bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of seasonal precipitation change on soil respiration processes in a seasonally dry tropical forest
Authors: Yu Shiqin , Mo Qifeng , Chen Yuanqi , Li Yingwen , Li Yongxing , Zou Bi , Xia Hanping , Jun Wang , Li Zhian , Wang Faming
Published: December 2019

Precipitation is projected to change intensity and seasonal regime under current global projections. However, little is known about how seasonal precipitation changes will affect soil respiration, especially in seasonally dry tropical forests. In a seasonally dry tropical forest in South China, we conducted a precipitation manipulation experiment to simulate a delayed wet season (DW) and a wetter wet season (WW) over a three‐year period. In DW, we reduced 60% throughfall in April and May to delay the onset of the wet season and irrigated the same amount water into the plots in October and November to extend the end of the wet season. In WW, we irrigated 25% annual precipitation into plots in July and August. A control treatment (CT) receiving ambient precipitation was also established. Compared with CT, DW significantly increased soil moisture by 54% during October to November, and by 30% during December to April. The treatment of WW did not significantly affect monthly measured soil moisture. In 2015, DW significantly increased leaf area index and soil microbial biomass but decreased fine root biomass. In contrast, WW significantly decreased fine root biomass and forest floor litter stocks. Soil respiration was not affected by DW, which could be attributed to the increased microbial biomass offsetting the decrease in fine root biomass. In contrast, WW significantly increased soil respiration from 3.40 to 3.90 μmol m−2 s−1 in the third year, mainly due to the increased litter decomposition and soil pH (from 4.48 to 4.68). The present study suggests that both a delayed wet season and a wetter wet season will have significant impacts on soil respiration‐associated ecosystem components. However, the ecosystem components can respond in different directions to the same change in precipitation, which ultimately affected soil respiration.
Biomass allocation and productivity–richness relationship across four grassland types at the Qinghai Plateau
Authors: Dai Licong , Guo Xiaowei , Ke Xun , Lan Yuting , Zhang Fawei , Li Yikang , Lin Li , Li Qian , Cao Guangmin , Fan Bo , Qian Dawen , Zhou Huakun , Du Yangong
Published: December 2019

Aboveground biomass (AGB) and belowground biomass (BGB) allocation and productivity–richness relationship are controversial. Here, we assessed AGB and BGB allocation and the productivity–richness relationship at community level across four grassland types based on the biomass data collected from 80 sites across the Qinghai Plateau during 2011–2012. The reduced major axis regression and general linear models were used and showed that (a) the median values of AGB were significantly higher in alpine meadow than in other three grassland types; the ratio of root to shoot (R/S) was significantly higher in desert grassland (36.06) than intemperate grassland (16.60), alpine meadow (13.35), and meadow steppe (19.46). The temperate grassland had deeper root distribution than the other three grasslands, with about 91.45% roots distributed in the top 30 cm soil layer. (b) The slopes between log AGB and log BGB in the temperate grassland and meadow steppe were 1.09 and 1, respectively, whereas that in the desert grassland was 1.12, which was significantly different from the isometric allocation relationship. A competitive relationship between AGB and BGB was observed in the alpine meadow with a slope of −1.83, indicating a trade‐off between AGB and BGB in the alpine meadow. (c) A positive productivity–richness relationship existed across the four grassland types, suggesting that the positive productivity–richness relationship might not be affected by the environmental factors at the plant location. Our results provide a new insight for biomass allocation and biodiversity–ecosystem functioning research.
Contingent faculty in ecology and STEM: an uneven landscape of challenges for higher education
Authors: Fetcher Ned , Lam Mimi E. , Cid Carmen R. , Mourad Teresa
Published: December 2019

The number of contingent or non‐tenure‐track faculty at colleges and universities in the United States has been growing over the past several decades; they now constitute nearly 70% of the non‐student academic workforce. A significant fraction of contingent faculty teaches in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). As an initiative of the Ecological Society of America (ESA), contingent faculty in ecology were surveyed and the results were compared with a survey of STEM faculty conducted by the Coalition for the Academic Workforce (CAW). Most respondents to the ESA survey were employed in research or research and teaching activities at doctorate‐granting institutions, whereas in the CAW sample, most were engaged in teaching at associate's and master's degree‐granting institutions. The ESA sample was almost evenly divided between women and men; women outnumbered men in the younger age classes, whereas men outnumbered women in the older age classes. The respondents to the CAW survey were older than the ESA respondents, with more men in computer sciences, engineering, and physical sciences, more women in the biological and health sciences, and a balanced gender ratio in mathematics. The ESA survey asked respondents to rank possible activities that ESA could undertake to support contingent faculty. The highest ranked activities included reduced fees for membership, page charges, and meeting registrations, followed closely by small grants for travel and research. The lowest ranked was the formation of an ESA section for contingent faculty. The causes and implications of contingency are analyzed in light of other recent surveys. Academic institutions and professional societies such as the ESA can reduce the loss of qualified individuals from the scientific community by recognizing and legitimizing contingency as an academic career stage and by offering professional development to support the careers of contingent faculty.
Prognostic role of NYHA class in heart failure patients undergoing primary prevention ICD therapy
Authors: Briongos‐Figuero Sem , Estévez Alvaro , Pérez M. Luisa , Martínez‐Ferrer José B. , García Enrique , Viñolas Xavier , Arenal Ángel , Alzueta Javier , Muñoz‐Aguilera Roberto
Published: December 2019

Aims

Concerns about the prognostic value of NYHA functional class (FC) in heart failure (HF) patients carrying a prophylactic implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) are still present. We aimed to compare whether mortality and arrhythmic risk were different, in a cohort of HF patients undergoing ICD‐only implant, according to their FC.

Methods and results

HF patients with left ventricle ejection fraction (LVEF) ≤35%, undergoing first prophylactic ICD‐only implant were collected from a multicentre nationwide registry (2006–2015). Six hundred and twenty‐one patients were identified (101 patients in NYHA I; 411 in NYHA II; 109 in NYHA III). After a mean follow‐up of 4.4 years (±2.1), 126 patients died (20.3%). All‐cause mortality risk was higher in symptomatic patients: 13.9% in NYHA I patients, 18.3% in NYHA II patients (HR: 1.8, 95% CI 1.1–3.2), and 32.9% in NYHA III patients (HR: 3.9, 95% CI 2.1–7.3). Seventy‐eight out of all deaths were due to cardiovascular causes (12.6%). Cardiovascular mortality risk was also higher in symptomatic patients: 6.9% in NYHA I patients, 11% in NYHA II patients (HR: 2.2, 95% CI 1.1–4.9), and 23.9% in NYHA III (HR: 5.5, 95% CI 2.4–12.7). One hundred and seventeen patients received a first appropriate ICD therapy (19.4%). Arrhythmia free survival did not differ among study groups [20.8% in NYHA I patients, 18.7% in NYHA II (HR: 1.1, 95% CI 0.6–1.7) and 20.8% in NYHA III patients (HR: 1.3, 95% CI 0.7–2.5)]. NYHA class independently predicted cardiovascular mortality (NYHA III vs. NYHA I: HR, 4.7; 95% CI, 1.7–12.8, P = 0.002; NYHA II vs. NYHA I: HR, 2.1, 95% CI, 1.0–5.6, P = 0.05) but not all‐cause death (NYHA III vs. NYHA I: HR: 1.8, 95% CI 0.8–3.9, P = 0.11; NYHA II vs. NYHA I: HR, 1.1, 95% CI 0.6–2.2, P = 0.71;). Atrial fibrillation, chronic kidney disease, and diabetes emerged as predictors of both all‐cause death [(HR: 1.8, 95% CI 1.2–2.8, P = 0.005), (HR: 2.2, 95% CI 1.4–3.4, P < 0.001), (HR: 2.0, 95% CI 1.3–3.1, P = 0.001), respectively] and cardiovascular mortality [(HR: 1.8, 95% CI 1.1–3.1, P = 0.02), (HR: 3.1, 95% CI 1.8–5.4, P < 0.001), (HR: 1.7, 95% CI 1.1–3, P = 0.032), respectively].

Conclusions

Mortality in HF patients undergoing prophylactic ICD implantation was higher in symptomatic patients. NYHA functional class along with other comorbidities might be helpful to identify a subgroup of ICD carriers with poorer prognosis and higher risk of cardiovascular death.
Multimodality imaging and three‐dimensional printed model in patients with left ventricular outflow tract obstruction
Authors: Hamatani Yasuhiro , Shiraishi Isao , Nishii Tatsuya , Okada Atsushi , Amaki Makoto , Yamasahita Kizuku , Matsumoto Yorihiko , Kanzaki Hideaki , Fukuda Tetsuya , Fujita Tomoyuki , Yasuda Satoshi , Kobayashi Junjiro , Izumi Chisato
Published: December 2019

Surgical treatment is an effective therapy and the gold standard for patients with left ventricular outflow tract obstruction (LVOTO) and drug‐refractory symptoms. However, it is difficult to arrange a concrete surgical plan due to the heterogenous and complex cardiac anatomy. Three‐dimensional (3D) printing is an emerging technology that is able to reproduce complex cardiac anatomy. Here, we present two patients with LVOTO in whom we created 3D printed models. In these two patients, we compared the 3D printed model and the intraoperative findings and confirmed that the 3D printed model we created could reproduce the complex cardiac anatomy including the interventricular septum, papillary muscles, and abnormally thickened chordae. By using 3D printed models, cardiologists and surgeons can comprehend the complex 3D cardiac structure and spatial positional relationship preoperatively and perform surgical rehearsal. 3D printing could be a valuable tool for the management of patients with LVOTO.
N‐Heterocyclic Carbene and Cyclic (Alkyl)(amino)carbene Complexes of Titanium(IV) and Titanium(III)
Authors: Horrer Günther , Krahfuß Mirjam J. , Lubitz Katharina , Krummenacher Ivo , Braunschweig Holger , Radius Udo
Published: December 2019

The reaction of one and two equivalents of the N‐heterocyclic carbene IMes [IMes = 1,3‐bis(2,4,6‐trimethyl‐phenyl)imidazolin‐2‐ylidene] or the cyclic (alkyl)(amino)carbene cAACMe [cAACMe = 1‐(2,6‐diisopropyl‐phenyl)‐3,3,5,5‐tetra‐methylpyrrolidin‐2‐ylidene] with [TiCl4] in n‐hexane results in the formation of mono‐ and bis‐carbene complexes [TiCl4(IMes)] 1, [TiCl4(IMes)2] 2, [TiCl4(cAACMe)] 3, and [TiCl4(cAACMe)2] 4, respectively. For comparison, the titanium(IV) NHC complex [TiCl4(IiPrMe)] 5 (IiPrMe = 1,3‐diisopropyl‐4,5‐dimethyl‐imidazolin‐2‐ylidene) has been synthesized and structurally characterized. The reaction of [TiCl4(IMes)] 1 with PMe3 affords the mixed substituted complex [TiCl4(IMes)(PMe3)] 6. The reactions of [TiCl3(THF)3] with two equivalents of the carbenes IMes and cAACMe in n‐hexane lead to the clean formation of the titanium(III) complexes [TiCl3(IMes)2] 7 and [TiCl3(cAACMe)2] 8. Compounds 1–8 have been completely characterized by elemental analysis, IR and multinuclear NMR spectroscopy and for 2–5, 7 and 8 by X‐ray diffraction. Magnetometry in solution, EPR and UV/Vis spectroscopy and DFT calculations performed on 7 and 8 are indicative of a predominantly metal‐centered d1‐radical in both cases.
Twisted Thienylene–Phenylene Structures: Through‐Space Orbital Coupling in Toroidal and Catenated Topologies
Authors: Leitner Tanja D. , Gmeinder Yannick , Röhricht Fynn , Herges Rainer , Mena‐Osteritz Elena , Bäuerle Peter
Published: December 2019

Sterically crowded and twisted thienylene‐phenylenes were synthesized and characterized in comparison to corresponding polyphenylene nanostructures. Spectroscopic, diffraction, and theoretical studies gave evidence of through‐space delocalization of π‐electrons of peripheral (hetero)aromatic rings in toroidal and catenated topologies.
Stereoselective Synthesis of Spiro‐Azacycles Through Tri‐bromide Mediated Oxidative Dearomatization
Authors: Sahoo Sushree Ranjan , Sarkar Debayan
Published: December 2019

A metal‐free one‐pot approach towards a highly stereoselective synthesis of N‐substituted spiro‐azacyclodienones, dihydro spiro‐azacyclodienones and spiro‐lactams have been reported in this present work. Phenyl tri‐methyl ammonium tri‐bromide (PTAB) as an effective reagent has been employed for intramolecular spiro‐cyclizations via the key oxidative dearomatization reaction. Interestingly, the obtained N‐substituted spiro‐azacyclodienones was readily transformed into strained cyclopropanated spirocycles.
Vessel Effect in C–F Bond Activation Prompts Revised Mechanism and Reveals an Autocatalytic Glycosylation
Authors: Nielsen Michael M. , Qiao Yan , Wang Yingxiong , Pedersen Christian M.
Published: December 2019

Activation of C–F bonds under acidic conditions results in the formation of hydrogen fluoride as the reaction progresses. In the following communication, the effect of the vessel material on such reactions has been investigated and a significant difference between an HF‐resistant material and common borosilicate glassware has been found. HF was found to react rapidly with borosilicate glassware, seemingly leaching fluorosilicate into solution, but persisted in HF‐resistant materials. Several examples of C–F bond activation on glycosyl fluorides and benzyl fluorides as well as NMR‐studies suggest a significant effect of the choice of the reaction vessel, leading to the discovery of an autocatalytic glycosylation and a revised mechanism for the activation of benzyl fluorides, suggesting activation by SiF4 rather than HF.
Directional discrimination is better for noxious laser stimuli than for innocuous laser stimuli
Authors: Frahm K.S. , Mørch C.D. , Andersen O.K.
Published: December 2019

Background

The directional discrimination is lower for painful laser heat compared to non‐painful mechanical stimulation. The aim of the current study was to investigate how the directional discrimination of radiant heat stimulation depends on stimulation intensity and displacement velocity.

Methods

Fifteen healthy subjects were stimulated in the right volar forearm with a CO2 laser at intensities that were expected to be either painful (46°C) or non‐painful (39°C). The laser beam was continuously displaced distal‐proximally along the arm during the stimulation. After the stimulation, subjects indicated the perceived direction and intensity (NRS: 0: perception 3: pain 10: maximum pain). Stimulations were delivered with five lengths (20, 40, 60, 80 and 100 mm) and three velocities (10, 30 and 100 mm/s). To estimate the directional discrimination threshold (DDT) the data were fitted to a sigmoidal curve.

Results

For the lower intensity (39°C) the DDT was 81.8 mm for the slowest velocity, and above 100 mm for the two faster velocities. For the higher intensity (46°C) the DDT was 58.8 and 69.6 mm for the slowest velocity and middle velocity, respectively, and above 100 mm for the fastest velocity. The perceived intensity increased with stimulation length, stimulation intensity and decreasing velocity (LMM, p < .001).

Conclusions

This study shows how the DDT for thermal stimuli is shorter for higher intensity and lower displacement velocities. Additionally, it was shown that for the velocity where directional discrimination is optimal for mechanical stimuli it is not possible to discriminate a thermal stimulus.

Significance

This study showed that the directional discrimination of painful laser stimuli is better than that for non‐painful laser stimuli. These findings supplements our current knowledge regarding the tempo‐spatial discrimination in the nociceptive system, where evidence from previous discrimination studies differs somewhat regarding difference between painful and non‐painful discrimination. This, therefore, indicates that there is lacking knowledge regarding the discrimination within the nociceptive system.
Surface Modification of Li1.144Ni0.136Co0.136Mn0.544O2 by Hybrid Protection Layer with Enhanced Rate Capability
Authors: Liao Yingling , Li Jianbin , Deng Bangwei , Wang Hao , Chen Tao , Li Xuan , Qu Meizhen , Li Xiang , Peng Gongchang
Published: December 2019

Overlithiated oxide (OLO) materials have received great attention because of their higher recharge capacity (>250 mA h g−1) than that of commercial Li‐ion cathode materials. However, they still have some problems such as poor cyclic stability and rate capability. In this study, La(PO3)3 is coated on Li1.144Ni0.136Co0.136Mn0.544O2 by the dry coating method. The results indicate that 1.0 wt% La(PO3)3–coated Li1.144Ni0.136Co0.136Mn0.544O2 delivers a remarkably high rate capability, with a discharge capacity of 163 mA h g−1 even at 5 C, and an excellent cycling performance of 193 mA h g−1 after cycling 100 times at 1 C. The enhanced electrochemical performance comes from the formation of a hybrid protection layer mainly containing Li, La, P, and O (LLPO), which uses residual alkali compounds, LiOH and Li2CO3, as the lithium source and reacts with La(PO3)3. LLPO can not only protect the Li‐rich cathodes from contacting the electrolyte directly, but also reduce the charge transfer resistance. More importantly, it can serve as a Li+ conductor, which is beneficial for elevation of the rate capability.
Methylation of the OXTR gene in women with anorexia nervosa: Relationship to social behavior
Authors: Thaler Lea , Brassard Sarah , Booij Linda , Kahan Esther , McGregor Kevin , Labbe Aurelie , Israel Mimi , Steiger Howard
Published: December 2019

DNA methylation allows for the environmental regulation of gene expression and is believed to link environmental stressors to psychiatric disorder phenotypes, such as anorexia nervosa (AN). The oxytocin receptor (OXTR) gene is epigenetically regulated, and studies have shown associations between OXTR and social behaviours in various samples, including women with AN. The present study examined differential levels of methylation at various CG sites of the OXTR gene in 69 women with active AN (AN‐Active), 21 in whom AN was in remission (AN‐Rem) and 35 with no eating disorder (NED). Within each group, we explored the correlation between methylation and measures of social behaviour such as insecure attachment and social avoidance. Hypermethylation of a number of CG sites was seen in AN‐Active participants as compared with AN‐Rem and NED participants. In the AN‐Rem sample, methylation at CG27501759 was significantly positively correlated with insecure attachment (r = .614, p = .003, permutation Q = 0.008) and social avoidance (r = .588, p = .005, permutation Q = 0.0184). Our results highlight differential methylation of the OXTR gene among women with AN, those in remission from AN, and those who never had AN and provide some evidence of associations between OXTR methylation and social behaviour in women remitted from AN.
Morphodynamics of alternate bars in the presence of riparian vegetation
Authors: Jourdain Camille , Claude Nicolas , Tassi Pablo , Cordier Florian , Antoine Germain
Published: December 2019

Alpine gravel‐bed rivers are dynamic systems that have been subjected to many anthropic alterations in the past centuries. Riparian vegetation development on previously bare sediment bedforms has been a common adjustment, raising important management issues in terms of flood risks and biodiversity. Many of these rivers are also channelized, and as a result present a pattern of alternate bars. Considering recent advances in numerical biomorphodynamic modeling, this study aims at exploring numerically the morphodynamics of alternate bars in the presence of riparian vegetation. To this end, a dynamic vegetation module has been implemented on top of an existing morphodynamic model, accounting for ecological processes of seed dispersal, seedling recruitment, growth, and mortality. Numerical simulations have been performed on a simplified reach of a gravel‐bed river with free migrating alternate bars at initial state. In this work 96 scenarios have been simulated, each representing 50 years of channel evolution, with different flood regimes characterized by various peak discharges and flood durations. Yearly peak discharge variability is explicitly modeled in 48 scenarios. Model outcomes present two possible equilibrium biomorphodynamic behaviors: stationary vegetated bars, or free migrating bars in the case of frequent vegetation removal during floods. This binary behavior holds true when the stochasticity of annual peak discharges is represented, and for a wide range of parameter values included in vegetation dynamic modeling. Transient mobility of vegetated bars is observed in specific configurations where large sediment deposits deflect the flow field, eroding bar heads. Modeled bar wavelengths are in the range of values predicted for free bars by linear bar theory, and remain far from the theoretical values of hybrid, steady bars. The shift from unvegetated migrating bars to steady vegetated bars seems to show that in these simulations vegetation constitutes a hydraulic forcing, leading to a shift from free bars to forced bars, with a final configuration largely inherited from the initial state. © 2019 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A predictive model of train delays on a railway line
Authors: Wen Chao , Mou Weiwei , Huang Ping , Li Zhongcan
Published: December 2019

Delay prediction is an important issue associated with train timetabling and dispatching. Based on real‐world operation records, accurate forecasting of delays is of immense significance in train operation and decisions of dispatchers. In this study, we established a model that illustrates the interaction between train delays and their affecting factors via train describer records on a Dutch railway line. Based on the main factors that affect train delay and the time series trend, we determined the independent and dependent variables. A long short‐term memory (LSTM) prediction model in which the actual delay time corresponded to the dependent variable was established via Python. Finally, the prediction accuracy of the random forest model and artificial neural network model was compared. The results indicated that the LSTM model outperformed the other two models.
Pricing and integration of credit default swap index tranches
Authors: Carverhill Andrew , Luo Dan
Published: December 2019

This paper first designs an efficient procedure to value Credit Default Swap Index tranches using an intensity‐based model. The tranche spreads are effectively explained by a three‐factor version of this model, both before and during the financial crisis of 2008. We then construct tradable tranche portfolios to track the intensity factors and compare the pricing of the tranches with equities and their derivatives. Our results show that the senior tranche spreads do not offer returns in excess of the common risk compensations in the equity and derivatives markets, while the junior tranche is not spanned by these standard factors.
Atopy patch tests may identify patients at risk for systemic contact dermatitis
Authors: Pootongkam Suwimon , Havele Sonia A. , Orillaza Hanna , Silver Eli , Rowland Douglas Y. , Nedorost Susan T.
Published: December 2019

Background

A subset of patients with positive patch tests demonstrates systemic contact dermatitis (SCD) upon ingestion or inhalation of the allergen. Concern has been raised about the use of patch tests for protein allergens (APTs) to detect SCD in atopic dermatitis (AD) patients.

Methods

We present atopy patch test (APT) data for 97 people. We reviewed APTs and tests for antigen‐specific immunoglobulin E (IgE) to the same allergen in pediatric AD patients. We compared the frequency of APTs as a function of age in AD patients. To study the irritancy potential of APTs, we prospectively tested consenting non‐AD dermatitis patients undergoing evaluation for allergic contact dermatitis and healthy controls to an APT panel.

Results

APT demonstrated fewer positive results than serum‐specific IgE or skin prick tests to the same allergen. Positive APT to food was more common in children under 3 years, whereas positive APT to aeroallergens were more common in teens and adults. Only positive APTs to dust mite were significantly more common positive in subjects without AD.

Conclusion

Our aggregate findings suggest that most APTs, but not dust mite, behave like conventional patch tests to low‐potency allergens. They are more likely to be positive in patients with chronically inflamed skin and to identify allergens that cause SCD. The higher prevalence of APT positivity to foods in young children is consistent with food allergy as a trigger of AD (also known as SCD) being more common in children than adults. Positive APTs define patients who may have SCD; negative APTs may guide elimination diets.
Base‐Assisted C−H Bond Cleavage in Cross‐Coupling: Recent Insights into Mechanism, Speciation, and Cooperativity
Authors: Carrow Brad P. , Sampson Jessica , Wang Long
Published: December 2019

This review analyzes recent mechanistic studies that have provided new insights into how the structure of a metal complex influences the rate and selectivity of base‐assisted C−H cleavage. Partitioning a broader mechanistic continuum into classes delimited by the polarization between catalyst and substrate during C−H cleavage is postulated as a method to identify catalysts favoring electrophilic or nucleophilic reactivity patterns, which may be predictive based on structural features of the metal complex (i. e., oxidation state, d‐electron count, charge). Multi‐metallic cooperativity and polynuclear speciation also provide new avenues to affect energy barriers for C−H cleavage and site selectivity beyond the limitations of single metal catalysts. An improved understanding of mechanistic nuances and structure‐activity relationships on this important bond activation step carries important implications for efficiency and controllable site selectivity in non‐directed C−H functionalization.
Decarboxylative Oxygenation via Photoredox Catalysis
Authors: Faraggi Tomer M. , Li Wei , MacMillan David W. C.
Published: December 2019

The direct conversion of aliphatic carboxylic acids to their dehomologated carbonyl analogues has been accomplished through photocatalytic decarboxylative oxygenation. This transformation is applicable to an array of carboxylic acid motifs, producing ketones, aldehydes, and amides in excellent yields. Preliminary results demonstrate that this methodology is further amenable to aldehyde substrates via in situ oxidation to the corresponding acid and subsequent decarboxylative oxygenation. We have exploited this strategy for the sequential oxidative dehomologation of linear aliphatic chains.
Prognostic value of distant metastatic sites in stage IV endometrial cancer: A SEER database study of 2948 women
Authors: Liu Yan , Chi Shuqi , Zhou Xing , Zhao Rong , Xiao Chengyu , Wang Hongbo
Published: December 2019

Objective

To evaluate the prognosis of women with distant metastasis at the time of endometrial cancer (EC) diagnosis and identify prognostic factors according to metastatic site.

Methods

A retrospective cohort study of women diagnosed with EC according to the SEER database between 2010 and 2014. Univariate and multivariate Cox regression was used to identify variables associated with overall survival. Kaplan‐Meier curves were used to compare survival among different groups.

Results

Overall, 2948 women with stage IV EC were identified. The most common distant metastatic site was the lung. Having a distant metastatic site independently predicted overall survival. Using brain metastasis as a reference, overall survival was longer for liver (P=0.049), lung (P=0.005), and bone (P=0.019) metastasis. Relative to no distant metastasis, overall survival was shorter for women with one (P<0.001) or two or more (P<0.001) sites of distant metastasis. Overall survival was independently influenced by tumor grade, insurance status, and surgery among women with only lung metastasis.

Conclusion

The findings showed that the prognosis of women with stage IV EC differs by distant metastatic site, and identified several predictors of poor survival. They may help clinicians to better predict prognosis for newly diagnosed cases of EC with distant metastasis.
Daily and long‐term consequences of support seeking in Chinese couples: Between‐person differences and within‐person processes
Authors: Xu Feng , Hilpert Peter , Bodenmann Guy
Published: December 2019

It is widely accepted that support‐seeking behaviour is culture‐specific, such that Asians are less likely to seek support when stressed compared with Westerners. However, mounting evidence is based on the vignette methodology or the cross‐sectional survey and utilised students sample. Little is known about how such behaviour manifests in real life and incurs relational consequences. Moreover, psychological theories predict both differences in support‐seeking behaviour between persons and the variability of such behaviour within persons. The current study aims to explore between‐and within‐person associations between support seeking and relationship satisfaction in Chinese couples. Eighty‐four Chinese couples reported their daily stressors, support seeking behaviour, and relationship satisfaction every evening for 7 days and overall relationship satisfaction before the diary study and 1 year later. We found that support seeking matters in Asian couples: On days when couples sought more support, they would be more satisfied with their relationship. Notably, no negative associations between couples' own support seeking and partners' relationship satisfaction were found. This study advances our understanding of general and temporal support‐seeking processes in Asian couples in the course of everyday life and over time. Results entail important theoretical and practical implications.
Melatonin and its metabolite N(1)‐acetyl‐N(1)‐formyl‐5‐methoxykynuramine improve learning and memory impairment related to Alzheimer's disease in rats
Authors: Rong Kai , Zheng Hong , Yang Ruibo , Liu Xiaoli , Li Liya , Chen Ning , Zhao Gang , Gong Chengxin , Deng Yanqiu
Published: December 2019

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of melatonin (MT) and its metabolite N(1)‐acetyl‐N(2)‐formyl‐5‐methoxykynuramine (AFMK) on Alzheimer‐like learning and memory impairment in rats intracerebroventricularly injected with streptozotocin (STZ). The results showed that the escape latency of the STZ group was longer than that of the control (CON), MT, and AFMK groups. Increased levels of hyperphosphorylated tau, neurofilament proteins, and malondialdehyde and decreased superoxide dismutase levels were observed in the brains of the rats from the STZ group compared with the brains of the rats from the CON, MT, AFMK high and low group. These results suggest that exogenous MT and AFMK can improve memory impairment and downregulate AD‐like hyperphosphorylation induced by STZ, most likely through their antioxidation function. Meanwhile, we found that an equal dose of AFMK had a stronger effect than that of MT. Our results indicate that MT and its metabolite AFMK represent novel treatment strategies for Alzheimer's disease.
Patient activation in psychotherapy interactions: Developing and validating the consultation interactions coding scheme
Authors: Malins Sam , Moghaddam Nima , Morriss Richard , Schröder Thomas , Brown Paula , Boycott Naomi , Atha Chris
Published: December 2019

Objective

We describe the development of an instrument aiming to offer interaction‐level feedback based on “patient activation”: client confidence and perceived ability to manage their health.

Method

Twenty‐two session‐transcripts from cognitive behavioral therapy with high‐users of healthcare were analyzed thematically, producing themes describing in‐session interactions. Themes were subcategorized using patient activation theory into high and low activation presentations. Two coders new to the process were trained to use this consultation interactions coding scheme (CICS). Inter‐rater reliability (IRR), convergent validity, and clinical utility were assessed and illustrated with extreme cases.

Results

Good‐to‐excellent IRR was achieved. The CICS, therapeutic alliance, and therapist competence were correlated. Client engagement in session‐structuring interactions correlated with outcome. The highest CICS scorer showed multiple outcome‐improvements, the lowest scorer reported deteriorations.

Conclusions

This study presents the CICS's psychometric properties and indicates the value of client engagement in session‐structuring.
Risk factors and clinical characteristics of patients with nosocomial influenza A infection
Authors: Naudion Pauline , Lepiller Quentin , Bouiller Kevin
Published: December 2019

Influenza is a public health burden, responsible for more than half a million deaths worldwide each year and explosive outbreaks in‐hospital care units. At present, little is known about clinical characteristics and outcomes with nosocomial influenza infection. To assess clinical characteristics and outcome between nosocomial and community‐acquired (CA) influenza in a tertiary care hospital. A retrospective study of hospitalized patients in a French tertiary care hospital from 1st December 2016 to 28th February 2017 for flu‐illness confirmed by reverse transcription PCR. Overall, 208 patients with laboratory‐confirmed influenza were included; whose 49 nosocomial cases (23.6%). Patients with nosocomial influenza were significantly older (79.1 ± 15.5 vs 64.8 ± 31.1 years old; P = .003), with the more rapidly fatal disease (10.2% vs 1.3%; P = .0032). They had a less respiratory failure (8.2% vs 21.4%; P = .036) but had a longer length of hospitalization (47.3 vs 12.9 days; P < .001) than patients with CA influenza. During this influenza outbreak, 19 patients died (9.1%), none of them were vaccinated. Effective control of outbreaks in hospital facilities is challenging. Hospitalized patients are vulnerable to nosocomial Influenza infections that can increase the length of stay and be responsible for the death. Surveillance and early warning systems should be encouraged. Vaccination policies in conjunction with isolation measures and better hand hygiene could reduce virus spreading in hospitals.
The differences between N‐ and N+ buried layers in improving the breakdown voltage of RESURF LDMOSFETs
Authors: Hu Xiarong , Wang Weibo , Lv Rui
Published: December 2019

The differences between N‐ and N+ buried layers in improving the breakdown voltage of RESURF (reduced surface field) LDMOSFETs (lateral double‐diffused metal‐oxide‐semiconductor field‐effect transistors) are discussed in this paper. Two concise RESURF criteria for LDMOS with a low‐doped fully depleted N‐ buried layer (NBL) and a highly doped nondepleted N+ floating layer (NFL) are developed by optimizing the lateral and vertical electric fields. The analytical solution quantitatively demonstrates the variation of the drift charge concentration and its dependence on the key NBL and NFL parameters. It also indicates that the NBL LDMOS achieves a superior tradeoff between specific on‐resistance (Rs,on)and breakdown voltage (BV) to the NFL LDMOS. The BV2/Rs,on for NBL LDMOS is 3.1 MW/cm2, which is increased respectively by 93.8% and 40.9% compared with the single RESURF and NFL‐LDMOS.
Is it too complex? The curious case of supply network complexity and focal firm innovation
Authors: Sharma Amalesh , Pathak Surya , Borah Sourav B. , Adhikary Anirban
Published: December 2019

Firms have increasingly relied on their supply network for improving their innovation performance. Although the relationship between the supply network structure and innovation has been investigated, the link between supply network complexity and a firm's innovation remains unexplored. By employing transaction cost economics and the concept of a recombinatory search, we propose that the complexity dimensions (horizontal, vertical, and spatial complexity) of a supply network impact the innovation performance of a firm and that such relationships are moderated by a strategic emphasis on value creation and the influence of the firm over the supply network. With a large‐scale network data of 201 firms across six industries and 20 countries, we take a robust empirical approach that accounts for endogeneity, unobserved heterogeneity and intrafirm error correlation to test our theory. We find strong support for a nonlinear relationship (with diminishing growth) between both horizontal and vertical complexity with respect to innovation performance. We find that spatial complexity is negatively related to innovation performance. Additionally, we find that a firm's strategic emphasis and its influence indeed moderates the link between the complexity dimensions and innovation performance. Based on our findings, we offer specific managerial guidance for the effective implementation of sourcing practices.
Experimental gingivitis in patients with and without altered passive eruption
Authors: Aghazada Rustam , Marini Lorenzo , Zeza Blerina , Trezza Cinzia , Vestri Annarita , Mariotti Angelo , Pilloni Andrea
Published: December 2019

Background

Individuals with altered passive eruption (APE) are assumed to be more susceptible to periodontal diseases. To date, this hypothesis has not been sufficiently supported by scientific evidence. The aim of this study, using an experimental gingivitis model, was to examine the development and resolution of gingival inflammation in patients with APE when compared to patients with normal gingival anatomy.

Methods

A localized experimental gingivitis was induced in 9 patients with APE (test group) and 9 patients without APE (control group) in the maxillary right quadrant. After 21 days, patients were instructed to resume proper home oral hygiene procedures. At baseline (day 0) and at days 7, 14, 21, 28, 35, and 42, plaque index (PlI), gingival index (GI), and gingival crevicular fluid volume (GCF) were evaluated for teeth 6 (canine), 7 (lateral incisor) and 8 (central incisor) of test and control groups.

Results

During the experimental gingivitis phase (days 0 to 21), the rate of change in gingival inflammation (GI) was dramatically different between the APE test group and the control group. On day 21, at the time of maximum plaque accumulation, the GI of the APE test group was a 109% greater than the GI of the test group (P ≤ 0.001) despite similar plaque levels (P = 0.436). During the resolution of inflammation phase (days 22 to 42), the APE test group continued to exhibit statistically higher GI scores than the control group (P = 0.029).

Conclusion

In the presence of similar amounts of plaque deposits and plaque accumulation rates, APE patients exhibited differences in the development and resolution of plaque‐induced gingival inflammation when compared to controls.
Raman spectrum of layered jacutingaite (Pt2HgSe3) crystals—Experimental and theoretical study
Authors: Longuinhos Raphael , Vymazalová Anna , Cabral Alexandre R. , Alexandre Simone S. , Nunes Ricardo W. , Ribeiro‐Soares Jenaina
Published: December 2019

Jacutingaite (Pt2HgSe3) is a recently discovered layered platinum‐group mineral. Recent experimental studies have shown that it displays the properties of a quantum spin Hall insulator (QSHI), and theoretical studies indicate that its two‐dimensional monolayer is a QSHI with a robust topological gap of ∼0.5 eV. Jacutingaite is thus promising for potential applications to nanoelectronics and spintronics. The Raman spectrum of three‐dimensional bulk jacutingaite and the symmetries of its vibrational modes, fundamental for understanding structural modifications of this material, are still unexplored. Here, we address the zone‐center Raman optical phonons of bulk jacutingaite by experiments, symmetry, and first‐principles calculations. The improved synthesis used here provided crystals of higher purity and of micrometer size, allowing the study of single crystals. Polarized Raman spectroscopy was used to assign the symmetries of nine out of the 11 Raman‐active modes expected by group theory and their respective selection rules. The calculated wavenumbers of the Raman‐active modes, in addition to their atomic displacements, are in very good agreement with experiments. In addition, we discuss the use of different exchange correlation functionals within density functional theory, as local functionals and nonlocal functionals that best describe van der Waals interactions. The influence of the inclusion of spin–orbit coupling on calculated vibrational phonon wavenumbers and lattice parameters is commented, and it was found that the local density approximation provides a good description. Our results are of paramount importance to further exploitation of the effects of jacutingaite's structural modifications to tune its properties, as well as for its structural, optical, electronic, mechanical, and thermal applications.
Preparation of a new three‐component deep eutectic solvent and its use as an extraction solvent in dispersive liquid–liquid microextraction of pesticides in green tea and herbal distillates
Authors: Farajzadeh Mir Ali , Abbaspour Maryam , Kazemian Roya , Afshar Mogaddam Mohammad Reza
Published: December 2019

BACKGROUND

A new solvent, deep eutectic solvent, in which there is growing interest, has been prepared and used as an extraction solvent in the dispersive liquid–liquid method of microextraction. To prepare the solvent, dichloroacetic acid, l‐menthol, and n‐butanol are mixed at a molar ratio of 4:1:1 and the deep eutectic solvent is formed after heating. Then a dispersive liquid–liquid microextraction method using the prepared solvent is used for the extraction and preconcentration of some pesticides from an aqueous sample. To carry out the procedure, the deep eutectic solvent is mixed with methanol and rapidly injected by a syringe into the aqueous sample containing the analytes. After centrifuging, an aliquot of the sedimented phase is injected into the gas chromatograph. The influence of several variables on the extraction efficiency was investigated and optimized.

RESULTS

Extraction recoveries and enrichment factors were obtained in the ranges of 53–86% and 1760–2853, respectively. The intra‐ (n = 6) and inter‐day (n = 5) precision of the method was satisfactory, with relative standard deviations ≤ 7% obtained at two concentrations of 10 and 50 μg L−1 of each analyte. Moreover, detection and quantification limits for the target analytes were obtained in the ranges of 0.11–0.23 and 0.38–0.74 μg L−1, respectively.

CONCLUSION

Different samples, including green tea, rose water, lemon balm, mint, and pussy willow distillates were analyzed successfully using the method that was developed, and chlorpyrifos was found in rose water at a concentration of 17 ± 1 μg L−1 (n = 3). © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
Effect of cushion plants on the soil seed bank in overgrazed semiarid regions
Authors: Erfanzadeh Reza , Hazhir Shadi , Jafari Mohammad
Published: December 2019

Evaluation of soil seed bank (SSB) in relation to biotic environmental factors could be important in degraded areas, since SSB is one of the major sources that facilitates the recovery of degraded plant communities after disturbances such as grazing, flooding and drought. The aim of this study was to investigate the role of Astragalus myriacanthus and Acantholimon spinosum on SSB characteristics. Soil sampling was carried out in four different positions (upslope edge, downslope edge, center and outside) of each cushion in semiarid mountainous regions in Iran. Then, SSB composition and density, species diversity and richness of SSB in each position were estimated using the germination method. The results of the nonmetric multidimensional scaling showed that the separation of species composition of SSB in four different positions was not possible in any of the cushion species. Nevertheless, the results indicated that the lowest of SSB density, species diversity and richness were observed in the outside of the two cushions. In both cushions, A. myriacanthus and A. spinosum, the mean SSB density (1,606.4 and 646.5 seeds/m2, respectively) was significantly higher in the upslope edge. Totally, the mean density of SSBs in A. myriacanthus (903.6 seeds/m2) was significantly higher than that of A. spinosum (360.6 seeds/m2). We concluded that the cushion plants can act as seed traps and therefore could facilitate recovery of degraded sites in the steep‐hilly areas, while, the possibility of seed penetration into the soil of different directions of cushion might be significant.
Inner ear delivery: Challenges and opportunities
Authors: Szeto Betsy , Chiang Harry , Valentini Chris , Yu Michelle , Kysar Jeffrey W. , Lalwani Anil K.
Published: December 2019

Objectives

The treatment of inner ear disorders remains challenging due to anatomic barriers intrinsic to the bony labyrinth. The purpose of this review is to highlight recent advances and strategies for overcoming these barriers and to discuss promising future avenues for investigation.

Data Sources

The databases used were PubMed, EMBASE, and Web of Science.

Results

Although some studies aimed to improve systemic delivery using nanoparticle systems, the majority enhanced local delivery using hydrogels, nanoparticles, and microneedles. Developments in direct intracochlear delivery include intracochlear injection and intracochlear implants.

Conclusions

In the absence of a systemic drug that targets only the inner ear, the best alternative is local delivery that harnesses a combination of new strategies to overcome anatomic barriers. The combination of microneedle technology with hydrogel and nanoparticle delivery is a promising area for future investigation.

Level of Evidence

NA
The nonlinear Rayleigh‐Stokes problem with Riemann‐Liouville fractional derivative
Authors: Zhou Yong , Na Wang Jing
Published: December 2019

The Rayleigh‐Stokes problem has gained much attention with the further study of non‐Newtonain fluids. In this paper, we are interested in discussing the existence of solutions for nonlinear Rayleigh‐Stokes problem for a generalized second grade fluid with Riemann‐Liouville fractional derivative. We firstly show that the solution operator of the problem is compact and continuous in the uniform operator topology. Furtherly, we give an existence result of mild solutions for the nonlinear problem.