bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Interregional causal influences of brain metabolic activity reveal the spread of aging effects during normal aging
Authors: Di Xin , Wölfer Marie , Amend Mario , Wehrl Hans , Ionescu Tudor M. , Pichler Bernd J. , Biswal Bharat B. ,   the Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative
Published: August 2019

During healthy brain aging, different brain regions show anatomical or functional declines at different rates, and some regions may show compensatory increases in functional activity. However, few studies have explored interregional influences of brain activity during the aging process. We proposed a causality analysis framework combining high dimensionality independent component analysis (ICA), Granger causality, and least absolute shrinkage and selection operator regression on longitudinal brain metabolic activity data measured by Fludeoxyglucose positron emission tomography (FDG–PET). We analyzed FDG–PET images from healthy old subjects, who were scanned for at least five sessions with an averaged intersession interval of 1 year. The longitudinal data were concatenated across subjects to form a time series, and the first‐order autoregressive model was used to measure interregional causality among the independent sources of metabolic activity identified using ICA. Several independent sources with reduced metabolic activity in aging, including the anterior temporal lobe and orbital frontal cortex, demonstrated causal influences over many widespread brain regions. On the other hand, the influenced regions were more distributed, and had smaller age‐related declines or even relatively increased metabolic activity. The current data demonstrated interregional spreads of aging on metabolic activity at the scale of a year, and have identified key brain regions in the aging process that have strong influences over other regions.
Perioperative risk factors for post‐thyroidectomy hematoma: Significance of pain and ketorolac usage
Authors: Lee Minhyung , Rhee Jihye , Kim Yoonjoong , Jung Young Ho , Ahn Soon‐Hyun , Jeong Woo‐Jin
Published: August 2019

Background

Post‐thyroidectomy hematoma (PH) is uncommon but may be a life‐threatening complication. We explored perioperative risk factors for PH, with emphasis on perioperative hemodynamics, pain, and medications.

Methods

A retrospective case‐control study was performed with matching for age, sex, and type of operation. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to identify independent risk factors.

Results

In 1780 thyroid surgeries, 22 cases of PH were detected (1.24%). Antithrombotic agent usage, numeric rating scale (NRS) of postoperative pain, and two or more doses of ketorolac postoperatively significantly differed between the two groups. Multiple regression analysis revealed all three variables were significant risk factors for PH (odds ratio = 55.23, 10.48, and 22.58, respectively). Perioperative hemodynamics did not affect PH.

Conclusions

Antithrombotic agent usage, postoperative pain, and two or more doses of ketorolac postoperatively were identified as independent risk factors for PH. Proper pain control and judicious usage of ketorolac are recommended.
Treatment Status of Hepatocellular Carcinoma Does Not Influence Rates of Sustained Virologic Response: An HCV‐TARGET Analysis
Authors: Radhakrishnan Kavita , Di Bisceglie Adrian M. , Reddy K. Rajender , Lim Joseph K. , Levitsky Josh , Hassan Mohamed A. , Darling Jama M. , Feld Jordan J. , Akushevich Lucy , Vainorius Monika , Nelson David R. , Fried Michael W. , Brown Robert S. , Terrault Norah A.
Published: August 2019

Recent studies have suggested a negative impact of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) on sustained virologic response (SVR) to hepatitis C virus (HCV) direct acting antivirals (DAAs). We compared the effectiveness of DAAs in patients with cirrhosis, with and without HCC, and in those with HCC partially treated or untreated (PT/UT‐HCC) versus completely treated (CT‐HCC). HCC status was based on imaging 6 months before or 2 months after start of DAA therapy. Absence and presence of enhancing lesions after HCC treatment defined CT‐HCC and PT/UT‐HCC, respectively. Using minimally adjusted logistic regression, the association between the presence of HCC and SVR rates was estimated. Among the 1,457 patients with cirrhosis from HCV‐TARGET with complete virologic data (per‐protocol population) who did not undergo liver transplantation during treatment and followup, 1,300 were without HCC, 91 with CT‐HCC, and 66 with PT/UT‐HCC. Most patients were genotype 1 (81%) and treatment‐experienced (56%), 41% had history of prior decompensation, and the median pretreatment Model for End‐Stage Liver Disease was 9 (range 6‐39). The SVR rates were 91% for patients without HCC, 84% for CT‐HCC, and 80% for PT/UT‐HCC. The presence of HCC (versus not having HCC) was associated with significantly lower odds of achieving SVR (odds ratio [OR] = 0.51, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.33‐0.81; P = 0.003). However, among those with HCC, HCC treatment status (PT/UT‐HCC versus CT‐HCC) did not show association with SVR (OR = 0.79, 95% CI: 0.35‐1.79, P = 0.569). Conclusions: The presence of HCC reduces the likelihood of SVR by 50%, but with no evident difference in those with completely treated HCC versus partially treated/untreated HCC.
Effect of Prandtl number on leading edge accretion and ablation: A numerical study of unsteady boundary layer flow over a flat plate
Authors: Basha Hussain , Kumar N. Naresh , Reddy G. Janardhana
Published: August 2019

An efficient numerical method, namely, the Runge‐Kutta fourth order integration scheme with shooting technique is employed to give a suitable solution for the unsteady magnetohydrodynamic boundary layer flow of viscous incompressible fluid with accretion or ablation effects over a flat plate under the influence of homogenous first order chemical reaction. When compared to the other numerical techniques such as perturbation methods, this approach provides the accurate numerical results valid uniformly for all nondimensional time. The unsteady behavior of chemically reacting magnetohydrodynamic boundary layer flow is investigated by analyzing the nature of buoyancy and magnetic parameters in the momentum equation. Also, results are extended to the energy and concentration equations by considering the viscous dissipation, Joule heating and chemical reaction effects. With the help of suitable similarity transformations, the highly nonlinear, coupled, time‐dependent partial differential equations are reduced to ordinary differential equations. Furthermore, the numerical solutions in terms of velocity, temperature and concentration profiles within the boundary layer are presented for the various values of control parameters. Also, the impact of physical parameters on the flow, heat and mass transfer characteristics are examined thoroughly. The present investigation reports that, the increasing magnetic parameter increases the temperature field and decreases the velocity field. Also, Eckert number enhance the thermal field whereas, the chemical reaction parameter decays the concentration field. Before concluding the considered problem, present results are validated with the previous results and are found to be in good agreement.
A finite element model for simulating surface run‐off and unsaturated seepage flow in the shallow subsurface
Authors: Liu Gang , Tong Fuguo , Tian Bin
Published: August 2019

This work introduces water–air two‐phase flow into integrated surface–subsurface flow by simulating rainfall infiltration and run‐off production on a soil slope with the finite element method. The numerical model is formulated by partial differential equations for hydrostatic shallow flow and water–air two‐phase flow in the shallow subsurface. Finite element computing formats and solution strategies are presented to obtain a numerical solution for the coupled model. An unsaturated seepage flow process is first simulated by water–air two‐phase flow under the atmospheric pressure boundary condition to obtain the rainfall infiltration rate. Then, the rainfall infiltration rate is used as an input parameter to solve the surface run‐off equations and determine the value of the surface run‐off depth. In the next iteration, the pressure boundary condition of unsaturated seepage flow is adjusted by the surface run‐off depth. The coupling process is achieved by updating the rainfall infiltration rate and surface run‐off depth sequentially until the convergence criteria are reached in a time step. A well‐conducted surface run‐off experiment and traditional surface–subsurface model are used to validate the new model. Comparisons with the traditional surface–subsurface model show that the initiation time of surface run‐off calculated by the proposed model is earlier and that the water depth is larger, thus providing values that are closer to the experimental results.
The European Union preventive restructuring framework: A hole in one?
Authors: Ehmke David Christoph , Gant Jennifer L.L. , Boon Gert‐Jan , Langkjaer Line , Ghio Emilie
Published: August 2019

While traditionally (Continental) Europe has not been known for an in particular debtor‐ or restructuring‐friendly insolvency practice, in recent decades, important reforms were implemented that would foster restructurings in Europe. In this article, we comparatively look a the status quo of insolvency and restructuring practice in five different European countries (Denmark, France, Germany, Netherlands, UK). We place our observations into the context of the preventive restructuring directive, to be implemented within the next two years after its publication on 26 June 2019. The directive leaves quite some room implementation, from a watered‐down restructuring tool with high access threshold to a pre‐insolvency debtor‐friendly US‐style restructuring procedure.
Pharmacists and the opioid crisis: A narrative review of pharmacists' practice roles
Authors: Bratberg Jeffrey P. , Smothers Zachary P. W. , Collins Kathryn , Erstad Brian , Ruiz Veve Jennifer , Muzyk Andrew J.
Published: August 2019

Introduction

Nearly 2.5 million Americans have an opioid use disorder (OUD) related to prescription and/or illicit opioids. Pharmacists, as one of the most accessible care providers, are essential in mitigating the mortality and morbidity of the opioid overdose crisis. Pharmacists are involved in numerous care activities related to this crisis and to caring for patients with an OUD.

Objective

The objective of this paper was to conduct a literature review to highlight several pharmacist‐driven practices that provide a broad range of prevention, harm reduction, treatment, and recovery services to patients affected or potentially affected by the opioid crisis.

Methods

Articles had to meet the criteria of describing pharmacist‐led practice related to providing care to patients at risk of an opioid overdose, with an OUD, or related to opioid safety. The literature search was conducted in 2018 and utilized numerous sources including: OneSearch (EBSCOhost), PubMed, ScienceDirect, and the Journal of the American Pharmacists Association Opioid Topic Collection.

Results

Seven articles were chosen for inclusion in this review. These studies report on innovative programs and practices that describe the role of pharmacists in the opioid crisis. Studies demonstrate the types of involvement pharmacists have in caring for patients throughout the care continuum: actively engaged in upstream interventions aimed at preventing misuse and improve safety; screening and monitoring opioid prescribing and usage; providing access to naloxone; and, assisting in the recovery and rehabilitation process of patients with OUD, including collaboratively managing OUD with evidence‐based pharmacotherapy.

Conclusion

The studies included in our narrative review demonstrate how innovative programs and practices can expand the role of pharmacists throughout the entire spectrum of interventions applied to the opioid crisis by capitalizing on their existing skill sets and knowledge.
Neuro‐ and hepatic toxicological profile of (S)‐2,4‐diaminobutanoic acid in embryonic, adolescent and adult zebrafish
Authors: Ferraiuolo Rosa‐Maria , Meister Daniel , Leckie Dominique , Dashti Mohadeseh , Franke Jonathan , Porter Lisa A. , Trant John F.
Published: August 2019

(S)‐2,4‐Diaminobutanoic acid (DABA) is a noncanonical amino acid often co‐produced by cyanobacteria along with β‐N‐methylamino‐l‐alanine (BMAA) in algal blooms. Although BMAA is a well‐established neurotoxin, the toxicity of DABA remains unclear. As part of our development of biocompatible materials, we wish to make use of DABA as both a building block and as the end‐product of enzymatically induced depolymerization; however, if it is toxic at very low concentrations, this would not be possible. We examined the toxicity of DABA using both in vivo embryonic and adult zebrafish models. At higher sublethal concentrations (700 μm), the fish demonstrated early signs of cardiotoxicity. Adolescent zebrafish were able to tolerate a higher concentration. Post‐mortem histological analysis of juvenile zebrafish showed no liver or brain abnormalities associated with hepato‐ or neurotoxicity. Combined, these results show that DABA exhibits no overt toxicity at concentrations (100‐300 μm) within an order of magnitude of those envisioned for its application. This study further highlights the low cost and ease of using zebrafish as an early‐stage toxicological screening tool.
Free radicals, antioxidants, nuclear factor‐E2‐related factor‐2 and liver damage
Authors: Ramos‐Tovar Erika , Muriel Pablo
Published: August 2019

Oxidative/nitrosative stress is proposed to be a critical factor in various diseases, including liver pathologies. Antioxidants derived from medicinal plants have been studied extensively and are relevant to many illnesses, including liver diseases. Several hepatic disorders, such as viral hepatitis and alcoholic or nonalcoholic steatohepatitis, involve free radicals/oxidative stress as agents that cause or at least exacerbate liver injury, which can result in chronic liver diseases, such as liver fibrosis, cirrhosis and end‐stage hepatocellular carcinoma. In this scenario, nuclear factor‐E2‐related factor‐2 (Nrf2) appears to be an essential factor to counteract or attenuate oxidative or nitrosative stress in hepatic cells. In fact, a growing body of evidence indicates that Nrf2 plays complex and multicellular roles in hepatic inflammation, fibrosis, hepatocarcinogenesis and regeneration via the induction of its target genes. Inflammation is the most common feature of chronic liver diseases, triggering fibrosis, cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. Increasing evidence indicates that Nrf2 counteracts the proinflammatory process by modulating the recruitment of inflammatory cells and inducing the endogenous antioxidant response of the cell. In this review, the interactions between antioxidant and inflammatory molecular pathways are analyzed.
Retracted: Ultrasound‐triggered breast tumor sonodynamic therapy through hematoporphyrin monomethyl ether‐loaded liposome
Authors: Zhang Yi , Ou Yulong , Guo Jia , Huang Xiaojia
Published: August 2019

Sonodynamic therapy (SDT) which employs ultrasound‐triggered sonosensitizers to generate reactive oxygen species (ROS) has been proved to be effective for treatment of cancers. However, it is still desirable for sonosensitizers to be delivered to tumors as effectively as possible. In this study, we prepared the hematoporphyrin monomethyl ether (HMME)‐loaded liposome as the sonosensitizers for SDT and evaluated their effects on human MCF‐7 breast cancer cells in vitro and in vivo. Liposomes prepared by thin film hydration technique were about 100 nm in size with positive zeta potential and exhibited spherical in shape. Following irradiation of ultrasound which generates intracellular ROS, the liposome facilitated the delivery of HMME to tumor cells. HMME‐loaded liposomes showed low cytotoxicity under basal condition but significant sonodynamic effects under ultrasonic irradiation. Notably, HMME‐loaded liposomes exhibited spatial distribution of HMME in tumor tissues of mice. The promoted delivery of HMME into the tumors by liposomes was shown by the greater tumor growth inhibition than free HMME after 20‐day treatment. Taken together, these results show that HMME‐loaded liposome functions as a promising sonosensitizer for SDT, implying the efficient antitumor effects of HMME‐based SDT on breast tumor.
Neighborhood predictors of bullying perpetration and victimization trajectories among South Korean adolescents
Authors: Han Yoonsun , Donnelly Hayoung Kim , Ma Julie , Song Juyoung , Hong Hyunhee
Published: August 2019

Aims

This study examined latent trajectories of bullying perpetration and victimization, and identified neighborhood antecedents of these trajectories among South Korean adolescents.

Methods

Nationally representative individual‐level data from waves 2 to 6 (middle school to high school) of the Korean Children and Youth Panel Survey were merged with neighborhood‐level data drawn from the Korean Census and the Korean Ministry of Education. Latent class growth analysis (N = 2,178) and logistic regression were conducted (N = 2,021).

Results

Three unique trajectories of bullying experience—low‐risk (80.8%), transient (13.3%), high‐risk (5.9%)—were identified. Neighborhood factors (e.g., public assistance receipt, marital status, official bullying incidents, collective efficacy) predicted these distinct developmental paths.

Conclusion

Joint trajectories of perpetration and victimization can inform service or policy decisions as each developmental path may represent unique experiences for youth in need of specific resources for treatment or intervention. Neighborhood indicators are important predictors of developmental trajectories of bullying experience among adolescents.
Generation of hematopoietic cells from mouse pluripotent stem cells in a 3D culture system of self‐assembling peptide hydrogel
Authors: Shan Wei , Wang Binsheng , Xu Yulin , Li Xia , Li Xue , Wang Huafang , Lin Yu , Tie Ruxiu , Zhao Qianhao , Wang Jinyong , Zheng Weiyan , Hu Yongxian , Shi Jimin , Yu Xiaohong , Huang He
Published: August 2019

In vitro generation of hematopoietic stem cells from pluripotent stem cells (PSCs) can be regarded as novel therapeutic approaches for replacing bone marrow transplantation without immune rejection or graft versus host disease. To date, many different approaches have been evaluated in terms of directing PSCs toward different hematopoietic cell types, yet, low efficiency and no function restrict the further hematopoietic differentiation study, our research aims to develop a three dimension (3D) hematopoietic differentiation approach that serves as recapitulation of embryonic development in vitro to a degree of complexity not achievable in a two dimension culture system. We first found that mouse PSCs could be efficiently induced to hematopoietic differentiation with an expression of hematopoietic makers, such as c‐kit, CD41, and CD45 within self‐assembling peptide hydrogel. Colony‐forming cells assay results suggested mouse PSCs (mPSCs) could be differentiated into multipotential progenitor cells and 3D induction system derived hematopoietic colonies owned potential of differentiating into lymphocyte cells. In addition, in vivo animal transplantation experiment showed that mPSCs (CD45.2) could be embedded into nonobese diabetic/severe combined immunodeficiency mice (CD45.1) with about 3% engraftment efficiency after 3 weeks transplantation. This study demonstrated that we developed the 3D induction approach that could efficiently promote the hematopoietic differentiation of mPSCs in vitro and obtained the multipotential progenitors that possessed the short‐term engraftment potential.
How Stories in Memory Perpetuate the Continued Influence of False Information
Authors: Hamby Anne , Ecker Ullrich , Brinberg David
Published: August 2019

People often encounter information that they subsequently learn is false. Past research has shown that people sometimes continue to use this misinformation in their reasoning, even if they remember that the information is false, which researchers refer to as thecontinued influence effect. The current work shows that the continued influence effect depends on the stories people have in memory: corrected misinformation was found to have a stronger effect on people's beliefs than information that was topically related to the story if it helped to provide a causal explanation of a story they had read previously. We argue this effect occurs because information that can fill a causal “gap” in a story enhances comprehension of the story event, which allows people to build a complete (if inaccurate) event model that they prefer over an accurate but incomplete event model. This effect is less likely to occur for stories in memory that end in a negative way, presumably because people are more motivated to accurately understand negative outcome events.
Sarcopenia and ovarian cancer survival: a systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Ubachs Jorne , Ziemons Janine , Minis‐Rutten Iris J.G. , Kruitwagen Roy F.P.M. , Kleijnen Jos , Lambrechts Sandrina , Olde Damink Steven W.M. , Rensen Sander S. , Van Gorp Toon
Published: August 2019

Background

Sarcopenia is the loss of skeletal muscle mass and function that occurs with advancing age and certain diseases. It is thought to have a negative impact on survival in cancer patients. Routine computed tomography imaging is often used to quantify skeletal muscle in cancer patients. Sarcopenia is defined by a low skeletal muscle index (SMI). Skeletal muscle radiation attenuation (SMRA) is used to define muscle quality. The primary aim of this meta‐analysis was to study the association between sarcopenia or SMRA and overall survival (OS) or complications in patients with ovarian cancer.

Methods

Medline, Embase, CINAHL, and PEDro databases were searched from inception to 15 February 2019. Studies evaluating the prognostic effect of SMI and SMRA on ovarian cancer survival or surgical complications were included. Risk of bias and study quality were evaluated with the Quality in Prognosis Studies Instrument (QUIPS) according to the modified Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) framework.

Results

The search strategy yielded 4262 hits in all four databases combined. Ten and eight studies were included for qualitative and quantitative analysis, respectively. Meta‐analysis revealed a significant association between the SMI and OS [0.007; hazard ratio (HR): 1.11, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.03–1.20]. SMRA was also significantly associated with OS (P < 0.001; HR: 1.14, 95% CI: 1.08–1.20). Association between the SMI and surgical complications had borderline statistical significance (0.05; HR: 1.23, 95% CI: 1.00–1.52). The risk of bias assessed with QUIPS was high in all studies. The quality of the evidence was very low.

Conclusions

Whereas our meta‐analysis indicated that a low SMI and low SMRA are associated with survival in ovarian cancer patients, the low quality of the source data precludes drawing definitive conclusions.
Association of periodontitis with radiographic knee osteoarthritis
Authors: Kim Ji‐Won , Chung Min Kyung , Lee Jennifer , Kwok Seung‐Ki , Kim Wan‐Uk , Park Sung‐Hwan , Ju Ji Hyeon
Published: August 2019

Background

To examine whether periodontitis is associated with the presence and severity of radiographic knee osteoarthritis (OA).

Methods

Using data from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey between 2010 and 2013, participants over the age of 50 were included in this study. Dental examinations and knee radiographs are performed in participants aged ≥50 years in this cohort. Periodontitis was defined using the community periodontal index, which was determined by measuring periodontal probing depth. The definition of radiographic knee OA was based on the Kellgren‐Lawrence (K‐L) grading system, which determined a K‐L class ≥2 to be radiographic knee OA. The associations between periodontitis and presence and severity of radiographic knee OA were examined using logistic regression analyses.

Results

Among 7969 total participants, 965 men and 2078 women had radiographic knee OA. Periodontitis was observed in 1,185 (39.4%) people among those who had radiographic knee OA. Periodontitis (adjusted odds radio [aOR] 1.21, 95% confidence interval 1.05 to 1.40) was associated with radiographic knee OA after adjusting for variables including age, sex, body mass index, socioeconomic status, diabetes, and dental status. Participants were more likely to have radiographic knee OA as the severity of periodontitis increased (non‐severe periodontitis, aOR 1.14 [0.98 to 1.32]; severe periodontitis, aOR 1.47 [1.17 to 1.85]). Moreover, the presence of periodontitis significantly increased with an increasing K‐L class (class 1, aOR 1.30 [1.09 to 1.54]; class 2, aOR 1.32 [1.08 to 1.60]; class 3, aOR 1.39 [1.14 to 1.70]; class 4, aOR 1.45 [1.11 to 1.90]).

Conclusion

Periodontitis is associated with the presence and severity of radiographic knee OA.
Prognostic factors in the progression of intervertebral disc degeneration: Which patient should be targeted with regenerative therapies?
Authors: Rustenburg Christine M. E. , Faraj Sayf S. A. , Ket Johannes C. F. , Emanuel Kaj S. , Smit Theodoor H.
Published: August 2019

Objective

Possible regenerative treatments for lumbar intervertebral disc degeneration (DD) are rapidly emerging. There is consensus that the patient that would benefit most has early‐stage DD, with a predicted deterioration in the near future. To identify this patient, the aim of this study was to identify prognostic factors for progression of DD.

Study design

Systematic review.

Methods

A systematic search was performed on studies evaluating one or more prognostic factor(s) in the progression of DD. The criteria for inclusion were (a) patients diagnosed with DD on MRI, (b) progression of DD at follow‐up, and (c) reporting of one or more prognostic factor(s) in progression of DD. Two authors independently assessed the methodological quality of the included studies. Due to heterogeneity in DD determinants and outcomes, only a best‐evidence synthesis could be conducted.

Results

The search generated 3165 references, of which 16 studies met our inclusion criteria, involving 2.423 patients. Within these, a total of 23 clinical and environmental and 12 imaging factors were identified. There was strong evidence that disc herniation at baseline is associated with progression of DD at follow‐up. There is limited evidence that IL6 rs1800795 genotype G/C male was associated with no progression of DD. Some clinical or environmental factors such as BMI, occupation and smoking were not associated with progression.

Conclusions

Disc herniation is strongly associated with the progression of DD. Surprisingly, there was strong evidence that smoking, occupation, and several other factors were not associated with the progression of DD. Only one genetic variant may have a protective effect on progression, otherwise there was conflicting or only limited evidence for most prognostic factors. Future research into these prognostic factors with conflicting and limited evidence is not only needed to determine which patients should be targeted by regenerative therapies, but will also contribute to spinal phenotyping.
Liquid chromatographic methods for separation, determination, and bioassay of enantiomers of etodolac: A review
Authors: Singh Manisha , Sethi Sonika , Bhushan Ravi
Published: August 2019

The control of enantiomeric purity and determination of individual enantiomeric drug molecules remains the subject of importance for clinical, analytical, and regulatory purposes and to facilitate an accurate evaluation of the risks posed by them to human health. A large number of pharmaceuticals are marketed and administered as racemates. Etodolac is among such nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs. Overall literature reports on its enantioseparation are scanty. Liquid chromatography (LC) methods of enantioseparation of (±)‐etodolac, including certain unconventional ones, are well covered and discussed in this paper. Methods of direct approach without using chiral columns or chiral thin‐layer chromatography plate and of indirect approach using certain chiral derivatizing agents such as (S)‐naproxen and (S)‐levofloxacin are described. Most interesting aspects include establishment of structure and molecular asymmetry of chemically different types of diastereomeric derivatives using liquid chromatography with mass spectrometry (LC–MS), 1H NMR spectroscopy and by drawing conformations in three dimensional views by using certain software. The methods provide chirality recognition even in the absence of pure enantiomers. Besides, recovery of pure enantiomers by detagging or via solubility difference of chiral inducing reagent and the analyte, without racemization at any stage, has been achieved. The limits of detection and quantification are much lower than the industry benchmarks.
Diets of native and introduced tree squirrels in Washington
Authors: Johnston Aaron N. , West Stephen D. , Vander Haegen W. Matthew
Published: August 2019

Competition for food resources can be a primary mechanism for displacement of native species by introduced species. Investigation of dietary partitioning between potential competitors and spatiotemporal variability in food resources can reveal contested food items and intensity of competition. Introduced eastern gray squirrels (Sciurus carolinensis) have been implicated as competitors with western gray squirrels (S. griseus) and Douglas’ squirrels (Tamiasciurus douglasii), but little is known about interactions among these species. We collected foraging observations and fecal pellets of sympatric gray and Douglas’ squirrels trapped and radio‐tracked in western Washington, USA, from 2007 to 2012. We compared food resources consumed across species, seasons, and years to evaluate dietary overlap and the potential for competitive interactions. All squirrel species ate hypogeous fungi throughout all seasons; spores of several genera were present in 272 of 275 fecal samples and observed in all months. Rhizopogon, Geopora, and Melanogaster spp. occurred in most fecal pellets for all squirrels, but the diet of the Douglas’ squirrels had slightly lower richness of hypogeous fungi than gray squirrels. Although foraging observations suggest that eastern and western gray squirrels shared important dietary items such as acorns, strong differences in consumption of seeds of a common conifer may facilitate their coexistence. Our results suggest that dietary overlap among arboreal squirrels could lead to competitive interactions during periods of food scarcity, but subtle differences may be sufficient to permit long‐term coexistence. Tree squirrels in Washington would likely benefit from forest management practices that promote or sustain robust crops of hypogeous fungi. © 2019 The Wildlife Society.
Consequences of lake and river ice loss on cultural ecosystem services
Authors: Knoll Lesley B. , Sharma Sapna , Denfeld Blaize A. , Flaim Giovanna , Hori Yukari , Magnuson John J. , Straile Dietmar , Weyhenmeyer Gesa A.
Published: August 2019

People extensively use lakes and rivers covered by seasonal ice. Although ice cover duration has been declining over the past 150 years for Northern Hemisphere freshwaters, we know relatively little about how ice loss directly affects humans. Here, we synthesize the cultural ecosystem services (i.e., services that provide intangible or nonmaterial benefits) and associated benefits supported by inland ice. We also provide, for the first time, empirical examples that give quantitative evidence for a winter warming effect on a wide range of ice‐related cultural ecosystem services and benefits. We show that in recent decades, warmer air temperatures delayed the opening date of winter ice roads and led to cancellations of spiritual ceremonies, outdoor ice skating races, and ice fishing tournaments. Additionally, our synthesis effort suggests unexploited data sets that allow for the use of integrative approaches to evaluate the interplay between inland ice loss and society.
Akkermansia muciniphila Exerts Lipid‐Lowering and Immunomodulatory Effects without Affecting Neointima Formation in Hyperlipidemic APOE*3‐Leiden.CETP Mice
Authors: Katiraei Saeed , de Vries Margreet R. , Costain Alice H. , Thiem Kathrin , Hoving Lisa R. , van Diepen Janna A. , Smits Hermelijn H. , Bouter Kristien E. , Rensen Patrick C. N. , Quax Paul H. A. , Nieuwdorp Max , Netea Mihai G. , de Vos Willem M. , Cani Patrice D. , Belzer Clara , van Dijk Ko Willems , Berbée Jimmy F. P. , van Harmelen Vanessa
Published: August 2019

Scope

Akkermansia muciniphila (A. muciniphila) is an intestinal commensal with anti‐inflammatory properties both in the intestine and other organs. The aim is to investigate the effects of oral administration of A. muciniphila on lipid metabolism, immunity, and cuff‐induced neointima formation in hyperlipidemic APOE*3‐Leiden (E3L).CETP mice.

Methods and results

Hyperlipidemic male E3L.CETP mice are daily treated with 2 × 108 CFU A. muciniphila by oral gavage for 4 weeks and the effects are determined on plasma lipid levels, immune parameters, and cuff‐induced neointima formation and composition. A. muciniphila administration lowers body weight and plasma total cholesterol and triglycerides levels. A. muciniphila influences the immune cell composition in mesenteric lymph nodes, as evident from an increased total B cell population, while reducing the total T cell and neutrophil populations. Importantly, A. muciniphila reduces the expression of the activation markers MHCII on dendritic cells and CD86 on B cells. A. muciniphila also increases whole blood ex vivo lipopolysaccharide‐stimulated IL‐10 release. Finally, although treatment with A. muciniphila improves lipid metabolism and immunity, it does not affect neointima formation or composition.

Conclusions

Four weeks of treatment with A. muciniphila exerts lipid‐lowering and immunomodulatory effects, which are insufficient to inhibit neointima formation in hyperlipidemic E3L.CETP mice.
Individual risk evaluation for local recurrence and distant metastasis in Ewing sarcoma: A multistate model
Authors: Bosma S. E. , Rueten‐Budde A. J. , Lancia C. , Ranft A. , Dirksen U. , Krol A. D. , Gelderblom H. , van de Sande M. A. J. , Dijkstra P. D. S. , Fiocco M.
Published: August 2019

Background

We investigated the effects of surgical margins, histological response, and radiotherapy on local recurrence (LR), distant metastasis (DM), and survival in Ewing sarcoma.

Procedure

Disease evolution was retrospectively studied in 982 patients with Ewing sarcoma undergoing surgery after chemotherapy using a multistate model with initial state surgery, intermediate states LR, pulmonary metastasis (DMpulm), other DM ± LR (DMother), and final state death. Effect of risk factors was estimated using Cox proportional hazard models.

Results

The median follow‐up was 7.6 years (95% CI, 7.2‐8.0). Risk factors for LR are pelvic location, HR 2.04 (1.10‐3.80), marginal/intralesional resection, HR 2.28 (1.25‐4.16), and radiotherapy, HR 0.52 (0.28‐0.95); for DMpulm the risk factors are <90% necrosis, HR 2.13 (1.13‐4.00), and previous pulmonary metastasis, HR 4.90 (2.28‐8.52); for DMother are 90% to 99% necrosis, HR 1.56 (1.09‐2.23), <90% necrosis, HR 2.66 (1.87‐3.79), previous bone/other metastasis, HR 3.08 (2.03‐4.70); and risk factors for death without LR/DM are pulmonary metastasis, HR 8.08 (4.01‐16.29), bone/other metastasis, HR 10.23 (4.90‐21.36), and <90% necrosis, HR 6.35 (3.18‐12.69). Early LR (0‐24 months) negatively influences survival, HR 3.79 (1.34‐10.76). Once DMpulm/DMother arise only previous bone/other metastasis remain prognostic for death, HR 1.74 (1.10‐2.75).

Conclusion

Disease extent and histological response are risk factors for progression to DM or death. Tumor site and surgical margins are risk factors for LR. If disease progression occurs, previous risk factors lose their relevance. In case of isolated LR, time to recurrence is important for decision‐making. Radiotherapy seems protective for LR especially in pelvic/axial. Low percentages of LR in extremity tumors and associated toxicity question the need for radiotherapy in extremity Ewing sarcoma.
The cytochrome P450 CYP389C16 contributes to the cross‐resistance between cyflumetofen and pyridaben in Tetranychus cinnabarinus (Boisduval)
Authors: Feng Kaiyang , Ou Shiyuan , Zhang Ping , Wen Xiang , Shi Li , Yang Yuwei , Hu Yuan , Zhang Yichao , Shen Guangmao , Xu Zhifeng , He Lin
Published: August 2019

BACKGROUND

Acaricide resistance is a serious problem in spider mites. Cyflumetofen is a new complex II inhibitor, whereas pyridaben acts at complex I and has been used for decades. Although cross‐resistance between cyflumetofen and pyridaben has been observed in Tetranychus cinnabarinus, the specific mechanisms at play have not yet been investigated.

RESULTS

Investigation into the cross‐resistance mechanisms identified five P450s, among which CYP389C16 was evaluated as the most likely candidate conferring cross‐resistance. Knockdown of CYP389C16 expression via RNA interference diminished the level of cross‐resistance in the cyflumetofen‐resistant strain. In addition, recombinant CYP389C16 (40 pmol) effectively metabolized 25.0 ± 0.7% of cyflumetofen, 39.7 ± 1.0% of pyridaben, and 69.3 ± 3.3% of AB‐1 (active de‐esterified metabolite of cyflumetofen) within 2 h. In addition, hydroxylation metabolite of AB‐1 was identified by HPLC‐MS/MS.

CONCLUSIONS

The study reveals that overexpressed CYP389C16 is involved in the cross‐resistance between cyflumetofen and pyridaben in T. cinnabarinus. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
Use and impact of Arctic observations in the ECMWF Numerical Weather Prediction system
Authors: Lawrence Heather , Bormann Niels , Sandu Irina , Day Jonathan , Farnan Jacky , Bauer Peter
Published: August 2019

This paper presents an assessment of the usage of Arctic atmospheric observations in the Numerical Weather Prediction (NWP) system of the European Centre for Medium‐Range Weather Forecasts, and of their impact on the quality of short‐ to medium‐range forecasts. The Arctic has low coverage of conventional data north of 70°N but one of the highest levels of coverage of satellite sounding data on Earth. The impact of Arctic observations on forecast skill was assessed by performing Observing System Experiments, in which different observation types were removed from the full observing system. This assessment was complemented by an analysis of Forecast Sensitivity to Observation Impact diagnostics. To our knowledge it is the first time that comprehensive numerical experimentation has been carried out to explore the role of different Arctic observations in a state‐of‐the‐art global operational NWP system. All Arctic observations were found to have a positive impact on forecast skill in the Arctic region, with the greatest tropospheric impacts on both short‐ and medium‐range forecasts due to microwave, conventional and infrared sounding observations. Results indicate the great importance of microwave sounding data and conventional data, which are found to be the key observing systems in the summer and winter seasons, respectively. These observations were found to have positive and statistically significant impacts on forecasts not only in the Arctic but also in the midlatitude regions at longer lead times. Differences between the seasons are most likely due to problems assimilating microwave sounding observations over snow and sea ice, leading to a reduced impact in winter. There is also the suggestion of increased importance of conventional data in winter, and other factors may also play a role.
Intelligent trajectory tracking of an aircraft in the presence of internal and external disturbances
Authors: Emami Seyyed Ali , Banazadeh Afshin
Published: August 2019

This research deals with developing an intelligent trajectory tracking control approach for an aircraft in the presence of internal and external disturbances. Internal disturbances including actuators faults, unmodeled dynamics, and model uncertainties as well as the external disturbances such as wind turbulence significantly affect the performance of the common trajectory tracking control approaches. There are several fault‐tolerant control approaches in the literature to overcome the effects of specific actuator or sensor faults during the flight. However, trajectory tracking control of an air vehicle in the presence of unexpected faults and simultaneous presence of wind turbulence is still a challenging problem. In this paper, an intelligent neural network‐based model predictive control structure is proposed, where the prediction model is updated in each iteration based on a novel proposed online sequential multimodel structure. A hybrid offline‐online learning algorithm is adopted in the introduced online sequential multimodel structure to identify the time‐varying dynamics of the system. The proposed control structure can satisfactorily deal with unexpected actuator faults and structural damages as well as unmodeled dynamics and wind turbulence. The stability of the closed‐loop system is proved under some realistic assumptions. The simulation results demonstrate the high capability of the proposed approach for trajectory tracking control of a conventional aircraft in the simultaneous presence of system faults and external disturbances.
Dynamic Spirals of Nanoparticles in Light‐Responsive Polygonal Fields
Authors: Orlova Tetiana , Plamont Rémi , Depauw Alexis , Katsonis Nathalie
Published: August 2019

Nanoparticles tend to aggregate once integrated into soft matter and consequently, self‐assembling nanoparticles into large‐scale, regular, well‐defined, and ultimately chiral patterns remains an ongoing challenge toward the design and realization of organized superstructures of nanoparticles. The patterns of nanoparticles that are reported in liquid crystals so far are all static, and this lack of responsiveness extends to assemblies of nanoparticles formed in topological singularities and other localized structures of anisotropic matter. Here, it is shown that gold nanoparticles form spiral superstructures in polygonal fields of cholesteric liquid crystals. Moreover, when the cholesteric liquid crystals incorporate molecular photoswitches in their composition, the pitch of the nanoparticulate spirals follows the light‐induced reorganization of the cholesteric liquid crystals. These experimental findings indicate that chiral liquid crystals can be used as chiral and dynamic templates for soft photonic nanomaterials. Controlling the geometry of these spirals of nanoparticles will ultimately allow modulating the plasmonic signature of hybrid and chiral systems.
To Be Higher and Stronger—Metal Oxide Electron Transport Materials for Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Zhou Yu , Li Xin , Lin Hong
Published: August 2019

Organometallic mixed halide perovskite solar cells (PSCs) have emerged as a promising photovoltaic technology with increasingly improved device efficiency exceeding 24%. Charge transport layers, especially electron transport layers (ETLs), are verified to play a vital role in device performance and stability. Recently, metal oxides (MOs) have been widely studied as ETLs for high‐performance PSCs due to their excellent electronic properties, superb versatility, and great stability. This Review briefly discusses the development of PSCs' architecture and outlines the requirements for MO ETLs. Additionally, recent progress of MO ETLs from preparation to optimization for efficient PSCs is systematically summarized and highlighted to associate the versatility of MO ETLs with the performance of devices. Finally, a summary and prospectives for the future development of MO ETLs toward practical application of high‐performance PSCs are drawn.
Spatiotemporally Tracking the Programmable Mitochondrial Membrane Potential Evolutions by a Robust Molecular Rotor
Authors: Tan Kaiyue , Chen Yingying , Ma Kang , Wang Qing , Liu Xiaoqing , Wang Fuan
Published: August 2019

Mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) represents an essential parameter of cellular activities, and even a minute MMP variation could significantly affect the biological functions of living organisms. Thus, convenient and accurate MMP detection is highly desirable since conventional MMP probes are always constrained by photobleaching, inconvenience, and irreversibility. Herein, a spatial‐dependent fluorescent molecular rotor Mito‐Cy is introduced for efficiently tracking the varied MMP status through its restricted intramolecular rotation in mitochondria and nucleus compartments. Based on a systematic investigation, the specifically lit up fluorescent Mito‐Cy enables us to explore different MMP situations by determining their varied distributions. Accordingly, Mito‐Cy concentrates in mitochondria under normal MMP status. Yet Mito‐Cy starts to migrate gradually from mitochondria to the nucleus in decreasing MMP status, as represented by the increasing distribution levels of fluorescent Mito‐Cy in the nucleus. Mito‐Cy exclusively accumulates in the nucleus at ultimate vanishing MMP status. The facile operation of Mito‐Cy, together with its high photostability and sensitivity, facilitates the monitoring of the reversible and programmable MMP evolutions in living cells. The Mito‐Cy‐involved logic control over MMP, e.g., AND and OR gates, indicates that the robust and versatile Mito‐Cy holds great potential for illuminating mitochondrial viscosity‐related bioprocesses.
Nickel Oxide Hole‐Selective Heterocontact for Silicon Solar Cells: Role of SiOx Interlayer on Device Performance
Authors: Nayak Mrutyunjay , Mandal Sourav , Pandey Ashutosh , Mudgal Sapna , Singh Sonpal , Komarala Vamsi K.
Published: August 2019

Carrier‐selective contact‐based silicon heterojunction solar cells are fabricated using nickel oxide (NiOx) as a hole‐selective layer by thermal evaporation. The highest power conversion efficiency of ≈15.20% with a chemically grown SiOx interlayer is achieved from a Ag/ITO/NiOx/n‐Si/LiFx/Al cell structure in comparison with ≈12.43% without SiOx. The cells without and with the SiOx layer are analyzed by considering crucial parameters for conversion efficiency, such as minority carriers' diffusion lengths, lifetimes, recombination resistance, and density of interface defect states at the NiOx/n‐Si junction, by studying the dark/light current density–voltage, quantum efficiency, impedance, and parallel conductance characteristics. Device analysis provides evidence for the cell's open‐circuit voltage and short‐circuit current enhancement with the SiOx interlayer. This is due to an improvement in minority carrier lifetimes from ≈8.6 to ≈48.27 μs (photo‐conductance decay analysis), which is also estimated from ≈7.45 to ≈49.20 μs by impedance spectra analysis, increased minority carrier diffusion length from ≈171 to ≈952 μm, and decreased rear surface recombination velocity from ≈1106 to ≈170 cm s−1 (quantum efficiency analysis). These investigations reveal that engineering the n‐Si/LiFx interface by the SiOx interlayer is more important than the NiOx/n‐Si interface because of a thin unintentionally grown SiOx layer during NiOx evaporation simultaneously mediating silicon surface passivation.