bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Exercise Therapy for the Management of Femoroacetabular Impingement Syndrome: Preliminary Results of Clinical Responsiveness
Authors: Casartelli Nicola C. , Bizzini Mario , Maffiuletti Nicola A. , Sutter Reto , Pfirrmann Christian W. , Leunig Michael , Naal Florian D.
Published: August 2018

Objective

To investigate the responsiveness to exercise therapy of patients with femoroacetabular impingement syndrome (FAIS), and to investigate differences in hip function, strength, and morphology between responders versus nonresponders.

Methods

Patients with FAIS underwent 12 weeks of semi‐standardized and progressive exercise therapy. A good therapy outcome (responders) versus a poor therapy outcome (nonresponders) was determined at week 18 with the Global Treatment Outcome questionnaire for hip pain. Hip function was evaluated using the Hip Outcome Score (HOS) activities of daily living (ADL) and Sport at baseline, and at weeks 6, 12, and 18. Hip muscle strength and dynamic pelvic control were evaluated using dynamometry and video analysis, respectively, at baseline, week 12, and week 18. Hip morphology was evaluated with imaging at baseline.

Results

Thirty‐one patients (mean age 24 years) were included. Sixteen patients (52%) were responsive and 15 patients (48%) were not responsive to exercise therapy. Only responders improved HOS ADL and HOS Sport by 10 points (95% confidence interval [95% CI] 7, 14; P < 0.001) and by 20 points (95% CI 15, 25; P < 0.001), respectively, and hip abductor strength by 0.27 Nm/kg (95% CI 0.18, 0.36; P < 0.001). The prevalence of patients showing good dynamic pelvic control only increased in responders (44%; P = 0.029). The prevalence of severe cam morphology was higher in nonresponders than in responders (40% versus 6%; P = 0.037).

Conclusion

Half of patients with FAIS benefit from exercise therapy in the short term. Responsiveness to hip abductor strength and dynamic pelvic control improvements is associated with a good therapy outcome, whereas the presence of severe cam morphology is associated with a poor therapy outcome.
Factors Associated With Preterm Delivery Among Women With Rheumatoid Arthritis and Women With Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis
Authors: Smith Chelsey J. F. , Förger Frauke , Bandoli Gretchen , Chambers Christina D.
Published: August 2018

Objective

Pregnant women with inflammatory arthritis may be at increased risk for preterm delivery (PTD), yet it is unclear what drives this risk. This aim of this prospective cohort study of pregnant women with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA), or healthier comparison women was to analyze the independent effects of maternal disease activity, medication use, and comorbid pregnancy conditions on PTD risk.

Methods

Women were enrolled before 19 weeks completed gestation as part of the Organization of Teratology Information Specialists (OTIS) Autoimmune Disease in Pregnancy Project. Data on pregnancy events, medications, disease activity, and outcomes were obtained by maternal report and validated by medical records. Poisson regression with robust standard errors estimated risk ratios (RR), multivariable adjusted risk ratios (ARRs), and 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs).

Results

A total of 657 women with RA, 170 with JIA, and 564 comparison women without autoimmune disease who delivered live born infants, from 2004 to 2017 were included for analysis. Both the RA and JIA groups had an increased risk of PTD versus the comparison group (RR 2.09 [95% CI 1.50–2.91] and RR 1.81 [95% CI 1.14–2.89], respectively). Active RA at enrollment (ARR 1.58 [95% CI 1.10–2.27]) and any time during pregnancy (ARR 1.52 [95% CI 1.06–2.18]) was associated with PTD. Corticosteroid use in every trimester was associated with an approximate 2‐ to 5‐fold increased risk for PTD for both arthritis groups, independent of disease activity.

Conclusion

Women with RA and women with JIA are at increased risk for PTD. Maternal disease activity and corticosteroid use may contribute to some of this excess risk.
Polarity‐Switchable Symmetric Graphite Batteries with High Energy and High Power Densities
Authors: Wang Gang , Wang Faxing , Zhang Panpan , Zhang Jian , Zhang Tao , Müllen Klaus , Feng Xinliang
Published: August 2018

Multifunctional batteries with enhanced safety performance have received considerable attention for their applications at extreme conditions. However, few batteries can endure a mix‐up of battery polarity during charging, a common wrong operation of rechargeable batteries. Herein, a polarity‐switchable battery based on the switchable intercalation feature of graphite is demonstrated. The unique redox‐amphoteric intercalation behavior of graphite allows a reversible switching of graphite between anode and cathode, thus enabling polarity‐switchable symmetric graphite batteries. The large potential gap between anion and cation intercalation delivers a high midpoint device voltage (≈average voltage) of ≈4.5 V. Further, both the graphite anode and cathode are kinetically activated during the polarity switching. Consequently, polarity‐switchable symmetric graphite batteries exhibit a remarkable cycling stability (96% capacity retention after 500 cycles), a high power density of 8.66 kW kg−1, and a high energy density of 227 Wh kg−1 (calculated based on the total weight of active materials in both anode and cathode), which are superior to other symmetric batteries and recently reported dual‐graphite or dual‐carbon batteries. This work will inspire the development of new multifunctional energy‐storage devices based on novel materials and electrolyte systems.
One‐Step Solvent‐Free Strategy for Covalently Attached, Substrate‐Independent Transparent Slippery Coating
Authors: Zhang Guangyu , Liang Bang , Zhong Zhenxing , Huang Yan , Su Zhaohui
Published: August 2018

Slippery liquid‐infused porous surfaces (SLIPS) have attracted interest in recent years due to their outstanding liquid‐repellency. However, the infused liquid may be lost over time. Here, a one‐step fabrication of robust slippery coatings that are water repellent is reported. By crosslinking a mixture of monovinyl‐ and divinyl‐terminated poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS) with poly(methylhydrosiloxane) via a hydrosilylation reaction, crosslinked coatings composed of PDMS skeleton and tethered, liquidlike PDMS pendant chains are prepared. The coatings are durable, transparent, and slippery, displaying extremely low water contact angle hysteresis, fostering the sliding motion of adhered water droplets. Produced via a simple, solvent‐free process requiring only commercially available reagents, the fluorine‐free coatings can be applied on a variety of substrates, opening the door to many industrial applications.
Transition Metal‐Controlled Direct Regioselective Intermolecular Amidation of C−H Bonds with Azodicarboxylates: Scope, Mechanistic Studies, and Applications
Authors: Bai He‐Yuan , Fu Xin , Pan Jin‐Long , Ma Hai‐Qian , Chen Zhi‐Min , Ding Tong‐Mei , Zhang Shu‐Yu
Published: August 2018

A simple and efficient transition metal‐catalyzed C−H amidation with azodicarboxylates has been developed. Under silver catalysis, the amide substrates undergo regioselective C−H amidation at C5‐position of the quinoline. Conversely, with palladium as the catalyst, the reaction gave β‐C(sp3)−H amidation products via the activation of methylene C(sp3)−H bonds. Mechanistic studies suggested that the single‐electron‐transfer and organometallic mechanism pathways gave rise to these surprising and distinct outcomes. Based on the mechanistic analysis, we designed a palladium‐catalyzed/silver‐promoted direct intermolecular β‐C(sp3)−H amidation to activate the methylene C(sp3)−H bonds of 5‐chloro‐8‐aminoquinoline (CQ)‐protected aliphatic amides with azodicarboxylates. Both catalytic protocols provide alternative, convenient, and simple strategies for efficiently accessing structurally unique C−N bond‐containing compounds in a regioselective manner.

magnified image
Carbocation Catalyzed Bromination of Alkyl Arenes, a Chemoselective sp3vs. sp2 C−H functionalization.
Authors: Ni Shengjun , El Remaily Mahmoud Abd El Aleem Ali Ali , Franzén Johan
Published: August 2018

The versatility of the trityl cation (TrBF4) as a highly efficient Lewis acid organocatalyst is demonstrated in a light induced benzylic brominaion of alkyl‐arenes under mild conditions. The reaction was conducted at ambient temperature under common hood light (55 W fluorescent light) with catalyst loadings down to 2.0 mol% using N‐bromosuccinimide (NBS) as the brominating agent. The protocol is applicable to an extensive number of substrates to give benzyl bromides in good to excellent yields. In contrast to most previously reported strategies, this protocol does not require any radical initiator or extensive heating. For electron‐rich alkyl‐arenes, the trityl ion catalyzed bromination could be easily switched between benzylic sp3 C−H functionalization and arene sp2 C−H functionalization by simply alternating the solvent. This chemoselective switch allows for high substrate control and easy preparation of benzyl bromides and bromoarenes, respectively. The chemoselective switch was also applied in a one‐pot reaction of 1‐methylnaphthalene for direct introduction of both sp3 C−Br and sp2 C−Br functionality.

magnified image
Partial mycoheterotrophy in the leafless orchid Cymbidium macrorhizon
Authors: Suetsugu Kenji , Ohta Tamihisa , Tayasu Ichiro
Published: August 2018

Premise of the Study

The evolution of full mycoheterotrophy is one of the most interesting topics within plant evolution. The leafless orchid Cymbidium macrorhizon is often assumed to be fully mycoheterotrophic even though it has a green stem and fruit capsule. Here, we assessed the trophic status of this species by analyzing the chlorophyll content and the natural 13C and 15N abundance in the sprouting and the fruiting season.

Methods

The chlorophyll content was measured in five sprouting and five fruiting individuals of C. macrorhizon that were co‐occurring. In addition, their 13C and 15N isotopic signatures were compared with those of neighboring autotrophic and partially mycoheterotrophic reference plants.

Key Results

Fruiting individuals of C. macrorhizon were found to contain a remarkable amount of chlorophyll compared to their sprouting counterparts. In addition, the natural abundance of 13C in the tissues of the fruiting plants was slightly depleted relative to the sprouting ones. Linear two‐source mixing model analysis revealed that fruiting C. macrorhizon plants obtained approximately 73.7 ± 2.0% of their total carbon from their mycorrhizal fungi when the sprouting individuals were used as the 100% carbon gain standard.

Conclusions

Our results indicated that despite its leafless status, fruiting plants of C. macrorhizon were capable of fixing significant quantities of carbon. Considering the autotrophic carbon gain increases during the fruiting season, its photosynthetic ability may contribute to fruit and seed production. These results indicate that C. macrorhizon should, therefore, be considered a partially mycoheterotrophic species rather than fully mycoheterotrophic, at least during the fruiting stage.
Lifetime socioeconomic status and early life microbial environments predict adult blood telomere length in the Philippines
Authors: Tennyson Robert L. , Gettler Lee T. , Kuzawa Christopher W. , Hayes M. Geoffrey , Agustin Sonny S. , Eisenberg Dan T.A.
Published: August 2018

Objectives

Psychosocial stress is postulated to hasten senescence in part by accelerating the shortening of telomere length (TL). One pathway through which this may happen is via increasing inflammation and innate immune system activation—a pathway which recent studies suggest acts more strongly for those who grew up in low microbial environments. Thus, we hypothesized that: (1) Psychosocial stress will be inversely associated with TL, (2) early life microbial environments will predict TL, and (3) microbial environments will moderate the association between psychosocial stress and TL.

Methods

We utilized data from the Cebu Longitudinal Health and Nutrition Survey based in the Philippines (N = 1410). We determined early life microbial environments by season of birth and exposure to animal feces. Psychosocial stress measures included perceived stress in adulthood, lifetime socioeconomic status (SES), and parental instability in childhood. TL was measured in blood from young adults by qPCR.

Results

Contrary to predictions, we found that higher SES was associated with shorter TL and no association of TL with the other stress variables. Individuals born in the higher microbial exposure season had shorter TL, but early life microbial environments did not moderate the association between psychosocial stress and TL.

Conclusions

The unexpected inverse association between SES and TL suggests that higher SES, while indexing lower psychosocial stress, may impact TL more strongly through nonstress factors in the Philippines, such as unhealthy behavior. The inverse association between microbial environments and TL is consistent with other evidence connecting early life infections to decreased life expectancies.
A Photonic Nanojet as Tunable and Polarization‐Sensitive Optical Tweezers
Authors: Kovrov Aleksandr , Novitsky Andrey , Karabchevsky Alina , Shalin Alexander S.
Published: August 2018

The ability to manipulate small objects with focused laser beams has opened a venue for investigating dynamical phenomena relevant to both fundamental and applied sciences. However, manipulating nano‐sized objects requires subwavelength field localization, provided by auxiliary nano‐ and microstructures. Particularly, dielectric microparticles can be used to confine light to an intense beam with a subwavelength waist, called a photonic nanojet (PNJ), which can provide sufficient field gradients for trapping nano‐objects. Herein, the scheme for wavelength‐tunable and nanoscale‐precise optical trapping is elaborated, and the possibility of lateral nanoparticle movement using the PNJ's side lobes is shown for the first time. In addition, the possibility of subwavelength positioning using polarization switching is shown. The estimated stability with respect to Brownian motion is higher compared to conventional optical trapping schemes.
Improving the thermal stability of azoreductase from Halomonas elongata by introducing a disulfide bond via site‐directed mutagenesis
Authors: Nakhaee Narjes , Asad Sedigheh , Khajeh Khosro , Arab Seyed Shahriar , Amoozegar Mohammad Ali
Published: August 2018

Azoreductases mainly reduce azo dyes, the largest class of colorants, to colorless aromatic amines. AzoH, a new azoreductase from the halophilic bacterium, Halomonas elongata, has been recently cloned and expressed in Escherichia coli. The aim of this study was to improve thermal stability of this enzyme by introducing new disulfide bonds. Since X‐ray crystallography was not available, homology modeling and molecular dynamics was used to construct the enzyme three‐dimensional structure. Potential disulfide bonds for increasing thermal stability were found using DIScover online software. Appropriate mutations (L49C/D108C) to form a disulfide bond were introduced by the Quik‐Change method. Mutant protein expressed in E. coli showed increased thermal stability at 50 °C (increased half‐life from 12.6 Min in AzoH to 26.66 Min in a mutated enzyme). The mutated enzyme could also tolerate 5% (w/v) NaCl and retained 30% of original activity after 24 H incubation, whereas the wild‐type enzyme was completely inactivated. According to circular dichroism studies, the secondary structure was not altered by this mutation; however, a blue shift in intrinsic florescent graph revealed changes in the tertiary structure. This is the first study to improve thermal stability and salt tolerance of a halophilic azoreductase.
Overall survival before and after centralization of gastric cancer surgery in the Netherlands
Authors: van Putten M , Nelen S D , Lemmens V E P P , Stoot J H M B , Hartgrink H H , Gisbertz S S , Spillenaar Bilgen E J , Heisterkamp J , Verhoeven R H A , Nieuwenhuijzen G A P
Published: August 2018

Background

Centralization of surgery has been shown to improve outcomes for oesophageal and pancreatic cancer, and has been implemented for gastric cancer since 2012 in the Netherlands. This study evaluated the impact of centralizing gastric cancer surgery on outcomes for all patients with gastric cancer.

Methods

Patients diagnosed with non-cardia gastric adenocarcinoma in the intervals 2009–2011 and 2013–2015 were selected from the Netherlands Cancer Registry. Clinicopathological data, treatment characteristics and mortality were assessed for the periods before (2009–2011) and after (2013–2015) centralization. Cox regression analyses were used to assess differences in overall survival between these intervals.

Results

A total of 7204 patients were included. Resection rates increased slightly from 37·6 per cent before to 39·6 per cent after centralization (P = 0·023). Before centralization, 50·1 per cent of surgically treated patients underwent gastrectomy in hospitals that performed fewer than ten procedures annually, compared with 9·2 per cent after centralization. Patients who had gastrectomy in the second interval were younger and more often underwent total gastrectomy (29·3 per cent before versus 41·2 per cent after centralization). Thirty-day postoperative mortality rates dropped from 6·5 to 4·1 per cent (P = 0·004), and 90-day mortality rates decreased from 10·6 to 7·2 per cent (P = 0·002). Two-year overall survival rates increased from 55·4 to 58·5 per cent among patients who had gastrectomy (P = 0·031) and from 27·1 to 29·6 per cent for all patients (P = 0·003). Improvements remained after adjustment for case mix; however, adjustment for hospital volume attenuated this association for surgically treated patients.

Conclusion

Centralization of gastric cancer surgery was associated with reduced postoperative mortality and improved survival.
Long-term outcomes of endovenous laser ablation and conventional surgery for great saphenous varicose veins
Authors: Wallace T , El-Sheikha J , Nandhra S , Leung C , Mohamed A , Harwood A , Smith G , Carradice D , Chetter I
Published: August 2018

Background

Clinical guidelines recommend endovenous laser ablation (EVLA) over surgery based on short-term evidence, yet there are few studies reporting mid- to long-term outcomes. The aim of this study was to report the 5-year outcomes from an RCT of surgery versus EVLA for treatment of symptomatic great saphenous varicose veins.

Methods

Patients with symptomatic varicose veins due to great saphenous vein (GSV) incompetence were followed up 5 years after enrolment in a randomized trial of either surgery (saphenofemoral junction ligation, GSV strip to the knee and multiple avulsions of varicosities) or EVLA plus multiple avulsions. Outcomes included: clinical recurrence, defined as new varicose veins greater than 3 mm in diameter; Venous Clinical Severity Score (VCSS); quality of life measured by means of Short Form 36, EuroQol Five Dimensions (EQ-5D™) and Aberdeen Varicose Vein Questionnaire (AVVQ); patient satisfaction; and duplex ultrasound examination (DUS) findings.

Results

Some 218 of the 276 patients enrolled in the trial (79·0 per cent) were available for follow-up. Clinical recurrence was more frequent following surgery than EVLA at 5 years (34·3 versus 20·9 per cent; P = 0·010). Both groups demonstrated sustained significant improvements at 5 years over baseline in VCSS (surgery: median (i.q.r.) 1 (0–2) from 4 (3-5), P < 0·001; EVLA: 0 (0–1) from 4 (3-5), P < 0·001), AVVQ (surgery: 4·59 (0·56–9·78) from 13·69 (9·81–18·11), P < 0·001; EVLA: 3·35 (0·17 to 6·55) from 12·73 (9·41–17·32), P < 0·001) and EQ-5D™ (surgery: 1·000 (0·796–1·000) from 0·859 (0·796–1·000), P = 0·002; EVLA: 1·000 (0·796–1·000) from 0·808 (0·796–1·000), P = 0·002). VCSS was better for EVLA than surgery at 5 years (P = 0·031). Technical success assessed by DUS remained high at 5 years (85·4 per cent for surgery and 93·2 per cent for EVLA; P = 0·074). DUS-detected anatomical patterns of recurrence differed between the groups.

Conclusion

EVLA was more effective than surgery in preventing clinical recurrence 5 years after treatment of great saphenous varicose veins. Patient-reported outcome measures were similar. Registration number: NCT00759434 (http://www.clinicaltrials.gov).
Enhanced Catalytic Properties of Molybdenum Promoted Mesoporous Cobalt Oxide: Structure‐Surface‐Dependent Activity for Selective Synthesis of 2‐Substituted Benzimidazoles
Authors: Weerakkody Chandima , Rathnayake Dinithi , He Junkai , Dutta Biswanath , Kerns Peter , Achola Laura , Suib Steven L.
Published: August 2018

High‐valent molybdenum ions were substituted into the cobalt oxide lattice through a one step, sol‐gel method and investigated for selective synthesis of 2‐substituted benzimidazoles. Catalyst synthesis involves surfactant assisted soft templating inverse micelle method, which forms mesopores by interconnected intraparticle voids. Substitutional doping of Mo6+ resulted in materials with modified structural, morphological, surface, and redox properties. The catalytic activity increased with Mo concentration until an optimum amount (3 % Mo incorporation). Modified material shows lattice expansion, increased surface oxygen vacancies, and high surface area, which are responsible for the higher catalytic activity in selective benzimidazole synthesis reaction. A strong correlation between surface properties of the catalyst and the product selectivity was observed and plausible mechanistic and kinetic data are proposed and collected, respectively.
In Situ Growth of a Feather‐like MnO2 Nanostructure on Carbon Paper for High‐Performance Rechargeable Sodium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Li Huan , Liu Anmin , Zhao Shuai , Guo Zhanglin , Wang Nannan , Ma Tingli
Published: August 2018

Recently, sodium‐ion batteries have attracted great attention, owing to the rich resource and low cost. In the present work, a feather‐like MnO2 nanostructure was prepared directly on carbon paper by using a rapid and simple hydrothermal route for the first time. The formation mechanism was proposed by investigating the intermediate products during the reaction. When applied as an anode for a sodium‐ion battery, the feather‐like MnO2 nanostructure on carbon paper exhibited a high discharge capacity, good rate reversibility, and long‐term cycling stability. A high specific capacity of approximately 300 mAh g−1 could be obtained even after cycling 400 times with a current density of 0.1 A g−1. Furthermore, the Na+ storage mechanism of MnO2 on carbon paper in the sodium‐ion battery was also investigated in this work. Such high performance can be attributed to the porous structure of the substrate and high specific surface area of the feather‐like nanostructure.
Synthesis of 3D N, S Dual‐Doped Porous Carbons with Ultrahigh Surface Areas for Highly Efficient Oxygen Reduction Reactions
Authors: Liu Yan‐Zhen , Li Yong‐Feng , Yuan Shu‐Xia , Chen Shuai , Wang Cong‐Wei , Li Xiao‐Ming , Su Fang‐Yuan , Chen Cheng‐Meng
Published: August 2018

Replacing rare and expensive metal electrocatalysts with efficient, low‐cost, and stable ones for the oxygen reduction reactions (ORR) is of significant importance. Herein, we report a novel scalable synthesis of three‐dimensional (3D) N, S dual‐doped porous carbons (NSPCs) with ultrahigh surface areas that can serve as highly active, metal‐free electrocatalysts for the ORR. The NSPCs are prepared by synthesizing 3D black pillar foams from a mixture containing p‐nitroaniline and concentrated sulfuric acid, and subsequently carbonization under an Ar atmosphere. This method not only avoids the use of any template, but also allows for the simultaneous optimization of both porous structures and surface functionalities by tuning the carbonization temperature. Owing to the synergy of the tailored porous structure and N, S dual‐doping, the NSPC pyrolyzed at 1000 °C exhibits a good catalytic activity toward the ORR with a half‐wave potential of −0.10 V vs. Ag/AgCl and a high four electron (4e−) oxygen reduction selectivity in an alkaline medium, which is identical to that of the commercial 20 wt% Pt/C catalyst, and outperforms most previously reported metal‐free catalysts. The NSPCs also show good energy‐storage performance for advanced supercapacitors.
Fluorine‐Containing Branched Sulfonated Polyimide Membrane for Vanadium Redox Flow Battery Applications
Authors: Yang Pan , Xuan Sensen , Long Jun , Wang Yanlin , Zhang Yaping , Zhang Hongping
Published: August 2018

A series of fluorine‐containing branched sulfonated polyimide (Fb‐SPI) membranes with different degrees of branching (0–12 %) were synthesized through polycondensation. The chemical structure of Fb‐SPI‐10 membrane was confirmed using ATR‐FTIR and 1H NMR spectroscopy. The physico‐chemical properties of Fb‐SPI membranes were systematically investigated and compared to linear SPI (l‐SPI) and Nafion 117 membranes. The vanadium‐ion permeabilities of Fb‐SPI membranes (2.45–0.99×10−7 cm2 min−1) are much lower than that of Nafion 117 (17.1×10−7 cm2 min−1) membranes. Besides, the chemical stability of Fb‐SPI membranes is superior to that of l‐SPI membranes. During 500‐time continuous cyclic charge‐discharge measurements, the VRFB assembled with a Fb‐SPI‐10 membrane shows higher coulombic efficiency (98.4–99.7 %), higher or close energy efficiency (69.0–79.7 %) from 40 to 80 mA cm−2, and higher or close capacity retention (52.8–100 %) from 40 to 70 mA cm−2 compared with a device using a Nafion 117 membrane. All of these results demonstrate that the as‐selected Fb‐SPI‐10 membrane has promising potential for VRFB applications.
Organoruthenium Prodrugs as a New Class of Cholinesterase and Glutathione‐S‐Transferase Inhibitors
Authors: Ristovski Samuel , Uzelac Monika , Kljun Jakob , Lipec Tanja , Uršič Matija , Zemljič Jokhadar Špela , Žužek Monika C. , Trobec Tomaž , Frangež Robert , Sepčić Kristina , Turel Iztok
Published: August 2018

A small library of 17 organoruthenium compounds with the general formula [RuII(fcl)(chel)(L)]n+ (in which fcl=face capping ligand, chel=chelating bidentate ligand, and L=monodentate ligand) were screened for inhibitory activity against cholinesterases and glutathione‐S‐transferases of human and animal origins. Compounds were selected to include different chelating ligands (i.e., N,N‐, N,O‐, O,O‐, S,O‐) and monodentate ligands that can modulate the aquation rate of the metal species. Compounds with a labile ruthenium chloride bond that provided rapid aquation were found to inhibit both sets of enzymes in reversible competitive modes and at pharmaceutically relevant concentrations. When applied at concentrations that completely abolish the activity of human acetylcholinesterase, the lead compound [(η6‐p‐cymene)Ru(pyrithionato)Cl] (C1 a) showed no undesirable physiological responses on the neuromuscular system. Finally, C1 a was not cytotoxic against non‐transformed cells at pharmaceutically relevant concentrations.
A novel method to generate dynamic boundary conditions for airway CFD by mapping upper airway movement with non‐rigid registration of dynamic and static MRI
Authors: Bates Alister J. , Schuh Andreas , McConnell Keith , Williams Brynne M. , Lanier J. Matthew , Willmering Matthew M. , Woods Jason C. , Fleck Robert J. , Dumoulin Charles L. , Amin Raouf S.
Published: August 2018

Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations of airflow in the human airways have the potential to provide a great deal of information that can aid clinicians in case management and surgical decision making, such as airway resistance, energy expenditure, airflow distribution, heat and moisture transfer, and particle deposition, as well as the change in each of these due to surgical interventions. However, the clinical relevance of CFD simulations has been limited to date, as previous models either did not incorporate neuromuscular motion or any motion at all. Many common airway pathologies, such as obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and tracheomalacia, involve large movements of the structures surrounding the airway, such as the tongue and soft palate. Airway wall motion may be due to many factors including neuromuscular motion, internal aerodynamic forces, and external forces such as gravity. Therefore, to realistically model these airway diseases, a method is required to derive the airway wall motion, whatever the cause, and apply it as a boundary condition to CFD simulations.

This paper presents and validates a novel method of capturing in vivo motion of airway walls from magnetic resonance images with high spatiotemporal resolution, through a novel combination of non‐rigid image, surface, and surface‐normal‐vector registration. Coupled with image‐synchronous pneumotachography, this technique provides the necessary boundary conditions for dynamic CFD simulations of breathing, allowing the effect of the airway's complex motion to be calculated for the first time, in both normal subjects and those with conditions such as OSA.
Exciton Emission and Light‐Induced Charge Separation in Colloidal ZnO Nanocrystals
Authors: Kocsis Krisztina , Niedermaier Matthias , Schwab Thomas , Kasparek Vitek , Berger Thomas , Diwald Oliver
Published: August 2018

Adsorption of organic molecules at ZnO nanoparticle surfaces enables the transfer of energy or charge across resulting organic–inorganic interfaces and, consequently, determines the optoelectronic performance of ZnO‐based hybrids. We investigated adsorption‐induced changes with photoluminescence (PL) and electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy on aqueous colloidal ZnO dispersions. Citrate and acetate ion adsorption increases or decreases radiative exciton annihilation at hν=3.3 eV and at room temperature, respectively. Searching for a correspondence between PL emission and the yield of trapped charge carriers originating from exciton separation (using photon energies of hν=4.6 eV and fluxes of ṄPh=1014 cm−2 s−1 for excitation), we found that there is a negligible fraction of paramagnetic products that originates from exciton separation. Upon polychromatic excitation with significantly higher photon fluxes (ṄPh=1016 cm−2 s−1), ZnO‐specific shallow defects trap unpaired electrons in citrate‐ and acetate‐functionalized samples. The adsorption‐dependent PL intensity changes and the excitation parameter dependent yield of separated charges (EPR) in colloidal ZnO nanoparticles underline that the distribution over the different exciton annihilation channels sensitively depends on interface composition and the intensity of the photoexcitation light.
Soil multifunctionality and drought resistance are determined by plant structural traits in restoring grassland
Authors: Fry Ellen L. , Savage Joanna , Hall Amy L. , Oakley Simon , Pritchard W. J. , Ostle Nicholas J. , Pywell Richard F. , Bullock James M. , Bardgett Richard D.
Published: August 2018

It is increasingly recognized that belowground responses to vegetation change are closely linked to plant functional traits. However, our understanding is limited concerning the relative importance of different plant traits for soil functions and of the mechanisms by which traits influence soil properties in the real world. Here we test the hypothesis that taller species, or those with complex rooting structures, are associated with high rates of nutrient and carbon (C) cycling in grassland. We further hypothesized that communities dominated by species with deeper roots may be more resilient to drought. These hypotheses were tested in a 3‐yr grassland restoration experiment on degraded ex‐arable land in southern England. We sowed three trait‐based plant functional groups, assembled using database derived values of plant traits, and their combinations into bare soil. This formed a range of plant trait syndromes onto which we superimposed a simulated drought 2 yr after initial establishment. We found strong evidence that community weighted mean (CWM) of plant height is negatively associated with soil nitrogen cycling and availability and soil multifunctionality. We propose that this was due to an exploitative resource capture strategy that was inappropriate in shallow chalk soils. Further, complexity of root architecture was positively related to soil multifunctionality throughout the season, with fine fibrous roots being associated with greater rates of nutrient cycling. Drought resistance of soil functions including ecosystem respiration, mineralization, and nitrification were positively related to functional divergence of rooting depth, indicating that, in shallow chalk soils, a range of water capture strategies is necessary to maintain functions. Finally, after 3 yr of the experiment, we did not detect any links between the plant traits and microbial communities, supporting the finding that traits based on plant structure and resource foraging capacity are the main variables driving soil function in the early years of grassland conversion. We suggest that screening recently restored grassland communities for potential soil multifunctionality and drought resilience may be possible based on rooting architecture and plant height. These results indicate that informed assembly of plant communities based on plant traits could aid in the restoration of functioning in degraded soil.
Novel disturbance interactions between fire and an emerging disease impact survival and growth of resprouting trees
Authors: Simler Allison B. , Metz Margaret R. , Frangioso Kerri M. , Meentemeyer Ross K. , Rizzo David M.
Published: August 2018

Human‐altered ecological disturbances may challenge system resilience and disrupt biological legacies maintaining ecosystem recovery. Yet, the extent to which novel regimes challenge these legacies varies. This may be partially explained by differences in the vulnerability of life history strategies to disturbance characteristics. In the fire‐prone, resprouter‐dominated coast redwood forests of California, the introduced disease sudden oak death (SOD) alters fuel profiles, fire behavior, and aboveground tree mortality; however, this system is dominated by resprouting trees that are well‐adapted to aboveground damage, and belowground survival of individuals may represent the principal biological legacy connecting pre‐ and post‐fire communities. Much of the research exploring altered disturbances and forest recovery has focused on legacies determined by seed dispersal and aboveground survival of adults. In this work, we use pre‐ and post‐fire data from a long‐term monitoring network to assess the impacts of novel disturbance interactions between wildfire and SOD on the belowground survival and vegetative reproduction of resprouters. We found that increasing accumulation of coarse woody surface fuels from SOD‐killed hosts decreased the likelihood of belowground survival for resprouting tanoak trees, but not for redwoods. Tanoaks' belowground survival was negatively related to substrate burn severity, which increased with the volume of surface fuels from hosts, suggesting heat damage as a possible mechanism influencing altered patterns of resprouter mortality. These impacts increased with decreasing tree size. By contrast, redwood and tanoak trees that survived both disturbances resprouted more vigorously, regardless of post‐fire infection by P. ramorum, and generated similar recruitment at the stand level. Our results demonstrate that disease–fire interactions can narrow recruitment filters for resprouters, which could impact long‐term population and demographic structure; yet, compounded disturbance may also reduce stand density and disease pressure, allowing competitive release of survivors. Resprouters displayed vulnerabilities to altered disturbance, but our research suggests that legacies maintained by resprouting may be more resilient to certain compounded disturbances, compared to seed‐obligate species, because of high rates of individual survival under increasingly severe events. These trends have important implications for conservation of declining tree species in SOD‐impacted forests, as well as predictions of human impacts in other disturbance‐prone systems where resprouters are present.
Prioritization of 10 organic flame retardants using an avian hepatocyte toxicogenomic assay
Authors: Pagé-Larivière Florence , Chiu Suzanne , Jones Stephanie P. , Farhat Amani , Crump Doug , O'Brien Jason M.
Published: August 2018

As the number of chemicals developed and used by industry increases, the inherent limitations of traditional toxicology approaches become an unavoidable issue. To help meet the demand for toxicity evaluation, new methods, such as high-throughput toxicity screening, are currently being developed to permit rapid determination of toxic, molecular, and/or biochemical effects of a wide range of chemicals. In the present study, we demonstrate the utility of an avian in vitro toxicogenomics screening approach to determine the cytotoxic and transcriptomic effects of 10 organic flame retardants (OFRs) currently of international priority for ecological risk evaluation to prioritize and inform future toxicological studies. Hepatocytes from 2 avian species, chicken and double-crested cormorant, were prepared and exposed for 24 h to various concentrations (0–300 μM) of the following 10 OFRs: Chemical Abstracts Service registration numbers 29761-21-5, 56803-37-3 (p-tert-butylphenyl diphenyl phosphate [BPDP]), 65652-41-7, 68937-41-7 (phenol, isopropylated, phosphate [3:1] [IPPP]), 95906-11-9, 19186-97-1, 26040-51-7, 35948-25-5, 21850-44-2, and 25713-60-4. Cell viability, the 7-ethoxyresorufin-O-deethylase assay, and transcriptomic analysis using species-specific ToxChip polymerase chain reaction arrays were performed to evaluate the in vitro effect of these OFRs. Of the 10 OFRs assessed, BPDP and IPPP elicited the strongest cytotoxic and transcriptomic responses in both chicken and double-crested cormorant hepatocytes and are therefore recommended as priority candidates for further wildlife toxicological investigations. Environ Toxicol Chem 2018;37:3134–3144. © 2018 Crown in the right of Canada. Published by Wiley Periodicals Inc. on behalf of SETAC.

Abstract

Chicken and double-crested cormorant embryonic hepatocytes were exposed to 10 organic flame retardants to determine their in vitro adverse effects.
Variety Seeking, Satiation, and Maximizing Enjoyment Over Time
Authors: Sevilla Julio , Lu Joy , Kahn Barbara E.
Published: August 2018

In this article, we examine the different ways in which consumers balance their consumption behavior in order to maximize utility. In particular, we focus on how people balance repeating the same options with the decision to seek variety. While earlier research represented variety seeking as a means of reducing physical satiation (McAlister, 1982), more recent research suggests that the relationship between choosing variety and minimizing satiation is more complex, as these behaviors may be motivated and influenced by exogenous factors. Past reviews have largely looked at the two processes separately. In this article, we discuss the nuanced relationship between these two constructs and point to future research directions that may help us further understand how consumers tackle the everyday challenge of maximizing enjoyment over time.
Alpha electroencephalographic activity during rapid eye movement sleep in the spider monkey (Ateles geoffroyi): An index of arousal during sleep?
Authors: Cruz‐Aguilar Manuel Alejandro , Hernández‐González Marisela , Guevara Miguel Angel , Hernández‐Arteaga Enrique , Hidalgo Aguirre Rosa María , Amezcua Gutiérrez Claudia del Carmen , Ramírez‐Salado Ignacio
Published: August 2018

There is evidence that some animal species have developed physiological and behavioral mechanisms to monitor potential predatory threats during rapid eye movement sleep (REMS). Nevertheless, it has not been reported in arboreal primates. The present study analyzed the sleeping postures, as well as the electromyographic and electroencephalographic (EEG) activities during three conditions: REMS, non‐REMS (N‐REMS), and wakefulness in spider monkeys. The study included six monkeys, whose EEGs were recorded at the O1–O2, C3, C4, F3, and F4 derivations to analyze relative power (RP) and interhemispheric, intrahemispheric, frontoposterior, and central‐posterior coherence of frequency bands, which has been considered an index of arousal states. The bands analyzed were theta (4.0–7.0 Hz), alpha1 (8.0–10.5 Hz), alpha2 (11.0–13.5 Hz), and beta (14.0–30.0 Hz). Spider monkeys adopt a vertical posture during sleep, and in REMS a lack of muscular atonia was observed. The RP of the alpha bands at O1–O2 was higher during REMS than that during wakefulness, N‐REMS1, and N‐REMS2. At the C3 derivation, the RP of alpha1 was higher during REMS than that during N‐REMS2. The RP of both alpha bands at the F4 derivation was higher during REMS than that during wakefulness, whereas REMS was characterized by a higher coherence between the F3 and O1–O2 derivations of the alpha2 band. These prevalences and the higher coherence of alpha bands during REMS could represent a correlate of behavioral traits and activated cortical areas related to a possible arousal state in spider monkeys while sleeping.
Studies on the Chemical Reactions of Some 3‐Substituted‐6,8‐dimethylchromones with Nucleophilic Reagents
Authors: Ibrahim Magdy A. , Badran Al‐Shimaa , El‐Gohary Nasser M. , Hashiem Salsabeel H.
Published: August 2018

A variety of 3‐substituted‐6,8‐dimethylchromones have been synthesized and characterized. The chemical reactivity of 3‐substituted‐6,8‐dimethylchromones was studied towards some nucleophiles, namely, S‐benzyldithiocarbazate, o‐phenylenediamine, and cyanoacetamide, and a diversity of products were efficiently synthesized. Reactions of 3‐substituted‐6,8‐dimethylchromones (except 3‐formyl‐6,8‐dimethylchromone), with nucleophilic reagents, usually proceed through nucleophilic attack at C‐2 position followed by different types of heterocyclization depending on the functional group present at C‐3 position. Structures of the newly synthesized products have been established based on elemental analysis and spectral data.
Analysis of the long‐term high‐resolution infrared radiation sounder land surface temperature against ground measurements during 1980–2009 in the Poyang Lake basin, China
Authors: Wang Guojie , Shen Chengcheng , Pan Jian , Lou Dan , Hagan Daniel F. T. , Parinussa Robert M. , Zhan Mingjin , Su Buda , Jiang Tong
Published: August 2018

Land surface temperature (LST) plays an essential role in the energy exchanges between land and atmosphere. It reflects the changes of available terrestrial energy in the context of global warming, and thus can serve as an indicator of regional climate change. The recently developed HIRS (High‐resolution infrared radiation sounder onboard NOAA satellites) LST product is among the longest LST records. We have analysed the HIRS LST against ground measurements from 66 stations in the Poyang Lake basin, China, considering the temporal variations at daily and interannual time scales during 1980–2009. The error metrics of correlation coefficient, Bias and unbiased Root Mean Square Deviation (ubRMSD) are used, together with the long‐term linear trends. The two data sets have considerable agreement with respect to daily variations. Their correlation coefficients are higher than 0.95 for all stations; and those for daily anomalies range from 0.73 to 0.85 across the basin. The Bias and the ubRMSD have indicated that the HIRS data have generally underestimated the LST across the basin, mainly because of its large underestimation of the occurrences of temperature higher than 35 °C. Nevertheless, the HIRS LST has largely overestimated the occurrences of summer days with temperature ranging 20–30 °C. The Bias and the ubRMSD appear to be smaller in the cropped plains and much larger in the afforested mountain areas. As for the interannual variations, the HIRS LST shows highest correlations with ground measurement in spring; they are lowest in summer, possibly due to the interference of monsoonal precipitation. Both the HIRS LST and ground measurements show significant increasing trends with similar patterns in spring and winter. However, the long‐term trends are significantly overestimated across the basin in summer, but underestimated in autumn in the HIRS LST data.
How can additional secondary data analysis of observational data enhance the generalisability of meta‐analytic evidence for local public health decision making?
Authors: Kneale Dylan , Thomas James , O'Mara‐Eves Alison , Wiggins Richard
Published: August 2018

This paper critically explores how survey and routinely collected data could aid in assessing the generalisability of public health evidence. We propose developing approaches that could be employed in understanding the relevance of public health evidence, and investigate ways of producing meta‐analytic estimates tailored to reflect local circumstances, based on analyses of secondary data.

Currently, public health decision makers face challenges in interpreting global review evidence to assess its meaning in local contexts. A lack of clarity on the definition and scope of generalisability, and the absence of consensus on its measurement, has stunted methodological progress. The consequence of failing to tackle generalisability means that systematic review evidence often fails to fulfil its potential contribution in public health decision making.

Three approaches to address these problems are considered and emerging challenges discussed: (1) purposeful exploration after a review has been conducted, and we present a framework of potential avenues of enquiry and a worked example; (2) recalibration of the results to weight studies differentially based on their similarity to conditions in an inference population, and we provide a worked example using UK Census data to understand potential differences in the effectiveness of community engagement interventions among sites in England and Wales; (3) purposeful exploration before starting a review to ensure that the findings are relevant to an inference population. The paper aims to demonstrate how a more nuanced treatment of context in reviews of public health interventions could be achieved through greater engagement with existing large sources of secondary data.
Negative Pressure Wound Therapy in the Head and Neck: An Evidence‐Based Approach
Authors: Mir Ahsan , Guys Nicholas , Arianpour Khashayar , Svider Peter F. , Rayess Hani , Zuliani Giancarlo , Raza S. Naweed , Lin Hosheng
Published: August 2018

Objective

To perform an evidence‐based review with recommendations that evaluates the indications and utility of negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) in the head and neck.

Methods

The authors searched the PubMed, Medline, Embase, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library databases for relevant literature. The primary outcome was successful intended use of NPWT, be it for granulation tissue formation, infection control, or complete wound closure. Patient demographics, etiology, and other clinical characteristics were explored. Meta‐analysis of observational studies was used to examine response rates and wound sizes.

Results

Fifty‐seven articles encompassing 522 patients were included. The most common etiologies reported included: neoplasm (343 patients [65.7%]), oro‐/pharyngocutaneous fistula (9.8%), infection (10.5%), and trauma (9.6%). The majority of wounds treated were in the neck (61.6%). Potential risk factors that may compromise wound healing were noted in 217 of 522 patients (41.6%). Of these 217 patients, 135 had properly documented risk factors, with the most common being prior irradiation (63%). The overall mean response across studies was 85.7% (95% confidence interval: 0.806–0.896, P < 0.001, I2 = 0 %).

Conclusion

Negative pressure wound therapy is useful for the management of head and neck wounds and should be considered for patients in whom wound healing is progressing insufficiently, including those with a history of head and neck cancer, oro‐/pharyngocutaenous fistula, and trauma. Randomized controlled trials further comparing NPWT versus other modalities may be invaluable in further delineating its appropriate role. Laryngoscope, 129:671–683, 2019