amino acid arginine was used to modify the surface of graphene oxide nanosheets and then nickel‐substituted cobalt ferrite nanoparticles were supported on those arginine‐grafted graphene oxide nanosheets (Ni0.5Co0.5Fe2O4@Arg–GO). The prepared Ni0.5Co0.5Fe2O4@Arg–GO was characterized using flame atomic absorption spectroscopy, inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry, energy‐dispersive spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, ultraviolet–visible spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, X‐ray diffraction, thermogravimetric analysis, scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. The application of Ni0.5Co0.5Fe2O4@Arg–GO as a catalyst was examined in a one‐pot tandem oxidative cyclization of primary alcohols with o‐phenylenediamine to benzimidazoles under aerobic oxidation conditions. The results showed that 2‐phenylbenzimidazole derivatives were successfully achieved using Ni0.5Co0.5Fe2O4@Arg–GO nanocomposite catalyst via the one‐pot tandem oxidative cyclization strategy.
Synthesis, spectral and antibacterial activity of Co(II), Ni(II) and Zn(II) complexes with 2‐hydroxy‐benzoic acid(3,4‐dihydro‐2H‐naphthalen‐1‐ylidene)‐hydrazide
Authors: Tyagi Monika , Tyagi Prateek , Chandra Sulekh
Published: May 2017

A bioactive Schiff base HL i.e. 2‐hydroxy‐benzoic acid(3,4‐dihydro‐2H‐naphthalen‐1‐ylidene)‐hydrazide was synthesized by reacting equimolar amount of salicylic acid hydrazide and 1‐tetralone. Co(II), Ni(II) and Zn(II) complexes of ligand HL was synthesized in 1:1 and 1:2 molar ratio of metal to ligand. The structure of the synthesized ligand and metal complexes was established by elemental analysis, molar conductance, magnetic susceptibility measurements, electronic, IR and EPR spectral techniques. For determining the thermal stability the TGA has been done. In DFT studies the geometries of Schiff bases and metal complexes were fully optimized with respect to the energy using the 6–31 + g(d,p) basis set. Spectral data reveal that ligand behave uninegative tridentate in ML complexes and uninegative bidentate in ML2 complexes. On the basis of characterization octahedral geometry has been assigned for Co(II) and Ni(II) complexes, while tetrahedral for Zn(II) complexes. Antibacterial activity of the synthesized compounds were evaluated against Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtilis, Escherichia coli, Xanthomonas campestris and Pseudomonas aeruginosa and the results revealed that metal complexes show enhanced activity in comparison to free ligand.
Hydrocortisone therapy in a cat with vasopressor‐refractory septic shock and suspected critical illness‐related corticosteroid insufficiency
Authors: Pisano Simone R. R. , Howard Judith , Posthaus Horst , Kovacevic Alan , Yozova Ivayla D.
Published: May 2017

Key Clinical Message

A 27‐month‐old female cat was presented with septic peritonitis secondary to a ruptured pyometra and subsequent pyothorax. Vasopressor‐refractory septic shock led to a suspicion of critical illness‐related corticosteroid insufficiency, successfully treated with intravenous hydrocortisone. Previous megestrol acetate administration may have played a role in the development of adrenocortical dysfunction.
Stereochemical assignment of fusiccocadiene from NMR shielding constants and vibrational circular dichroism spectroscopy
Authors: Merten Christian , Dirkmann Michael , Schulz Frank
Published: May 2017

The absolute configuration (AC) of the common precursor of the fusicoccane family of terpenoids, fusicocca‐2,10(14)‐diene (FCdiene), had only been deduced by a lengthy total synthesis, or indirectly from crystal structures of fusicoccin A. However, in particular the AC determinations based on downstream products of the terpene synthase intrinsically overlook potential epimerization reactions. In this contribution, we confirm the relative stereochemistry of FCdiene by comparison of experimental and predicted 13C–NMR chemical shifts, and finally determine the absolute configuration from an analysis of its infrared and vibrational circular dichroism spectra.
Construction of Crown Ether‐Stoppering [3]Rotaxanes Based on N‐Hetero Crown Ether Host
Authors: Han Xie , Li Ziyong , Xu Zhiqiang , Zhao Zhiyong , Liu Sheng Hua , Yin Jun
Published: May 2017

Crown ether usually plays the role of macrocyclic host in supramolecular chemistry, but here the crown ether is also utilized as the stoppers in rotaxanes. In this work, we designed and synthesized two [3]rotaxanes containing four crown ether components by using an approach of template‐directed clipping reaction, of which, two crown ether components were employed as the macrocyclic hosts to assemble the mechanically interlocked framework while another two crown ether units located on the two ends of ammonium template acting as the stoppering groups of rotaxanes. Their self‐assembling process was monitored by the 1H NMR and one of the single crystal structures of [3]rotaxane was obtained.
A lightweight password‐based authentication protocol using smart card
Authors: Wang Chenyu , Wang Ding , Xu Guoai , Guo Yanhui
Published: May 2017

With its simplicity and feasibility, password‐based remote user authentication becomes a popular way to control remote access to network. These years, numerous password‐based authentication schemes have been proposed. Recently, Maitra et al proposed a smart card–based scheme which claims to be resistant to various attacks. Unfortunately, we found some important flaws in this scheme. Therefore, in this paper, we will demonstrate that the scheme of Maitra et al is not secure enough as claimed: neither resisting against off‐line password guessing attack and insider attack nor preserve forward secrecy. To overcome those flaws, we put forward an improved new scheme which not only is resistant to all known attacks but also provides many attractive attributes, such as user revocation and re‐register. Also, we compared the scheme with other related schemes, the result proved the superiority of our scheme. Particularly, we show a new way (beyond the conventional Deffie‐Hellman approach) to achieve forward secrecy. Furthermore, we put some efforts into exploring the design principle of authentication schemes.
Combining field experiments and predictive models to assess potential for increased plant diversity to climate‐proof intensive agriculture
Authors: Mason Norman W. H. , Palmer David J. , Romera Alvaro , Waugh Deanne , Mudge Paul L.
Published: May 2017

Agricultural production systems face increasing threats from more frequent and extreme weather fluctuations associated with global climate change. While there is mounting evidence that increased plant community diversity can reduce the variability of ecosystem functions (such as primary productivity) in the face of environmental fluctuation, there has been little work testing whether this is true for intensively managed agricultural systems. Using statistical modeling techniques to fit environment–productivity relationships offers an efficient means of leveraging hard‐won experimental data to compare the potential variability of different mixtures across a wide range of environmental contexts. We used data from two multiyear field experiments to fit climate–soil–productivity models for two pasture mixtures under intensive grazing—one composed of two drought‐sensitive species (standard), and an eight‐species mixture including several drought‐resistant species (complex). We then used these models to undertake a scoping study estimating the mean and coefficient of variation (CV) of annual productivity for long‐term climate data covering all New Zealand on soils with low, medium, or high water‐holding capacity. Our results suggest that the complex mixture is likely to have consistently lower CV in productivity, irrespective of soil type or climate regime. Predicted differences in mean annual productivity between mixtures were strongly influenced by soil type and were closely linked to mean annual soil water availability across all soil types. Differences in the CV of productivity were only strongly related to interannual variance in water availability for the lowest water‐holding capacity soil. Our results show that there is considerable scope for mixtures including drought‐tolerant species to enhance certainty in intensive pastoral systems. This provides justification for investing resources in a large‐scale distributed experiment involving many sites under different environmental contexts to confirm these findings.
Giant invasive Heracleum persicum: Friend or foe of plant diversity?
Authors: Rijal Dilli P. , Alm Torbjørn , Nilsen Lennart , Alsos Inger G.
Published: May 2017

The impact of invasion on diversity varies widely and remains elusive. Despite the considerable attempts to understand mechanisms of biological invasion, it is largely unknown whether some communities’ characteristics promote biological invasion, or whether some inherent characteristics of invaders enable them to invade other communities. Our aims were to assess the impact of one of the massive plant invaders of Scandinavia on vascular plant species diversity, disentangle attributes of invasible and noninvasible communities, and evaluate the relationship between invasibility and genetic diversity of a dominant invader. We studied 56 pairs of Heracleum persicum Desf. ex Fisch.‐invaded and noninvaded plots from 12 locations in northern Norway. There was lower native cover, evenness, taxonomic diversity, native biomass, and species richness in the invaded plots than in the noninvaded plots. The invaded plots had nearly two native species fewer than the noninvaded plots on average. Within the invaded plots, cover of H. persicum had a strong negative effect on the native cover, evenness, and native biomass, and a positive association with the height of the native plants. Plant communities containing only native species appeared more invasible than those that included exotic species, particularly H. persicum. Genetic diversity of H. persicum was positively correlated with invasibility but not with community diversity. The invasion of a plant community by H. persicum exerts consistent negative pressure on vascular plant diversity. The lack of positive correlation between impacts and genetic diversity of H. persicum indicates that even a small founder population may cause high impact. We highlight community stability or saturation as an important determinant of invasibility. While the invasion by H. persicum may decrease susceptibility of a plant community to further invasion, it severely reduces the abundance of native species and makes them more vulnerable to competitive exclusion.
High invasion potential ofHydrilla verticillatain the Americas predicted using ecological niche modeling combined with genetic data
Authors: Zhu Jinning , Xu Xuan , Tao Qing , Yi Panpan , Yu Dan , Xu Xinwei
Published: May 2017

Ecological niche modeling is an effective tool to characterize the spatial distribution of suitable areas for species, and it is especially useful for predicting the potential distribution of invasive species. The widespread submerged plantHydrilla verticillata(hydrilla) has an obvious phylogeographical pattern: Four genetic lineages occupy distinct regions in native range, and only one lineage invades the Americas. Here, we aimed to evaluate climatic niche conservatism of hydrilla in North America at the intraspecific level and explore its invasion potential in the Americas by comparing climatic niches in a phylogenetic context. Niche shift was found in the invasion process of hydrilla in North America, which is probably mainly attributed to high levels of somatic mutation. Dramatic changes in range expansion in the Americas were predicted in the situation of all four genetic lineages invading the Americas or future climatic changes, especially in South America; this suggests that there is a high invasion potential of hydrilla in the Americas. Our findings provide useful information for the management of hydrilla in the Americas and give an example of exploring intraspecific climatic niche to better understand species invasion.
Organ dysfunction, injury and failure in acute heart failure: from pathophysiology to diagnosis and management. A review on behalf of the Acute Heart Failure Committee of the Heart Failure Association (HFA) of the European Society of Cardiology (ESC)
Authors: Harjola Veli‐Pekka , Mullens Wilfried , Banaszewski Marek , Bauersachs Johann , Brunner‐La Rocca Hans‐Peter , Chioncel Ovidiu , Collins Sean P. , Doehner Wolfram , Filippatos Gerasimos S. , Flammer Andreas J. , Fuhrmann Valentin , Lainscak Mitja , Lassus Johan , Legrand Matthieu , Masip Josep , Mueller Christian , Papp Zoltán , Parissis John , Platz Elke , Rudiger Alain , Ruschitzka Frank , Schäfer Andreas , Seferovic Petar M. , Skouri Hadi , Yilmaz Mehmet Birhan , Mebazaa Alexandre
Published: May 2017

Organ injury and impairment are commonly observed in patients with acute heart failure (AHF), and congestion is an essential pathophysiological mechanism of impaired organ function. Congestion is the predominant clinical profile in most patients with AHF; a smaller proportion presents with peripheral hypoperfusion or cardiogenic shock. Hypoperfusion further deteriorates organ function. The injury and dysfunction of target organs (i.e. heart, lungs, kidneys, liver, intestine, brain) in the setting of AHF are associated with increased risk for mortality. Improvement in organ function after decongestive therapies has been associated with a lower risk for post‐discharge mortality. Thus, the prevention and correction of organ dysfunction represent a therapeutic target of interest in AHF and should be evaluated in clinical trials. Treatment strategies that specifically prevent, reduce or reverse organ dysfunction remain to be identified and evaluated to determine if such interventions impact mortality, morbidity and patient‐centred outcomes. This paper reflects current understanding among experts of the presentation and management of organ impairment in AHF and suggests priorities for future research to advance the field.
Vinyl‐Functionalized Silsesquioxanes and Germasilsesquioxanes
Authors: Grzelak Magdalena , Frąckowiak Dawid , Marciniec Bogdan
Published: May 2017

We report herein an efficient procedure for the synthesis of new polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane (POSS) derivatives as multifunctional reagents. This study concerns the incompletely condensed silsesquioxanes and germasilsesquioxanes with vinyl‐substituted silyl and germyl functional groups, which allow further modification. Furthermore, our experiments have been extended to the synthesis of a new subclass of completely condensed vinylgermasilsesquioxanes. These hybrid building blocks were obtained selectively within a few hours and isolated with excellent yields.
One‐Pot Synthesis of Naphtho[1′,2′:4,5]imidazo[1,2‐a]pyridin‐5‐yl(aryl)methanones through Sequential Sonogashira Coupling/Alkyne–Carbonyl Metathesis
Authors: Baig Mirza Feroz , Shaik Siddiq Pasha , Krishna Namballa Hari , Chouhan Neeraj Kumar , Alarifi Abdullah , Kamal Ahmed
Published: May 2017

An efficient one‐pot route for the construction of naphtho[1′,2′:4,5]imidazo[1,2‐a]pyridin‐5‐yl(aryl)methanones and 5‐phenylnaphtho[1′,2′:4,5]imidazo[1,2‐a]pyridines by sequential Sonogashira coupling reaction followed by trifluoroacetic acid promoted alkyne‐carbonyl metathesis (ACM) has been developed. 2‐(2‐Bromophenyl)imidazo[1,2‐a]pyridine‐3‐carbaldehyde preferentially underwent ACM with phenyl acetylenes, whereas intramolecular hydroarylation reaction was the common pathway in the absence of a carbonyl moiety at the C‐3 position under similar conditions. This protocol is compatible with a wide variety of functional groups and delivered corresponding naphtho[1′,2′:4,5]imidazo[1,2‐a]pyridines in good to excellent yields.
Silver‐Catalyzed Synthesis of Substituted Pyridine Derivatives from N‐Propargylic α‐Enamino Esters
Authors: Sakthivel Shanmugam , Sharma Ashish , Balamurugan Rengarajan
Published: May 2017

A wide range of substituted pyridine derivatives were synthesized in moderate to good yields from N‐propargylic α‐enamino esters. The synthetic strategy involved regioselective addition of a propargylamine to the α‐carbon atom of an alkynyl ester to produce the N‐propargylic α‐enamino ester, which acted as the key intermediate in the synthesis.
Too hot to help! Exploring the impact of ambient temperature on helping
Authors: Belkin Liuba Y. , Kouchaki Maryam
Published: May 2017

Building on the conservation of resources model, we conducted three studies to explore the link between ambient temperature and individual prosocial behavior. In study 1, analyzing the two‐wave field data from a chain of retail stores in Eastern Europe, we find that, in hot, as opposed to normal temperatures, employees are less likely to act in a prosocial manner. In study 2, we replicate and extend these findings in a randomized controlled experiment by identifying mechanisms underlying the relationship between hot ambient temperature and helping behavior. Specifically, we find that heat increases fatigue that leads to reduction in positive affect and subsequently reduces individual helping. Finally, in study 3, we replicate these findings in a field experiment. Taken together, our study helps to explain how and through what mechanisms ambient temperature influences individual helping. The theoretical and practical implications of our findings are discussed.
Untargeted analysis to monitor metabolic changes of garlic along heat treatment by LC–QTOF MS/MS
Authors: Molina‐Calle María , Sánchez de Medina Verónica , Calderón‐Santiago Mónica , Priego‐Capote Feliciano , Luque de Castro María D.
Published: May 2017

Black garlic is increasing its popularity in cuisine around the world; however, scant information exists on the composition of this processed product. In this study, polar compounds in fresh garlic and in samples taken at different times during the heat treatment process to obtain black garlic have been characterized by liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry in high resolution mode. Ninety‐five compounds (mainly amino acids and metabolites, organosulfur compounds, and saccharides and derivatives) were tentatively identified in all the analysed samples and classified as a function of the family they belong to. Statistical analysis of the results allowed establishing that the major changes in garlic occur during the first days of treatment, and they mainly affect to the three representative families. The main pathways involved in the synthesis of the compounds affected by heat treatment, and their evolution during the process were studied.
Analysis of essential oils through comprehensive two‐dimensional gas chromatography: General utility
Authors: Tranchida Peter Q. , Franchina Flavio A. , Mondello Luigi
Published: May 2017

The first description of a comprehensive two‐dimensional gas chromatography (GC×GC) elucidation of an essential oil appeared in 2000 (J. High Resol. Chromatogr. 2000;23:208‐214); since then, a variety of investigations have been published also involving complex samples related to essential oils, such as perfumes. In many instances, there was no mismatch between the use of GC×GC, and the analytical scope; on the other hand, in some specific cases the use of GC×GC appeared to be less adequate.

The present contribution is focused on the application of GC×GC, within the context of essential oil analysis. Perfumes are also tightly related to essential oils, and so are herein considered. Rather than to describe and critically‐review all the research related to such investigations, attention has been devoted to the general analytical usefulness of GC×GC in the aforementioned application fields, over more established approaches, such as conventional GC and heart‐cutting multidimensional GC.
Outcomes for olfactory neuroblastoma treated with induction chemotherapy
Authors: Su Shirley Y. , Bell Diana , Ferrarotto Renata , Phan Jack , Roberts Dianna , Kupferman Michael E. , Frank Steven J. , Fuller C. David , Gunn G. Brandon , Kies Merrill S. , Glisson Bonnie S. , Hanna Ehab Y.
Published: May 2017

Background

Oncologic outcomes for induction chemotherapy and its role in patients with advanced olfactory neuroblastoma (ONB) remain unclear.

Methods

A retrospective review of 15 consecutive patients with extensive local invasion and/or nodal disease treated with induction chemotherapy with curative intent followed by definitive local therapy.

Results

The majority of patients were treated with cisplatin and etoposide. The response to chemotherapy was 68% (10/15). Response was 78% (7/9) in the high Hyams high‐grade group and 50% (3/6) in the Hyams low‐grade group. Seven patients had complete response (CR) and 3 patients were able to avoid orbital exenteration. The 5‐year disease‐free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS) were 71% and 78%, respectively, with a trend toward improved survival in patients with CR.

Conclusion

ONB is a chemosensitive tumor and induction chemotherapy is an acceptable strategy for aggressive and locoregional advanced disease. Hyams grade may predict chemosensitivity and CR may be associated with improved survival.
Tregitopes and impaired antigen presentation: Drivers of the immunomodulatory effects of IVIg?
Authors: Sordé Laetitia , Spindeldreher Sebastian , Palmer Ed , Karle Anette
Published: May 2017

Introduction

Although intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg) is commonly used in the clinic to treat various autoimmune and severe inflammatory diseases, the mode of action is not fully elucidated. This work investigates two proposed mechanisms: (1) the potential role of regulatory T‐cell epitopes (Tregitopes) from the constant domain of IgG in the immunosuppressive function of IVIg; and (2) a potential impact of IVIg on the ability of antigen presenting cells (APCs) to present peptides.

Methods and Results

Investigation of the HLA class II peptide repertoire from IVIg‐loaded dendritic cells (DCs) via MHC‐associated peptide proteomics (MAPPs) revealed that numerous IgG‐derived peptides were strongly presented along the antibody sequence. Surprisingly, Tregitopes 167 and 289 did not show efficient natural presentation although they both bound to HLA class II when directly loaded as “naked” peptides on human DCs. In addition, both Tregitopes could not reproduce the inhibitory effect of IVIg in a human in vitro T‐cell proliferation assay as well as in vivo in mice. MAPPs data demonstrate that presentation of peptides from several antigens remained unchanged even when competed with high doses of IVIg, in both human and mouse.

Conclusion

These data suggest that the effects mediated by IVIg are not caused by Tregitopes nor by impaired antigen presentation.
What has preoperative radio(chemo)therapy brought to localized rectal cancer patients in terms of perioperative and long‐term outcomes over the past decades? A systematic review and meta‐analysis based on 41,121 patients
Authors: Ma Bin , Gao Peng , Wang Hongchi , Xu Qingzhou , Song Yongxi , Huang Xuanzhang , Sun Jingxu , Zhao Junhua , Luo Junlong , Sun Yu , Wang Zhenning
Published: May 2017

We asked what preoperative radiotherapy/chemoradiotherapy (PRT/PCRT) has brought to patients in terms of perioperative and long‐term outcomes over the past decades. A systematic review and meta‐analysis was conducted using PubMed, Embase and Web of Science databases. All original comparative studies published in English that were related to PRT/PCRT and surgical resection and which analyzed survival, postoperative and quality of life outcomes were included. Data synthesis and statistical analysis were carried out using Stata software. Data from 106 comparative studies based on 80 different trials enrolling 41,121 patients were included in our study. Based on our overall analyses, PRT/PCRT significantly improved patients' local recurrence‐free survival (LRFS), but neither overall survival (OS) nor metastasis‐free survival (MFS) showed improvement. In addition, PRT significantly increased the postoperative morbidity and mortality but PCRT did not have a significant effect. Furthermore, PRT/PCRT significantly increased the risk of postoperative wound complications but not anastomotic leakage and bowel obstruction. Our comprehensive subgroup analyses further supported the aforementioned results. Meanwhile, long‐term anorectal symptoms (impaired squeeze pressures, use of pads, incontinence and urgency) and erectile dysfunction were also significantly increased in patients after PRT/PCRT. The benefits of PRT/PCRT as applied over the last several decades have not been sufficient to improve OS. Metastases of primary tumor and postoperative adverse effects were the two primary obstacles for an improved OS. In fact, the greatest advantage of PRT/PCRT is still local tumor control and a significantly improved LRFS.
Doubly robust uniform confidence band for the conditional average treatment effect function
Authors: Lee Sokbae , Okui Ryo , Whang Yoon‐Jae
Published: May 2017

In this paper, we propose a doubly robust method to estimate the heterogeneity of the average treatment effect with respect to observed covariates of interest. We consider a situation where a large number of covariates are needed for identifying the average treatment effect but the covariates of interest for analyzing heterogeneity are of much lower dimension. Our proposed estimator is doubly robust and avoids the curse of dimensionality. We propose a uniform confidence band that is easy to compute, and we illustrate its usefulness via Monte Carlo experiments and an application to the effects of smoking on birth weights.
Development of a novel bioactive glass suitable for osteosarcoma‐related bone grafts
Authors: Rahimnejad Yazdi Alireza , Torkan Lawrence , Waldman Stephen D. , Towler Mark R.
Published: May 2017

In this study, zinc borate‐based glasses with increasing gallium content (0, 2.5, 5, 10, and 15 wt % Ga) were synthesized and their effect on the viability and proliferation of preosteoblasts and osteosarcoma cancer cells were investigated. Methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium (MTT) cell viability assays using glass degradation extracts revealed that the extracts from glasses with lower Ga contents could enhance the viability of preosteoblasts, while extracts from the glass composition with 15 wt % Ga caused statistically significant reduction of their viability. MTT cell viability assays using the extracts and osteosarcoma cells showed that only extracts from the glass composition with 5 wt % Ga (G3) did not cause a statistically significant increase in the viability of cancer cells for all degradation periods (1 day, 7 days, and 28 days). G3 was selected as the most suitable composition for the osteosarcoma‐related graft operations as it could improve the viability of preosteoblasts without increasing the viability of cancer cells. The viability of preosteoblasts and osteosarcoma cells in contact with the glass powders were also investigated using MTT assays. The results showed that the G3 powders could enhance the viability of preosteoblasts while decreasing the viability of osteosarcoma cells. Finally, live/dead assays revealed that suppression of proliferation appeared to be the mechanism causing the observed reductions in the viability of osteosarcoma cells exposed to G3 powders. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 106B: 1186–1193, 2018.
c-Jun N-Terminal Kinases (JNKs) Are Critical Mediators of Osteoblast Activity In Vivo
Authors: Xu Ren , Zhang Chao , Shin Dong Yeon , Kim Jung-Min , Lalani Sarfaraz , Li Na , Yang Yeon-Suk , Liu Yifang , Eiseman Mark , Davis Roger J , Shim Jae-Hyuck , Greenblatt Matthew B
Published: May 2017

The c-Jun N-terminal kinases (JNKs) are ancient and evolutionarily conserved regulators of proliferation, differentiation, and cell death responses. Currently, in vitro studies offer conflicting data about whether the JNK pathway augments or represses osteoblast differentiation, and the contribution of the JNK pathway to regulation of bone mass in vivo remains unclear. Here we show that Jnk1–/– mice display severe osteopenia due to impaired bone formation, whereas Jnk2–/– mice display a mild osteopenia only evident in long bones. In order to both confirm that these effects were osteoblast intrinsic and assess whether redundancy with JNK1 masks a potential contribution of JNK2, mice with a conditional deletion of both JNK1 and JNK2 floxed conditional alleles in osteoblasts (Jnk1-2osx) were bred. These mice displayed a similar degree of osteopenia to Jnk1–/– mice due to decreased bone formation. In vitro, Jnk1–/– osteoblasts display a selective defect in the late stages of osteoblast differentiation with impaired mineralization activity. Downstream of JNK1, phosphorylation of JUN is impaired in Jnk1–/– osteoblasts. Transcriptome analysis showed that JNK1 is required for upregulation of several osteoblast-derived proangiogenic factors such as IGF2 and VEGFa. Accordingly, JNK1 deletion results in a significant reduction skeletal vasculature in mice. Taken together, this study establishes that JNK1 is a key mediator of osteoblast function in vivo and in vitro. © 2017 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Finding a Trans‐Affirmative Provider: Challenges Faced by Trans and Gender Diverse Psychologists and Psychology Trainees
Authors: dickey lore m. , Singh Anneliese A.
Published: May 2017

This article explores some of the challenges faced by trans and gender diverse (TGD) individuals who not only are attempting to access trans‐affirmative care, but who are also members of the very profession from which they are seeking services. The authors explore challenges related to finding supervision, accessing care for assessment services, and finding a provider for personal counseling. With each example, the authors unpack the challenges and also address the implications for training for all involved. Based on these challenges that TGD psychologists and trainees face in attempting to access care, the authors provide recommendations related to trans‐affirmative training for psychologists.
Copper‐catalyzed Synthesis of N‐alkylated 2‐(4‐substituted‐1H‐1,2,3‐triazol‐1‐yl)‐1H‐indole‐3‐carbaldehyde by Step‐wise and One‐pot Three‐component Huisgen's 1,3‐dipolar Cycloaddition Reaction
Authors: Avula Vijay Kumar Reddy , Vallela Swetha , Anireddy Jaya Shree , Chamarthi Naga Raju
Published: May 2017

An efficient method for the synthesis of N‐alkylated 2‐(4‐substituted‐1H‐1,2,3‐triazol‐1‐yl)‐1H‐indole‐3‐carbaldehyde has been developed starting from oxindole and indole using Huisgen's 1,3‐dipolar cycloaddition reaction of organic azides to alkynes. The effect of catalysts and solvent on these reactions has been investigated. Among all these conditions, while using CuSO4·5H2O, DMF was found to be the best system for this reaction. It could also be prepared in a one‐pot three‐component manner by treating equimolar quantities of halides, azides, and alkynes. The Huisgen's 1,3‐dipolar cycloaddition reaction was performed using CuSO4·5H2O in DMF with easy work‐up procedure.
Near infrared spectroscopy for measuring changes in bone hemoglobin content after exercise in individuals with spinal cord injury
Authors: Draghici Adina E. , Potart Diane , Hollmann Joseph L. , Pera Vivian , Fang Qianqian , DiMarzio Charles A. , Andrew Taylor J. , Niedre Mark J. , Shefelbine Sandra J.
Published: May 2017

Bone blood perfusion has an essential role in maintaining a healthy bone. However, current methods for measuring bone blood perfusion are expensive and highly invasive. This study presents a custom built near‐infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) instrument to measure changes in bone blood perfusion. We demonstrated the efficacy of this device by monitoring oxygenated and deoxygenated hemoglobin changes in the human tibia during and after exercise in able‐bodied and in individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI), a population with known impaired peripheral blood perfusion. Nine able‐bodied individuals and six volunteers with SCI performed a 10 min rowing exercise (functional electrical stimulation rowing for those with SCI). With exercise, during rowing, able‐bodied showed an increase in deoxygenated hemoglobin in the tibia. Post rowing, able‐bodied showed an increase in total blood content, characterized by an increase in total hemoglobin content due primarily to an increase in deoxygenated hemoglobin. During rowing and post‐rowing, those with SCI showed no change in total blood content in the tibia. The current study demonstrates that NIRS can non‐invasively detect changes in hemoglobin concentration in the tibia. © 2017 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 36:183–191, 2018.
Smoking and olfactory dysfunction: A systematic literature review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Ajmani Gaurav S. , Suh Helen H. , Wroblewski Kristen E. , Pinto Jayant M.
Published: May 2017

Objectives/Hypothesis

A systematic review and meta‐analysis of the literature was undertaken, examining the association between tobacco smoking and olfactory function in humans, utilizing PubMed and Web of Science (1970–2015) as data sources.

Study Design

Systematic literature review and meta‐analysis.

Methods

This database review of studies of smoking and olfaction, with a focus on identifying high‐quality studies (based on modified versions of the Newcastle‐Ottawa Scale), used validated olfactory tests among the generally healthy population.

Results

We identified 11 studies meeting inclusion criteria. Of 10 cross‐sectional studies, two were excluded from meta‐analysis because the cohorts they studied were included in another article in the review. In meta‐analysis, current smokers had substantially higher odds of olfactory dysfunction compared to never smokers (odds ratio [OR] = 1.59, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.37–1.85). In contrast, former smokers were found to have no difference in risk of impaired olfaction compared to never smokers (OR = 1.05, 95% CI = 0.91–1.21). The single longitudinal study reviewed found a trend toward increased risk of olfactory decline over time in ever smokers; this trend was stronger in current as compared to former smokers.

Conclusions

Current smoking, but not former smoking, is associated with significantly increased risk of olfactory dysfunction, suggesting that the effects of smoking on olfaction may be reversible. Future studies that prospectively evaluate the impact of smoking cessation on improvement in olfactory function are warranted.

Level of Evidence

N/A. Laryngoscope, 127:1753–1761, 2017
Stapes prosthesis length and hearing outcomes
Authors: Husain Qasim , Lin Kenny F. , Selesnick Samuel H.
Published: May 2017

Objectives

First, to determine if prosthesis length plays a role in optimizing successful hearing outcomes in stapedotomy surgery; and second, to determine if patient factors such as height are correlated with prosthesis length.

Study Design

Retrospective chart review.

Methods

Retrospective chart review of patients undergoing stapedotomy surgeries with adequate follow up. Length of prosthesis, pre‐/postoperative audiograms, and follow‐up data were obtained.

Results

The primary group consisted of 227 cases. The prosthesis length ranged from 3.75 mm to 4.75 mm (median 4.25 mm). The greatest improvement in postoperative air–bone gap (ABG) occurred in the 4.25 mm group, and the least in the 3.75 mm group. Patient height showed a positive, although weak, correlation with prosthesis length. No findings reached statistical significance.

Conclusion

Accurate measurement of prosthesis length is important for successful postoperative hearing outcomes. There is a positive but not significant correlation between patient height and prosthesis length.

Level of Evidence

4. Laryngoscope, 128:722–726, 2018
Practical guide for selection of 1H qNMR acquisition and processing parameters confirmed by automated spectra evaluation
Authors: Monakhova Yulia B. , Diehl Bernd W.K.
Published: May 2017

In our recent paper, a new technique for automated spectra integration and quality control of the acquired results in qNMR was developed and validated (Monakhova & Diehl, Magn. Res. Chem. 2017, doi: 10.1002/mrc.4591). The present study is focused on the influence of acquisition and postacquisition parameters on the developed automated routine in particular, and on the quantitative NMR (qNMR) results in general, which has not been undertaken previously in a systematic and automated manner. Results are presented for a number of model mixtures and authentic pharmaceutical products measured on 500‐ and 600‐MHz NMR spectrometers. The influence of the most important acquisition (spectral width, transmitter [frequency] offset, number of scans, and time domain) and processing (size of real spectrum, deconvolution, Gaussian window multiplication, and line broadening) parameters for qNMR was automatically investigated. Moderate modification of the majority of the investigated parameters from default instrument settings within evaluated ranges does not significantly affect the trueness and precision of the qNMR. Lite Gaussian window multiplication resulted in accuracy improvement of the qNMR output and is recommended for routine measurements. In general, given that the acquisition and processing parameters were selected based on the presented guidelines, automated qNMR analysis can be employed for reproducible high‐precision concentration measurements in practice.
Muscle changes in patients with diabetes and chronic exertional compartment syndrome before and after treatment with fasciotomy
Authors: Edmundsson David S. , Toolanen Göran L. , Stål Per S.
Published: May 2017

Introduction: Muscle changes in patients with diabetes and lower leg pain due to chronic exertional compartment syndrome (CECS) were investigated before and after fasciotomy. Methods: The tibialis anterior muscle was analyzed with histochemical and morphological techniques in 7 patients with diabetes and CECS before fasciotomy and in 5 of them 1 year after fasciotomy. Nondiabetic patients with CECS and healthy participants served as references. Results: Before treatment, walking distance until occurrence of pain was limited (<0.2 km). Intramuscular pressure was significantly higher than in reference participants. Muscle analysis showed changes pathognomonic for neuropathy and myopathy and a restricted capillary network, with significantly more severe changes in the muscles of patients with diabetes than in the muscles of nondiabetic patients. Treatment with fasciotomy improved clinical signs, increased walking ability, and reduced muscle abnormalities, but muscle capillarization remained low. Discussion: Patients with diabetes and CECS have distinct pathological changes in affected muscles. Pressure‐relieving fasciotomy triggers a regenerative response in the muscle tissue but not in the capillary bed. Muscle Nerve 57: 229–239, 2018
Validation by Monte Carlo sampling of experimental observation functionals
Authors: Taddei Tommaso , Penn James D , Patera Anthony T
Published: May 2017

We present and analyze a validation procedure for a given state estimate u⋆ of the true field utrue based on Monte Carlo sampling of experimental observation functionals. Our method provides, given a set of N possibly noisy local experimental observation functionals over the spatial domain Ω, confidence intervals for the L2(Ω) error in state and the error in L2(Ω) outputs. For L2(Ω) outputs, our approach also provides a confidence interval for the output itself, which can be used to improve the initial output estimate based on u⋆. Our approach implicitly takes advantage of variance reduction, through the proximity of u⋆ to utrue, to provide tight confidence intervals even for modest values of N. We present results for a synthetic model problem to illustrate the elements of the methodology and confirm the numerical properties suggested by the theory. Finally, we consider an experimental thermal patch configuration to demonstrate the applicability of our approach to real physical systems.
Numerical solution of linear and nonlinear partial differential equations using the peridynamic differential operator
Authors: Madenci Erdogan , Dorduncu Mehmet , Barut Atila , Futch Michael
Published: May 2017

This study presents numerical solutions to linear and nonlinear Partial Differential Equations (PDEs) by using the peridynamic differential operator. The solution process involves neither a derivative reduction process nor a special treatment to remove a jump discontinuity or a singularity. The peridynamic discretization can be both in time and space. The accuracy and robustness of this differential operator is demonstrated by considering challenging linear, nonlinear, and coupled PDEs subjected to Dirichlet and Neumann‐type boundary conditions. Their numerical solutions are achieved using either implicit or explicit methods. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Numer Methods Partial Differential Eq 33: 1726–1753, 2017
Preparation of poly(methyl methacrylate)‐Silica nanoparticles via differential microemulsion polymerization and physical properties of NR/PMMA‐SiO2 hybrid membranes
Authors: Tumnantong Dusadee , Rempel Garry L. , Prasassarakich Pattarapan
Published: May 2017

Poly(methy methacrylate) (PMMA)‐SiO2 nanoparticles were prepared via differential microemulsion polymerization. The effects of silica loading, surfactant concentration, and initiator concentration on monomer conversion, particle size, particle size distribution, grafting efficiency, and silica encapsulation efficiency were investigated. A high monomer conversion of 99.9% and PMMA‐SiO2 nanoparticles with a size range of 30 to 50 nm were obtained at a low surfactant concentration of 5.34 wt% based on monomer. PMMA‐SiO2 nanoparticles showed spherical particles with a core‐shell morphology by TEM micrographs. A nanocomposite membrane from natural rubber (NR) and PMMA‐SiO2 emulsion was studied for mechanical and thermal properties and pervaporation of water‐ethanol mixtures. PMMA‐SiO2 nanoparticles which were uniformly dispersed in NR matrix, significantly enhanced mechanical properties and showed high water selectivity in permeate flux. Thus, the NR/PMMA‐SiO2 hybrid membranes have great potential for pervaporation process in membrane applications. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 2017. © 2017 Society of Plastics Engineers