bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Palladium Nanoparticles Encaged in a Nitrogen‐Rich Porous Organic Polymer: Constructing a Promising Robust Nanoarchitecture for Catalytic Biofuel Upgrading
Authors: Singuru Ramana , Dhanalaxmi Karnekanti , Shit Subhash Chandra , Reddy Benjaram Mahipal , Mondal John
Published: March 2017

Robust nanoarchitectures based on surfactant‐free ultrafine Pd nanoparticles (NPs) (2.7–8.2±0.5 nm) have been developed by using the incipient wetness impregnation method with subsequent reduction of PdII species encaged in the 1,3,5‐triazine‐functionalized nitrogen‐rich porous organic polymer (POP) by employing NaBH4, HCHO, and H2 reduction routes. The Pd‐POP materials prepared by the three different synthetic methods consist of virtually identical chemical compositions but have different physical and texture properties. Strong metal–support interactions, the nanoconfinement effect of POP, and the homogeneous distribution of Pd NPs have been investigated by performing 13C cross‐polarization (CP) solid‐state magic angle spinning (MAS) NMR, FTIR, and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), along with wide‐angle powder XRD, N2 physisorption, high‐resolution (HR)‐TEM, high angle annular dark field scanning transmission electron microscopy (HAADF‐STEM), and energy‐dispersive X‐ray (EDX) mapping spectroscopic studies. The resulting Pd‐POP based materials exhibit highly efficient catalytic performance with superior stability in promoting biomass refining (hydrodeoxygenation of vanillin, a typical compound of lignin‐derived bio‐oil). Outstanding catalytic performance (≈98 % conversion of vanillin with exclusive selectivity for hydrogenolysis product 2‐methoxy‐4‐methylphenol) has been achieved over the newly designed Pd‐POP catalyst under the optimized reaction conditions (140 °C, 10 bar H2 pressure), affording a turnover frequency (TOF) value of 8.51 h−1 and no significant drop in catalytic activity with desired product selectivity has been noticed for ten successive catalytic cycles, demonstrating the excellent stability and reproducibility of this catalyst system. A size‐ and location‐dependent catalytic performance for the Pd NPs with small size (1.31±0.36 and 2.71±0.25 nm) has been investigated in vanillin hydrodeoxygenation reaction with our newly designed Pd‐POP catalysts. The presence of well‐dispersed electron‐rich metallic Pd sites and highly rigid cross‐linked amine‐functionalized POP framework with high surface area is thought to be responsible for the high catalytic activity and improvement in catalyst stability.
The Isoxazole Ring and Its N‐Oxide: A Privileged Core Structure in Neuropsychiatric Therapeutics
Authors: Pairas George N. , Perperopoulou Fereniki , Tsoungas Petros G. , Varvounis George
Published: March 2017

Mental disorders are neuropsychiatric conditions that are marked by unusual or irregular thinking, feelings, or behavior, and lead to distress and/or impaired functions. Major psychiatric conditions are depression, anxiety, and psychoses of various types. Their etiopathogeneses, of a primary or secondary origin, are associated with genetic and environmental factors. They are commonly treated with psychoactive drugs (also known as psychotropics), which target serotonin, dopamine, norepinephrine, glutamate, and nuclear receptors (NRs), including retinoic acid receptor‐related orphan receptors (RORs) and other receptors in the central nervous system (CNS). Herein we present a diverse array of isoxazole derivatives, among which are some prominent marketed drugs. Some of the derivatives and forms, including N‐oxides, are under either (pre)clinical evaluation or patent protection as new generation of psychotropics, and a few have effective blood–brain barrier (BBB) permeability. Various drug‐like isoxazol(in)es and their structural features and efficiency, modified through scaffold hopping, are described and discussed in the context of treating neuropsychiatric conditions.
Solvent‐Adaptive Behavior of Oligospirobifluorenes at the Surface of Quartz Crystal Microbalances— A Conformational Process
Authors: Pyka Isabella , Lubczyk Daniel , Saiju Mandira D. S. , Salbeck Josef , Waldvogel Siegfried R.
Published: March 2017

Invited for this month's cover are the groups of Siegfried R. Waldvogel at the Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz and of Josef Salbeck at the University Kassel (both Germany). The image shows the swelling of a blowfish to represent the reversible conformational change of an oligospirobifluorene derivative upon solvation. Read the full text of the article at 10.1002/cplu.201600583.
Non‐Typeable Haemophilus influenzae Infection of the Junbo Mouse
Authors: Cheeseman Michael T. , Hood Derek W.
Published: March 2017

Acute otitis media, inflammation of the middle ear bulla, is the most common bacterial infection in children. For one of the principal otopathogens, non‐typeable Haemophilus influenzae (NTHi), animal models allow us to investigate host‐microbial interactions relevant to the onset and progression of infection and to study treatment of middle ear disease. We have established a robust model of NTHi middle ear infection in the Junbo mouse. Intranasal inoculation with NTHi produces high rates of bulla infection and high bacterial titers in bulla fluids; bacteria can also spread down the respiratory tract to the mouse lung. An innate immune response is detected in the bulla of Junbo mice following NTHi infection, and bacteria are maintained in some ears at least up to day 56 post‐inoculation. The Junbo/NTHi infection model facilitates studies on bacterial pathogenesis and antimicrobial intervention regimens and vaccines for better treatment and prevention of NTHi middle ear infection. © 2017 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Nanostructured Silica–Titania Hybrid using Dendritic Fibrous Nanosilica as a Photocatalyst
Authors: Bayal Nisha , Singh Rustam , Polshettiwar Vivek
Published: March 2017

A new method has been developed to fabricate active TiO2 photocatalysts by tuning the morphology of the catalyst support. A sustainable solution‐phase TiO2 deposition on dendritic fibrous nanosilica (DFNS) protocol is developed, which is better than the complex and expensive atomic layer deposition technique. In general, catalytic activity decreases with an increased TiO2 loading on conventional mesoporous silica because of the loss of the surface area caused by the blocking of pores. Notably, in the case of the dendritic fibrous nanosilica KCC‐1 as a support, because of its open fibrous morphology, even at the highest TiO2 loading, a relatively large amount of surface area remained intact. This improved the accessibility of active sites, which increased the catalytic performance of the KCC‐1/TiO2 photocatalyst. KCC‐1‐supported TiO2 is a superior photocatalyst in terms of H2 generation (26.4 mmol g
−1 h−1) under UV light. This study may provide a new direction for photocatalyst development through the morphology control of the support.
The trade‐off between fecundity and egg size in a polymorphic population of Arctic charr (Salvelinus alpinus (L.)) in Skogsfjordvatn, subarctic Norway
Authors: Smalås Aslak , Amundsen Per‐Arne , Knudsen Rune
Published: February 2017

Reproductive traits differ between intralacustrine Arctic charr morphs. Here, we examine three sympatric lacustrine Arctic charr morphs with respect to fecundity, egg size and spawning time/site to assess reproductive investments and trade‐offs, and possible fitness consequences. The littoral omnivore morph (LO‐morph) utilizes the upper water for feeding and reproduction and spawn early in October. The large profundal piscivore morph (PP‐morph) and the small profundal benthivore morph (PB‐morph) utilize the profundal habitat for feeding and reproduction and spawn in December and November, respectively. Females from all morphs were sampled for fecundity and egg‐size analysis. There were large differences between the morphs. The PB‐morph had the lowest fecundity (mean = 45, SD = 13) and smallest egg size (mean = 3.2 mm, SD = 0.32 mm). In contrast, the PP‐morph had the highest fecundity (mean = 859.5, SD = 462) and the largest egg size (mean = 4.5 mm, SD = 0.46 mm), whereas the LO‐morph had intermediate fecundity (mean = 580, SD = 225) and egg size (mean = 4.3, SD = 0.24 mm). Fecundity increased with increasing body size within each morph. This was not the case for egg size, which was independent of body sizes within morph. Different adaptations to feeding and habitat utilization have apparently led to a difference in the trade‐off between fecundity and egg size among the three different morphs.
Group foraging in Socotra cormorants: A biologging approach to the study of a complex behavior
Authors: Cook Timothée R. , Gubiani Rob , Ryan Peter G. , Muzaffar Sabir B.
Published: February 2017

Group foraging contradicts classic ecological theory because intraspecific competition normally increases with aggregation. Hence, there should be evolutionary benefits to group foraging. The study of group foraging in the field remains challenging however, because of the large number of individuals involved and the remoteness of the interactions to the observer. Biologging represents a cost‐effective solution to these methodological issues. By deploying GPS and temperature–depth loggers on individuals over a period of several consecutive days, we investigated intraspecific foraging interactions in the Socotra cormorantPhalacrocorax nigrogularis, a threatened colonial seabird endemic to the Arabian Peninsula. In particular, we examined how closely birds from the same colony associated with each other spatially when they were at sea at the same time and the distance between foraging dives at different periods of the day. Results show that the position of different birds overlapped substantially, all birds targeting the same general foraging grounds throughout the day, likely following the same school of fish. There were as many as 44,500 birds within the foraging flock at sea at any time (50% of the colony), and flocking density was high, with distance between birds ranging from 8 to 1,380 m. Birds adopted a diving strategy maximizing time spent underwater relative to surface time, resulting in up to 72% of birds underwater in potential contact with prey at all times while foraging. Our data suggest that the benefits of group foraging outweigh the costs of intense aggregation in this seabird. Prey detection and information transmission are facilitated in large groups. Once discovered, shoaling prey are concentrated under the effect of the multitude. Fish school cohesiveness is then disorganized by continuous attacks of diving birds to facilitate prey capture. Decreasing population size could pose a risk to the persistence of threatened seabirds where group size is important for foraging success.
Resemblance profiles as clustering decision criteria: Estimating statistical power, error, and correspondence for a hypothesis test for multivariate structure
Authors: Kilborn Joshua P. , Jones David L. , Peebles Ernst B. , Naar David F.
Published: February 2017

Clustering data continues to be a highly active area of data analysis, and resemblance profiles are being incorporated into ecological methodologies as a hypothesis testing‐based approach to clustering multivariate data. However, these new clustering techniques have not been rigorously tested to determine the performance variability based on the algorithm's assumptions or any underlying data structures. Here, we use simulation studies to estimate the statistical error rates for the hypothesis test for multivariate structure based on dissimilarity profiles (DISPROF). We concurrently tested a widely used algorithm that employs the unweighted pair group method with arithmetic mean (UPGMA) to estimate the proficiency of clustering with DISPROF as a decision criterion. We simulated unstructured multivariate data from different probability distributions with increasing numbers of objects and descriptors, and grouped data with increasing overlap, overdispersion for ecological data, and correlation among descriptors within groups. Using simulated data, we measured the resolution and correspondence of clustering solutions achieved by DISPROF with UPGMA against the reference grouping partitions used to simulate the structured test datasets. Our results highlight the dynamic interactions between dataset dimensionality, group overlap, and the properties of the descriptors within a group (i.e., overdispersion or correlation structure) that are relevant to resemblance profiles as a clustering criterion for multivariate data. These methods are particularly useful for multivariate ecological datasets that benefit from distance‐based statistical analyses. We propose guidelines for using DISPROF as a clustering decision tool that will help future users avoid potential pitfalls during the application of methods and the interpretation of results.
Prey diversity as a driver of resource partitioning between river‐dwelling fish species
Authors: Sánchez‐Hernández Javier , Gabler Heidi‐Marie , Amundsen Per‐Arne
Published: February 2017

Although food resource partitioning among sympatric species has often been explored in riverine systems, the potential influence of prey diversity on resource partitioning is little known. Using empirical data, we modeled food resource partitioning (assessed as dietary overlap) of coexisting juvenile Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) and alpine bullhead (Cottus poecilopus). Explanatory variables incorporated into the model were fish abundance, benthic prey diversity and abundance, and several dietary metrics to give a total of seventeen potential explanatory variables. First, a forward stepwise procedure based on the Akaike information criterion was used to select explanatory variables with significant effects on food resource partitioning. Then, linear mixed‐effect models were constructed using the selected explanatory variables and with sampling site as a random factor. Food resource partitioning between salmon and bullhead increased significantly with increasing prey diversity, and the variation in food resource partitioning was best described by the model that included prey diversity as the only explanatory variable. This study provides empirical support for the notion that prey diversity is a key driver of resource partitioning among competing species.
Responses of coral reef fishes to past climate changes are related to life‐history traits
Authors: Ottimofiore Eduardo , Albouy Camille , Leprieur Fabien , Descombes Patrice , Kulbicki Michel , Mouillot David , Parravicini Valeriano , Pellissier Loïc
Published: February 2017

Coral reefs and their associated fauna are largely impacted by ongoing climate change. Unravelling species responses to past climatic variations might provide clues on the consequence of ongoing changes. Here, we tested the relationship between changes in sea surface temperature and sea levels during the Quaternary and present‐day distributions of coral reef fish species. We investigated whether species‐specific responses are associated with life‐history traits. We collected a database of coral reef fish distribution together with life‐history traits for the Indo‐Pacific Ocean. We ran species distribution models (SDMs) on 3,725 tropical reef fish species using contemporary environmental factors together with a variable describing isolation from stable coral reef areas during the Quaternary. We quantified the variance explained independently by isolation from stable areas in the SDMs and related it to a set of species traits including body size and mobility. The variance purely explained by isolation from stable coral reef areas on the distribution of extant coral reef fish species largely varied across species. We observed a triangular relationship between the contribution of isolation from stable areas in the SDMs and body size. Species, whose distribution is more associated with historical changes, occurred predominantly in the Indo‐Australian archipelago, where the mean size of fish assemblages is the lowest. Our results suggest that the legacy of habitat changes of the Quaternary is still detectable in the extant distribution of many fish species, especially those with small body size and the most sedentary. Because they were the least able to colonize distant habitats in the past, fish species with smaller body size might have the most pronounced lags in tracking ongoing climate change.
Role of breeding and natal movements in lifetime dispersal of a forest‐dwelling rodent
Authors: Selonen Vesa , Wistbacka Ralf
Published: March 2017

The lifetime movements of an individual determine the gene flow and invasion potential of the species. However, sex dependence of dispersal and selective pressures driving dispersal have gained much more attention than dispersal at different life and age stages. Natal dispersal is more common than dispersal between breeding attempts, but breeding dispersal may be promoted by resource availability and competition. Here, we utilize mark–recapture data on the nest‐box population of Siberian flying squirrels to analyze lifetime dispersal patterns. Natal dispersal means the distance between the natal nest and the nest used the following year, whereas breeding movements refer to the nest site changes between breeding attempts. The movement distances observed here were comparable to distances reported earlier from radio‐telemetry studies. Breeding movements did not contribute to lifetime dispersal distance and were not related to variation in food abundance or habitat patch size. Breeding movements of males were negatively, albeit not strongly, related to male population size. In females, breeding movement activity was low and was not related to previous breeding success or to competition between females for territories. Natal philopatry was linked to apparent death of a mother; that is, we did not find evidence for mothers bequeathing territories for offspring, like observed in some other rodent species. Our results give an example of a species in which breeding movements are not driven by environmental variability or nest site quality. Different evolutionary forces often operate in natal and breeding movements, and our study supports the view that juveniles are responsible for redistributing individuals within and between populations. This emphasizes the importance of knowledge on natal dispersal, if we want to understand consequences of movement ecology of the species at the population level.
Natal origin affects host preference and larval performance relationships in a tritrophic system
Authors: Verschut Thomas A. , Blažytė‐Čereškienė Laima , Apšegaitė Violeta , Mozūraitis Raimondas , Hambäck Peter A.
Published: February 2017

Many insects face the challenge to select oviposition sites in heterogeneous environments where biotic and abiotic factors can change over time. One way to deal with this complexity is to use sensory experiences made during developmental stages to locate similar habitats or hosts in which larval development can be maximized. While various studies have investigated oviposition preference and larval performance relationships in insects, they have largely overlooked that sensory experiences made during the larval stage can affect such relationships. We addressed this issue by determining the role of natal experience on oviposition preference and larval performance relationships in a tritrophic system consisting of Galerucella sagittariae, feeding on the two host plants Potentilla palustris and Lysimachia thyrsiflora, and its larval parasitoid Asecodes lucens. We firstly determined whether differences in host‐derived olfactory information could lead to divergent host selection, and secondly, whether host preference could result in higher larval performance based on the natal origin of the insects. Our results showed that the natal origin and the quality of the current host are both important aspects in oviposition preference and larval performance relationships. While we found a positive relationship between preference and performance for natal Lysimachia beetles, natal Potentilla larvae showed no such relationship and developed better on L. thyrsiflora. Additionally, the host selection by the parasitoid was mainly affected by the natal origin, while its performance was higher on Lysimachia larvae. With this study, we showed that the relationship between oviposition preference and larval performance depends on the interplay between the natal origin of the female and the quality of the current host. However, without incorporating the full tritrophic context of these interactions, their implication in insect fitness and potential adaptation cannot be fully understood.
Abnormal haemodynamic postural response in patients with chronic heart failure
Authors: Bronzwaer Anne‐Sophie G.T. , Bogert Lysander W.J. , Westerhof Berend E. , Piek Jan J. , Daemen Mat J.A.P. , van Lieshout Johannes J.
Published: February 2017

Aim

The objective was to evaluate in treated heart failure (HF) patients whether multidrug therapy interferes with the cardiovascular autonomic response to postural stress.

Methods and results

Blood pressure (BP; Finapres), heart rate (HR), stroke volume, and total peripheral resistance (TPR) responses to standing up were measured in 33 HF patients and 10 healthy age‐matched controls. Ten hypertensive (HT) patients treated with a similar combination of drugs but without heart failure served as reference subjects to account for use of medication. Frequency domain measures of HR and BP variability were calculated as correlates of cardiovascular autonomic function. Postural hypotension was found in 16 out of 33 HF patients independently from New York Heart Association functional class. In HF patients vs. HT patients and healthy controls the haemodynamic postural response was abnormal with a large initial BP fall and a slackened reflex increase in TPR resulting in inadequate BP recovery. HR and BP variability were normal in HT patients and healthy controls but attenuated in HF patients. The magnitude of the postural HR, stroke volume, and TPR responses as well as HR and BP variability was inversely related to the New York Heart Association class.

Conclusions

In HF patients, the autonomic vasomotor response to postural stress is abnormal, more pronounced with increasing disease severity, and frequently associated with overt postural hypotension. These phenomena appear related to the cardiac condition rather than treatment.
Plasma biomarkers to predict or rule out early post‐discharge events after hospitalization for acute heart failure
Authors: Demissei Biniyam G. , Postmus Douwe , Cleland John G. , O'Connor Christopher M. , Metra Marco , Ponikowski Piotr , Teerlink John R. , Cotter Gad , Davison Beth A. , Givertz Michael M. , Bloomfield Daniel M. , van Veldhuisen Dirk J. , Dittrich Howard C. , Hillege Hans L. , Voors Adriaan A.
Published: March 2017

Aim

Improved prediction of early post‐discharge death or rehospitalization after admission for acute heart failure is a major unmet need. We evaluated the value of biomarkers to predict either low or high risk for early post‐discharge events.

Methods and results

A total of 1653 patients enrolled in the PROTECT trial who were discharged alive and with available blood samples were included. Forty‐seven biomarkers were serially evaluated in these patients. Measurement closest to discharge was used to evaluate the predictive value of biomarkers for low and high post‐discharge risk. Patients were classified as ‘low risk’ if post‐discharge 30‐day risk of death or heart failure rehospitalization was <5% while risk >20% was used to define ‘high risk’. Cut‐off values that yielded a 95% negative predictive value and a 20% positive predictive value were identified for each biomarker. Partial area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (pAUC) in the high‐sensitivity and high‐specificity regions was calculated to compare low‐risk and high‐risk predictive values. Of patients analysed, 193 (11.7%) patients reached the 30‐day death or heart failure rehospitalization outcome. We found marked differences between low‐risk and high‐risk predictors. Cardiac‐specific troponin I was the strongest biomarker for low‐risk prediction (pAUC = 0.552, 95% confidence interval 0.52–0.58) while endothelin‐1 showed better performance for high‐risk prediction (pAUC = 0.560, 95% confidence interval 0.53–0.59). Several biomarkers (individually and in combination) provided added predictive value, on top of a clinical model, in both low‐risk and high‐risk regions.

Conclusion

Different biomarkers predicted low risk vs. high risk of early post‐discharge death or heart failure readmission in patients hospitalized for acute heart failure.
Hydrogen Atom Transfer (HAT): A Versatile Strategy for Substrate Activation in Photocatalyzed Organic Synthesis
Authors: Capaldo Luca , Ravelli Davide
Published: March 2017

The adoption of hydrogen atom transfer (HAT) in a photocatalytic approach, in which an excited catalyst is responsible for substrate activation, offers unique opportunities in organic synthesis, enabling the straightforward activation of R–H (R = C, Si, S) bonds in desired reagents. Either a direct strategy, based on the intrinsic reactivity of a limited number of photocatalysts in the excited state, or an indirect one, in which a photocatalytic cycle is used for the generation of a thermal hydrogen abstractor, can be exploited. This microreview summarizes the most recent advances (mainly from the last two years) in this rapidly developing area of research, collecting the selected examples according to the nature of the species promoting the HAT process. From the synthetic point of view, this area has led to the development of a plethora of strategies for C–C, C–Si, C–N, C–S, and C–halogen (particularly, fluorine) bond formation, as well as for oxidation reactions.
Towards a Total Synthesis of Phenalinolactone Core Diterpenoid 6: Synthesis of a Racemic Decahydrobenzocyclobutaisobenzofuran with a trans‐anti‐cis Junction of the Isocyclic Rings
Authors: Hampel Thomas , Brückner Reinhard
Published: March 2017

Synthetic efforts towards the “phenalinolactone core diterpenoid 6” (5) are described. It contains a cyclohexyl alcohol (A ring), a cyclohexane (B ring), and a cyclohexene (C ring), which are angularly annulated trans and cis, respectively. What makes them unique is the trans‐ (or “anti”‐) relationship between the A and the C ring. The trans‐configured A/B ring junction was established in a novel cyclohexanone annulation. Anti‐selective cis‐annulations of the C ring failed when attempted with intramolecular Diels–Alder reactions with dienes of varied electron demand (21, 31). In contrast, an anti‐selective cis‐annulation of a C ring precursor based on an intramolecular [2+2]‐photocycloaddition succeeded. It provided the tetracycle 38 in 70 % yield. It contains a densely functionalized four‐membered ring. It should lend itself to ring‐opening(s) and/or rearrangement(s). Accordingly, compound 38 should be adoptable to proceeding to the target structure 5 in future work.
Transoral laser microsurgery or total laryngectomy for recurrent squamous cell carcinoma of the larynx: Retrospective analysis of 199 cases
Authors: Weiss Bernhard G. , Bertlich Mattis , Canis Martin , Ihler Friedrich
Published: March 2017

Background

Surgical treatment options for local recurrences of laryngeal cancer can be either organ‐preserving surgery or total laryngectomy. The purpose of this study was to present our evaluation of the treatment with transoral laser microsurgery (TLM) in comparison to laryngectomy.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective review of 199 consecutive patients with recurrent laryngeal cancer at 1 tertiary referral center.

Results

The 5‐year overall survival, disease‐specific survival, and local control rates were 64.8%, 79.6%, and 57.5%, respectively, for 93 patients with early tumors treated by TLM, 28.9%, 41.7%, and 43.7%, respectively, for 52 patients with advanced tumors treated by TLM as well as 39.4%, 44.6%, and 68.8%, respectively, for 54 patients with advanced tumors treated by total laryngectomy. Five‐year larynx‐preservation rate was 77.7% for early as well as 68.4% for advanced tumors treated by TLM.

Conclusion

TLM is an option in early and in selected cases of advanced locally recurrent laryngeal cancer. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck 39: 1166–1176, 2017
Synergistic effect of DDT and its metabolites in lipopolysaccharide‐mediated TNF‐α production is inhibited by progesterone in peripheral blood mononuclear cells
Authors: Dominguez‐Lopez Pablo , Diaz‐Cueto Laura , Aguilar‐Rojas Arturo , Arechavaleta‐Velasco Fabian
Published: February 2017

Increased TNF‐α levels have been associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes. Lipopolysaccharide (LPS), 1,1,1‐trichloro‐2,2‐bis‐(chlorophenyl)ethane (DDT), 1,1‐bis‐(chlorophenyl)‐2,2‐dichloroethene (DDE), and 1,1‐dichloro‐2,2‐bis(chlorophenyl)ethane (DDD) induce TNF‐α release in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC). Conversely, progesterone (P4) inhibits TNF‐α secretion. Pregnant women in malaria endemic areas may be co‐exposure to these compounds. Thus, this study was to investigate the synergistic effect of LPS and these pesticides in PBMC and to assess P4 influence on this synergy. Cultured PBMC were exposed to each pesticide in the presence of LPS, P4, or their combination. TNF‐α was measured by ELISA. All pesticides enhanced TNF‐α synthesis in PBMC. Co‐exposure with LPS synergizes TNF‐α production, which is blocked by progesterone. These results indicate that these organochlorines act synergistically with LPS to induce TNF‐α secretion in PBMC. This effect is blocked by P4.
Development a rapid and accurate multiplex real time PCR method for the detection Chlamydia trachomatis and Mycoplasma hominis
Authors: Safarkar Roya , Mehrabadi Jalil Fallah , Noormohammadi Zahra , Mirnejad Reza
Published: February 2017

Background

Sexually transmitted diseases easily spread among sexually active people and often have no symptoms. Rapid and accurate method for detecting these infections are necessary in early stages. The traditional detection methods of them are difficult and time—consuming.

Methods

In this study, multiplex real time PCR was optimized for rapid identification of Chlamydia trachomatis and Mycoplasma hominis in a single tube and was performed with our designed primers. The sensitivity test was carried out to designed primers with diluted genomic DNA. To defined the specificity, non STD bacteria were used as DNA template.

Results

This study indicated that the developed multiplex real time PCR can be an effective alternative procedure to the conventional methods for rapid and accurate identification of C Chlamydia trachomatis and Mycoplasma hominis. Multiplex real‐time PCR Results of them were checked with melting curves. The sensitivity of our designed primer by multiplex real time PCR for Chlamydia trachomatis and Mycoplasma hominis were 4.78×1010 and 8.35×1010, respectively, Which the primers did not amplify any product from a non‐STD species.

Conclusions

Multiplex real time PCR by our new primers and analysis of melting curves were successfully usable for rapid and accurate detection of Chlamydia trachomatis and Mycoplasma hominis. This assay instead of traditional culture method, has considerable potential to be rapid, accurate and highly sensitive molecular diagnostic tool for simultaneous and direct detection.
Delta neutrophil index: A reliable marker to differentiate perforated appendicitis from non‐perforated appendicitis in the elderly
Authors: Shin Dong Hyuk , Cho Young Suk , Kim Yoon Sung , Ahn Hee Cheol , Oh Young Taeck , Park Sang O. , Won Moo‐Ho , Cho Jun Hwi , Kim Young Myeong , Seo Jeong Yeol , Lee Young Hwan
Published: February 2017

Background

Delta neutrophil index (DNI) is a new inflammatory marker and the present study aimed to evaluate the predictive value of the DNI for the presence of a perforation in elderly with acute appendicitis.

Methods

This retrospective observational study was conducted on 108 consecutive elderly patients (≥65 years old) with acute appendicitis treated over a 24‐month period.

Results

Sixty‐nine of the 108 patients (median, IQR: 72, 67‐77 years) were allocated to the perforated appendicitis group (63.9%) and 39 to the non‐perforated appendicitis group (36.1%). WBC, neutrophil‐to‐lymphocyte ratio, platelet‐to‐lymphocyte ratio and DNI were significantly higher in the perforated group. In multiple logistic regression analyses, initial DNI was the only independent marker that can significantly predict the presence of perforation in multiple regression [odds ratio 9.38, 95% confidence interval (2.51‐35.00), P=.001]. Receiver operator characteristic curve analysis showed that DNI is a good predictor for the presence of appendiceal perforation at an optimal cut‐off for DNI being 1.4% (sensitivity 67.7%, specificity 90.0%, AUC 0.807).

Conclusion

Clinicians can reliably differentiate acute perforated appendicitis from non‐perforated appendicitis by DNI level of 1.4 or more in elderly patients.
Pretreatment platelet‐to‐lymphocyte ratio is associated with the response to first‐line chemotherapy and survival in patients with metastatic gastric cancer
Authors: Wang Jin , Qu Jinglei , Li Zhi , Che Xiaofang , Liu Jing , Teng Yuee , Jin Bo , Zhao Mingfang , Liu Yunpeng , Qu Xiujuan
Published: February 2017

Background

Several studies have shown that platelet‐to‐lymphocyte ratio (PLR) is a prognostic factor for various cancers. However, there is no study about the role of PLR in predicting response to first‐line chemotherapy of metastatic gastric cancer. Therefore, this study aimed to establish whether PLR is associated with the response to first‐line chemotherapy and survival in patients with metastatic gastric cancer.

Methods

We enrolled 273 patients diagnosed with metastatic gastric cancer. The best cut‐off value of PLR to predict chemotherapeutic response was chosen by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis. Prognostic significance was determined using the log‐rank test and multivariate Cox regression analysis.

Results

Based on the cut‐off value of PLR, patients were divided into a low PLR group and high PLR group. In logistic regression analysis, the low PLR group had a significantly higher disease control rate than the high PLR group had (91.3 vs 76.1%, P=.002), and PLR was an independent risk factor for response to first‐line chemotherapy (odds ratio [OR]: 3.256; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.521‐6.969; P=.002). The low PLR group had significantly longer overall survival (OS) than the high PLR group had (13.4 vs 9.2 months; P=.020). Multivariate survival analysis showed that PLR was significantly associated with OS [hazard ratio (HR): 1.002; 95% CI: 1.000‐1.003; P=.020].

Conclusions

Pre‐treatment PLR is associated with the response rate to first‐line chemotherapy and survival outcomes in patients with metastatic gastric cancer.
Classification of Vertex‐Transitive Cubic Partial Cubes
Authors: Marc Tilen
Published: February 2017

Partial cubes are graphs isometrically embeddable into hypercubes. In this article, it is proved that every cubic, vertex‐transitive partial cube is isomorphic to one of the following graphs: , for , the generalized Petersen graph G(10, 3), the cubic permutahedron, the truncated cuboctahedron, or the truncated icosidodecahedron. This classification is a generalization of results of Brešar et  al. (Eur J Combin 25 (2004), 55–64) on cubic mirror graphs; it includes all cubic, distance‐regular partial cubes (P. M. Weichsel, Discrete Math 109 (1992), 297–306), and presents a contribution to the classification of all cubic partial cubes.
Vizing's 2‐Factor Conjecture Involving Large Maximum Degree
Authors: Chen Guantao , Shan Songling
Published: March 2017

Let G be an n‐vertex simple graph, and let and denote the maximum degree and chromatic index of G, respectively. Vizing proved that or . Define G to be Δ‐critical if and for every proper subgraph H of G. In 1965, Vizing conjectured that if G is an n‐vertex Δ‐critical graph, then G has a 2‐factor. Luo and Zhao showed if G is an n‐vertex Δ‐critical graph with , then G has a hamiltonian cycle, and so G has a 2‐factor. In this article, we show that if G is an n‐vertex Δ‐critical graph with , then G has a 2‐factor.
Dual‐energy CT in gout – A review of current concepts and applications
Authors: Chou Hong , Chin Teck Yew , Peh Wilfred C. G.
Published: February 2017

Dual‐energy computed tomography (DECT) is a relatively recent development in the imaging of gouty arthritis. Its availability and usage have become increasingly widespread in recent years. DECT is a non‐invasive method for the visualisation, characterisation and quantification of monosodium urate crystal deposits which aids the clinician in the early diagnosis, treatment and follow‐up of this condition. This article aims to give an up to date review and summary of existing literature on the role and accuracy of DECT in the imaging of gout. Techniques in image acquisition, processing and interpretation will be discussed along with pitfalls, artefacts and clinical applications.
Can hydrochar and pyrochar affect nitrogen uptake and biomass allocation in poplars?
Authors: George Elizabeth , Ventura Maurizio , Panzacchi Pietro , Scandellari Francesca , Tonon Giustino
Published: March 2017

Positive effects of pyrochar on soil nutrient availability and plant growth are widely reported in literature. However, few studies have reported effects of hydrochars on plant nutrition. A pot trial was conducted over a period of 2 years to investigate the effect of a pyrochar (AGT) and a hydrochar (HTC) on poplar (Populus × generosa, clone AF8) growth, biomass allocation and nitrogen (N) uptake with special emphasis on the quantification (using an isotopic mass balance approach) of char‐derived nitrogen (CDN) absorbed by plants. We found that both pyrochar and hydrochar positively affected above‐ground biomass productivity in the first year, and biomass and nitrogen (N) allocation over the 2 years by reducing the allocation of resources to fine roots. By the end of the experiment, even though the total N uptake was not affected by char, the CDN was more than 24% of the total N absorbed by HTC‐treated plants compared to a negligible amount absorbed by AGT‐treated ones. Finally, char did not affect nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) in the first year of growth, but by the end of the experiment, NUE was higher in the above‐ground biomass of HTC‐treated than in AGT‐ and control poplars.
Postoperative complications following intraoperative radiotherapy in abdominopelvic malignancy: A single institution analysis of 113 consecutive patients
Authors: Abdelfatah Eihab , Page Andrew , Sacks Justin , Pierorazio Phillip , Bivalacqua Trinity , Efron Jonathan , Terezakis Stephanie , Gearhart Susan , Fang Sandy , Safar Bashar , Pawlik Timothy M. , Armour Elwood , Hacker‐Prietz Amy , Herman Joseph , Ahuja Nita
Published: March 2017

BACKGROUND

Intraoperative radiotherapy (IORT) has advantages over external beam radiation therapy (EBRT). Few studies have described side effects associated with its addition. We evaluated our institution's experience with abdominopelvic IORT to assess safety by postoperative complication rates.

METHODS

Prospectively collected IRB‐approved database of all patients receiving abdominopelvic IORT (via high dose rate brachytherapy) at Johns Hopkins Hospital between November 2006 and May 2014 was reviewed. Patients were discussed in multidisciplinary conferences. Those selected for IORT were patients for whom curative intent resection was planned for which IORT could improve margin‐negative resection and optimize locoregional control. Perioperative complications were classified via Clavien‐Dindo scale for postoperative surgical complications.

RESULTS

A total of 113 patients were evaluated. Most common diagnosis was sarcoma (50/113, 44%) followed by colorectal cancer (45/113, 40%), most of which were recurrent (84%). There were no perioperative deaths. A total of 57% of patients experienced a complication Grade II or higher: 24% (27/113) Grade II; 27% (30/113) Grade III; 7% (8/113) Grade IV. Wound complications were most common (38%), then gastrointestinal (25%). No radiotherapy variables were significantly associated with complications on uni/multi‐variate analysis.

CONCLUSIONS

Our institution's experience with IORT demonstrated historically expected postoperative complication rates. IORT is safe, with acceptable perioperative morbidity.
Surface Armour and Erosion – Impacts on Long‐term Landscape Evolution
Authors: Hancock G.R. , Lowry J.B.C. , Saynor M.
Published: March 2017

The parameterisation of landscape evolution models is key to their reliable use. To determine reliable parameter sets, data collected from many events over a number of years are required. However, for many recently disturbed, degraded and/or rehabilitated sites, this data may not represent the long‐term behaviour of the surface as armouring, weathering, together with vegetation establishment change the erodibility of the surface. Here, we evaluate a new armouring sub‐model within the SIBERIA landscape evolution model. The calibration of the armour model is conducted using 6 years of field data from four plots, each composed of different surface materials and vegetation characteristics. The calibrated model is then tested on an area of the proposed rehabilitated landform of the Ranger Uranium Mine in the Northern Territory, Australia. The SIBERIA model was then run for a simulated period of 100,000 years using parameters representing (i) a surface constructed of fresh waste rock; (ii) a vegetated surface; and (iii) the calibrated armour sub‐model. The results demonstrate that the different parameter sets produce catchments that are unique despite the same starting surface. Surface material properties exert a first‐order control on landscape evolution. Therefore making predictions for the evolution of a landscape requires a reliable understanding of the material properties. This requires a knowledge of what material will be placed where in the catchment. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Dynamics and production of dissolved organic carbon in a large continental shelf system under the influence of both river plume and coastal upwelling
Authors: Wu Kai , Dai Minhan , Li Xiaolin , Meng Feifei , Chen Junhui , Lin Jianrong
Published: March 2017

We examined the dynamics and production of dissolved organic carbon (DOC) on a large continental shelf in the northern South China Sea, which is largely shaped by a river plume and coastal upwelling, based on a cruise in summer 2008. The plume water extended from the mouth of the Pearl River estuary to the middle shelf and was characterized by high DOC concentrations, while the upwelled water occupying the nearshore area featured low DOC concentrations. Biological production of DOC was observed in both the river plume and the coastal upwelling zones with different behavior between regions. The system appeared to be autotrophic in terms of DOC throughout the plume, while in the upwelling circulation, the metabolism of DOC was mixed trophic. Nevertheless, the integrated net DOC production rate of 11.5 ± 6.9 mmol C m−2 d−1 in the upwelling zone was comparable to that in the plume (7.1 ± 7.0 mmol C m−2 d−1). The net DOC production correlated strongly with net consumption of dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC) and inorganic nutrients, suggesting that the net DOC production was highly coupled to net community production (NCP) in both the plume and upwelling zones. Both regimes had similar DOC/NCP partitioning, with 19–27% of NCP in the plume and 24–26% of NCP in the upwelling zones converted to DOC. A positive correlation was also found between particulate organic carbon (POC) and net DIC consumption, with higher POC production in the upwelling zones where large phytoplankton prevailed. Most NCP removal occurred through POC sinking and/or the diffusion and horizontal transport of DOC.
A life cycle assessment of perovskite/silicon tandem solar cells
Authors: Monteiro Lunardi Marina , Wing Yi Ho‐Baillie Anita , Alvarez‐Gaitan Juan Pablo , Moore Stephen , Corkish Richard
Published: March 2017

Given the rapid progress in perovskite solar cells in recent years, perovskite/silicon (Si) tandem structure has been proposed to be a potentially cost‐effective improvement on Si solar cells because of its higher efficiency at a minimal additional cost. As part of the evaluation, it is important to conduct a life cycle assessment on such technology in order to guide research efforts towards cell designs with minimum environmental impacts. Here, we carry out a life cycle assessment to assess global warming, human toxicity, freshwater eutrophication and ecotoxicity and abiotic depletion potential impacts and energy payback time associated with three perovskite/Si tandem cell structures using silver (Ag), gold (Au) and aluminium (Al) as top electrodes compared with p–n junction and hetero‐junction with intrinsic inverted layer Si solar cells. It was found that the replacement of the metal electrode with indium tin oxide/metal grid in the tandem cell reduces the environmental impacts significantly compared with the perovskite cell. For all the impacts assessed, we conclude that the perovskite/Si tandem using Al as top electrode has better environmental outcomes, including energy payback time, when compared with the other tandem structures studied. Use of Al in preference to noble metals for contacts, Si p–n junction in preference to intrinsic inverted layer and the avoidance of 2,20,7,70‐tetrakis(N,N‐di‐p‐methoxyphenylamine)9,90‐spirobifluorene (Spiro‐OMeTAD) are environmentally beneficial. The key result found of this work is that the most important factor for the better environmental impacts of these tandem solar cells is the transparency and electrical conductivity of the perovskite layer after it fails. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Nature of the interaction between ammonia derivatives and carbon disulfide. A theoretical investigation
Authors: Zierkiewicz Wiktor , Michalczyk Mariusz , Bieńko Dariusz , Michalska Danuta , Zeegers‐Huyskens Thérèse
Published: March 2017

The interactions between NH3, its methylated and chlorinated derivatives and CS2 are investigated by ab initio CCSD(T) and density functional BLYP‐D3 methods. The CCSD(T)/aug‐cc‐pVTZ calculated interaction energies of complexes characterized by the S···N chalcogen bonds range between −1.71 and −2.78 kcal mol−1. The S···N bonds are studied by atoms in molecules, natural bond orbital, and noncovalent interaction methods. The lack of correlation between the interaction energies of methylated amines complexes and the electrostatic potential results from the lone pair effect in aliphatic amines. Different structures of CS2 complexed with ammonia derivatives, stabilized by other than the S···N chalcogen bonds, are also predicted. These structures are characterized by interaction energies ranging between 1.15 and 3.46 kcal mol−1. The results show that the complexing ability of CS2 is not very high but this molecule is able to attack the electrophilic or nucleophilic sites of a guest molecule.
Technical Overview of Team DRC‐Hubo@UNLV's Approach to the 2015 DARPA Robotics Challenge Finals
Authors: Oh Paul , Sohn Kiwon , Jang Giho , Jun Youngbum , Cho Baek‐Kyu
Published: February 2017

This paper presents a technical overview of Team DRC‐Hubo@UNLV's approach to the 2015 DARPA Robotics Challenge Finals (DRC‐Finals). The Finals required a robotic platform that was robust and reliable in both hardware and software to complete tasks in 60 min under degraded communication. With this point of view, Team DRC‐Hubo@UNLV integrated methods and algorithms previously verified, validated, and widely used in the robotics community. For the communication aspect, a common shared memory approach that the team adopted to enable efficient data communication under the DARPA controlled network is described. A new perception head design (optimized for the tasks of the Finals) and its data processing are then presented. In the motion planning and control aspect, various techniques, such as wheel‐driven navigation, zero‐moment‐point (ZMP) ‐based locomotion, and position‐based manipulation and controls, are described in this paper. By introducing strategically critical elements and key lessons learned from DRC‐Trials 2013 and the testbed of Charleston, we also illustrate how DRC‐Hubo has evolved successfully toward the DRC‐Finals.