bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Browsing and fire decreases dominance of a resprouting shrub in woody encroached grassland
Authors: O’Connor Rory C. , Taylor Jeffrey H. , Nippert Jesse B.
Published: November 2019

North American grasslands have experienced increased relative abundance of shrubs and trees over the last 150 yr. Alterations in herbivore composition, abundance, and grazing pressure along with changes in fire frequency are drivers that can regulate the transition from grassland to shrubland or woodland (a process known as woody encroachment). Historically, North American grasslands had a suite of large herbivores that grazed and/or browsed (i.e., bison, elk, pronghorn, deer), as well as frequent and intense fires. In the tallgrass prairie, many large native ungulates were extirpated by the 1860s, corresponding with increased homesteading (which led to decreased fire frequencies and intensities). Changes in the frequency and intensity of these two drivers (browsing and fire) have coincided with woody encroachment in tallgrass prairie. Within tallgrass prairie, woody encroachment can be categorized in to two groups: non‐resprouting species that can be killed with fire and resprouting species that cannot be killed with fire. Resprouting species require additional active management strategies to decrease abundance and eventually be removed from the ecosystem. In this study, we investigated plant cover, ramet density, and physiological effects of continuous simulated browsing and prescribed fire onCornus drummondiiC.A. Mey, a resprouting clonal native shrub species. Browsing reducedC. drummondiicanopy cover and increased grass cover. We also observed decreased ramet density, which allowed for more infilling of grasses. Photosynthetic rates between browsed and unbrowsed control shrubs did not increase in 2015 or 2016. In 2017, photosynthetic rates for browsed shrubs were higher in the unburned site than the unbrowsed control shrubs at the end of the growing season. Additionally, after the prescribed fire, browsed shrubs had ~90% decreased cover, ~50% reduced ramet density, and grass cover increased by ~80%. In the roots of browsed shrubs after the prescribed fire, nonstructural carbohydrates (NSC) experienced a twofold reduction in glucose and a threefold reduction in both sucrose and starch. The combined effects of browsing and fire show strong potential as a successful management tool to decrease the abundance of clonal‐resprouting woody plants in mesic grasslands and illustrate the potential significance of browsers as a key driver in this ecosystem.
Eligibility of sodium–glucose co‐transporter‐2 inhibitors among patients with diabetes mellitus admitted for heart failure
Authors: Sharma Abhinav , Wu Jingjing , Ezekowitz Justin A. , Felker Gary Michael , Udell Jacob A. , Heidenreich Paul A. , Fonarow Gregg C. , Mahaffey Kenneth W. , Hernandez Adrian F. , DeVore Adam D.
Published: November 2019

Aims

Sodium–glucose co‐transporter (SGLT)‐2 inhibitors have been shown to reduce the risk of cardiovascular death and heart failure (HF) hospitalization in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) and high cardiovascular risk in two large clinical outcome trials: empagliflozin in EMPA‐REG OUTCOME and canagliflozin in CANVAS. The scope of eligibility for SGLT‐2 inhibitors (empagliflozin and canagliflozin) among patients with type 2 DM and HF, based on clinical trial criteria and current US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) labelling criteria, remains unknown.

Methods and results

Using data from the US Get With The Guidelines (GWTG)—Heart Failure registry, we evaluated the proportion of patients with DM and HF eligible for SGLT‐2 inhibitor therapy based on the clinical trial criteria and the US FDA labelling criteria. The GWTG‐HF registry is a quality improvement registry of patients admitted in hospital with HF in the USA. We included GWTG‐HF registry participants meeting eligibility criteria hospitalized between August 2014 and 30 June 2017 from sites fully participating in the registry. The initial inclusion time point reflects when both drugs had FDA approval. Among the 139 317 patients (out of 407 317) with DM hospitalized with HF (in 460 hospitals; 2014 to 2017), the median age was 71 years, 47% (n = 65 685) were female, and 43% (n = 59 973) had HF with reduced ejection fraction. Overall, 43% (n = 59 943) were eligible for the EMPA‐REG OUTCOME trial, 45% (n = 62 818) were eligible for the CANVAS trial, and 34% (n = 47 747) of patients were eligible for either SGLT‐2 inhibitors based on the FDA labelling criteria. Among the FDA‐eligible patients, 91.5% (n = 43 708) were eligible for either the EMPA‐REG OUTCOME trial or the CANVAS trial. Patients who were FDA eligible, compared with those who were not, were younger (70.0 vs. 72.0 years of age), more likely to be male (57.7 vs. 50.3%), and had less burden of co‐morbidities.

Conclusions

The majority of patients with DM who are hospitalized with HF are not eligible for SGLT‐2 inhibitor therapies. Ongoing studies evaluating the safety and efficacy of SGLT‐2 inhibitors among patients with HF may potentially broaden the population that may benefit from these therapies.
Prevalence of heart failure and left ventricular dysfunction in China: the China Hypertension Survey, 2012–2015
Authors: Hao Guang , Wang Xin , Chen Zuo , Zhang Linfeng , Zhang Yuhui , Wei Bingqi , Zheng Congyi , Kang Yuting , Jiang Linlin , Zhu Zhenhui , Zhang Jian , Wang Zengwu , Gao Runlin ,   for the China Hypertension Survey Investigators
Published: November 2019

Background

Heart failure (HF) is a major health burden worldwide. However, there is no nationwide epidemiological data on HF in China after 2000. The aims of this study are (i) to determine the prevalence of left ventricular (LV) dysfunction and HF (with reduced, mid‐range, and preserved ejection fraction) in a nationally representative Chinese population, and (ii) to investigate the treatment and control of hypertension in HF patients.

Methods and results

Data from the China Hypertension Survey (CHS) and 22 158 participants were eligible for analysis in this study. For each participant, a self‐reported history of HF and any other cardiovascular diseases was acquired. Two‐dimensional and Doppler echocardiography was used to assess LV dysfunction. Overall, 1.3% (estimated 13.7 million) of the Chinese adult population aged ≥35 years had HF, 1.4% of participants had LV systolic dysfunction (ejection fraction <50%), and 2.7% were graded as having ‘moderate’ or ‘severe’ LV diastolic dysfunction. The weighted prevalence of HF was similar between urban and rural residents (1.6% vs. 1.1%, P = 0.266), and between men and women (1.4% vs. 1.2%, P = 0.632). In addition, among HF patients with hypertension, 57.7% received antihypertensive medication, and 14.5% had their blood pressure controlled <140/90 mmHg.

Conclusions

In summary, there was an increase in the prevalence of HF, and LV dysfunction was very common in China. However, treatment and control of hypertension in participants with HF were low.

Clinical trial registration number: ChiCTR‐ECS‐14004641.
A Reusable Eu3+ Complex for Naked‐Eye Discrimination of Methanol from Ethanol with a Ratiometric Fluorimetric Equilibrium in Methanol/Ethanol Mixtures
Authors: Leal João P. , Paz Filipe A. Almeida , Mendes Ricardo F. , Moreira Tiago , Outis Mani , Laia César A. T. , Monteiro Bernardo , Pereira Cláudia C. L.
Published: November 2019

Immediate naked eye distinction of methanol from ethanol can be performed by simple dissolution, in each of these solvents, of either [Na][EuFOD4] (1) complex or in mixture of products from the reaction between [P6,6,6,14][Eu(FOD)4] and NaOPhMe3, referred as 2, ([P6,6,6,14]+ = trihexyltetradecylphosphonium cation, FOD– = 1,1,1,2,2,3,3‐heptafluoro‐7,7‐dimethyloctane‐4,6‐dionate). Additionally, an easy, low‐cost, efficient and fast spectrofluorimetric method for the detection and quantification of methanol in mixtures with ethanol is described. This method is based on the changes in the Eu3+ luminescence in the visible region due to the interaction of the [P6,6,6,14][Eu(FOD)4] complex with these alcohols. A limit of detection as low as 15 % (w/w) of methanol in mixtures of ethanol/methanol is discussed considering a linear calibration curve.
A Retrosynthetic Approach for Photocatalysis
Authors: Petzold Daniel , Giedyk Maciej , Chatterjee Anamitra , König Burkhard
Published: November 2019

Visible‐light‐mediated chemical reactions have become very popular within the last 15 years. Many excellent reviews have summarized reaction principles and recent results in photochemistry and photocatalysis. However, despite their popularity photochemistry and photoredox catalysis are not regular parts of the bachelor and master curriculum of chemistry education. As a consequence, most chemists will use in synthesis planning classic retrosynthetic disconnections and only rarely consider photocatalytic steps. The aim of this article is to be a useful tool for synthetic chemists, that are interested in the synthetic aspects of photocatalysis and looking for a specific retrosynthetic disconnection. Not only are informative schemes provided but also are the availability of the catalysts and reagents as well as the functional group tolerance of the respective method briefly discussed.
Divergent Access to Imidazopyrazinones and Imidazodiazepinones by Regioswitchable Post‐Ugi Heteroannulation
Authors: Wu Danjun , Zhang Xueling , Li Yi , Ying Sanjun , Zhu Lixi , Li Zhenghua , Yang Gensheng , Van der Eycken Erik V.
Published: November 2019

A metal‐free expeditious strategy for the divergent synthesis of structurally diverse bicyclic imidazo[1,5‐a]pyrazine and imidazo[1,5‐a][1,4]diazepine scaffolds is disclosed by combining an Ugi four‐component reaction of easily available building blocks and an exo/endo selectivity‐switchable post‐Ugi intramolecular heterocyclization. Using PPh3, the intramolecular umpolung aza‐Michael addition is mediated to selectively generate imidazopyrazinones through a 6‐exo‐dig cyclization, while without PPh3 fused imidazodiazepinones are obtained through a thermal 7‐endo‐dig cyclization in moderate yields.
Process parameter optimisation of a minster draw‐redraw system
Authors: Seechurn Yashwantraj , Ramlugun Pankaj
Published: November 2019

Non‐conformance in Unit Depth Value (UDV) of expansion rings for metal cans makes them prone to major defects, such as swells and distortions, during the Drawing/Redrawing industrial process. In this paper, with the aim of improving the manufacturing process quality, the process parameters for the Minster Draw/Redraw machine at a generic company are optimised so as to obtain the desired UDV. The Taguchi method is used to determine the most influential process parameters. Nine experiments have been performed with four selected parameters, namely, Upper Blank Holder Pressure, Lower Blank Holder Pressure, Profile Pad Pressure, and Inner Ram Value. A multiple‐linear regression analysis is also conducted to demonstrate the relationship between UDV and the considered parameters. The best settings for the respective process parameters are obtained via Analysis of Means (ANOM). Furthermore, Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) shows that the Inner Ram Value is the process parameter that most significantly affects the formation of expansion rings. The same methodology proposed in this study can easily be extended to find the optimum settings of process parameters for different can heights. Finally, an equation is formulated to predict the setting values of the most significant process parameters under user‐specified UDVs.
Size‐Independent Transmembrane Transporting of Single Tetrahedral DNA Nanostructures
Authors: Chen Xi , Tian Falin , Li Min , Xu Haijiao , Cai Mingjun , Li Qian , Zuo Xiaolei , Wang Hongda , Shi Xinghua , Fan Chunhai , Baigude Huricha , Shan Yuping
Published: November 2019

DNA nanostructures have attracted considerable attention as drug delivery carriers. However, the transmembrane kinetics of DNA nanostructures remains less explored. Herein, the dynamic process of transporting single tetrahedral DNA nanostructures (TDNs) is monitored in real time using a force‐tracing technique based on atomic force microscopy. The results show that transporting single TDNs into living HeLa cells need ≈53 pN force and ≈25 ms duration with the average speed of ≈0.6 µm s−1. Interestingly, the dynamic parameters are irrelevant to the size of TDNs, while the larger TDNs rotated slightly during the transporting process. Meanwhile, both the results from single‐molecule force tracing and ensemble fluorescence imaging demonstrate that the different size TDNs transmembrane transporting depends on caveolin‐mediated endocytosis.
The U‐shaped association between body mass index and gastric cancer risk in the Helicobacter pylori Biomarker Cohort Consortium: A nested case–control study from eight East Asian cohort studies
Authors: Jang Jieun , Wang Tianyi , Cai Hui , Ye Fei , Murphy Gwen , Shimazu Taichi , Taylor Philip R , Qiao You‐Lin , Yoo Keun‐Young , Jee Sun Ha , Kim Jeongseon , Chen Sheau‐Chiann , Abnet Christian C , Tsugane Shoichiro , Zheng Wei , Shu Xiao‐Ou , Pawlita Michael , Park Sue K. , Epplein Meira
Published: November 2019

The association between body mass index (BMI) and noncardia gastric cancer (NCGC) risk remains controversial. The purpose of our study was to examine the association of BMI with NCGC risk with consideration of Helicobacter pylori (HP) biomarkers. This international nested case–control study, composed of 1,591 incident NCGC cases and 1,953 matched controls, was established from eight cohorts in China, Japan and Korea, where the majority of NCGCs are diagnosed worldwide. HP antibody biomarkers were measured in blood collected at cohort enrollment by multiplex serology. The NCGC risk according to baseline BMI was estimated using logistic regression to produce odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). We found a U‐shaped association between BMI category and NCGC risk. Compared to those with reference BMI (22.6–25.0 kg/m2), those with lower and higher BMI had an increased NCGC risk (BMI <18.5 kg/m2, OR = 1.56, 95% CI = 1.04–2.34; BMI >27.5 kg/m2, OR = 1.48, 95% CI = 1.15–1.91; adjusted for age, sex and smoking). The U‐shaped association was persistent among subjects with HP infection and high‐risk biomarkers (HP+ CagA+: BMI <18.5 kg/m2, OR = 1.60, 95% CI = 1.00–2.55; BMI >27.5 kg/m2, OR = 1.59, 95% CI = 1.21–2.11; and Omp+ HP0305+: BMI <18.5 kg/m2, OR = 1.88, 95% CI = 1.04–3.42; BMI >27.5 kg/m2, OR = 1.70, 95% CI = 1.20–2.42, respectively). Our study provides evidence of significantly increased NCGC risk among individuals with low or high BMI, including in subjects with high‐risk HP biomarkers (HP+ CagA+, Omp+ HP0305+) in the high‐risk area of East Asia.
Thyroid cancer incidence near nuclear sites in Belgium: An ecological study at small geographical level
Authors: Demoury Claire , De Schutter Harlinde , Faes Christel , Carbonnelle Sylviane , Fierens Sébastien , Molenberghs Geert , Van Damme Nancy , Van Bladel Lodewijk , Van Nieuwenhuyse An , Vleminckx Christiane
Published: November 2019

In Belgium, variations in thyroid cancer incidence were observed around the major nuclear sites. The present ecological study investigates whether there is an excess incidence of thyroid cancer among people living in the vicinity of the four nuclear sites at the smallest Belgian geographical level. Rate ratios were obtained from a Bayesian hierarchical model for areas of varying sizes around the nuclear sites. Focused hypothesis tests and generalized additive models were performed to test the hypothesis of a gradient in thyroid cancer incidence with increasing levels of surrogate exposures. No evidence was found for more incident cases of thyroid cancer near the two nuclear power plants. Regarding the two industrial and research nuclear sites, no evidence for a higher incidence in the vicinity of Mol‐Dessel was observed, whereas a slightly nonsignificant higher incidence was found in the close vicinity of Fleurus. In addition, significant gradients for thyroid cancer incidence were observed with the different types of surrogate exposure considered in the 20 km area around the site of Fleurus (decreasing distance, increasing wind direction frequency and increasing exposure to estimated hypothetical radioactive discharges of iodine‐131). In the investigation at the smallest Belgian geographical level, variations in thyroid cancer incidence were found around the Belgian nuclear sites. Significant exposure–response relationships were also observed for the site of Fleurus. Further investigations into these findings could be useful to allow inferring causal relationships on the origin of variations in incidence and to provide information at the individual level.
The GEF‐H1/PKD3 signaling pathway promotes the maintenance of triple‐negative breast cancer stem cells
Authors: Lieb Wolfgang S. , Lungu Cristiana , Tamas Raluca , Berreth Hannah , Rathert Philipp , Storz Peter , Olayioye Monilola A. , Hausser Angelika
Published: November 2019

Protein kinase D3 (PKD3) is upregulated in triple‐negative breast cancer (TNBC) and associated with cell proliferation and metastasis development but its precise pro‐oncogenic function is unknown. Here we show that PKD3 is required for the maintenance of the TNBC stem cell population. The depletion of PKD3 in MDA‐MB‐231 cells reduced the cancer stem cell frequency in vitro and tumor initiation potential in vivo. We further provide evidence that the RhoGEF GEF‐H1 is upstream of PKD3 activation in TNBC stem cells. Most importantly, pharmacological PKD inhibition in combination with paclitaxel synergistically decreased oncosphere and colony formation efficiency in vitro and tumor recurrence in vivo. Based on our results we propose that targeting the GEF‐H1/PKD3 signaling pathway in combination with chemotherapy might provide an effective therapeutic option for TNBC.
Compositional and structural engineering of inorganic nanowires toward advanced properties and applications
Authors: Sun Yong , Sun Bo , He Jingbo , Wang Chengxin
Published: November 2019

As natural one‐dimensional confined electron transport channels and photon propagation paths, nanowires (NWs) display unmatched properties and huge potential for application in diverse fields. The ability to construct a nanoscale functional system would enable significant advances in the currently desired miniaturized device integration. To date, the basic properties of all types of nanowire crystals, including metallic NWs, as well as group IV‐related, III‐V/II‐VI compounds, and metal oxide NWs, are well understood. Regarding future work, compositional (ie, doping and alloying) and structural (defect and heterostructure) designs to flexibly realize custom‐made functionality are emphasized. Along this line, recent progress is reviewed, including the basic properties (nanowire mechanics, electronics, and photonics) and applications such as photodetectors and chemical/biological sensors. A review of the correlations between the compositional/structural configuration of nanowires and the corresponding functionality is also presented. The future development direction of this field is concluded and highlighted at the end.
THE SYNERGISTIC EFFECTS OF DRIP SYSTEM UNIFORMITY AND SOIL VARIABILITY ON DRAINAGE AND NITRATE LEACHING UNDER ARID CONDITIONS: A NUMERICAL STUDY
Authors: Guan Hongjie , Li Jiusheng , Li Yanfeng
Published: November 2019

Abstract

Both irrigation and soil heterogeneities can affect drainage and nitrate leaching. However, the interactive effect of irrigation and soil heterogeneity under different irrigation levels still remains unclear. The irrigation and soil heterogeneity effects on drainage and nitrate leaching at a typical growth stage for cotton were evaluated using the HYDRUS‐2D software. The results showed that increasing irrigation heterogeneity increased the average drainage and nitrate leaching; however, the opposite result was observed for the effect of soil heterogeneity. Both irrigation and soil heterogeneity had a negative effect on the Nemerow average drainage and nitrate leaching. The Nemerow average drainage and nitrate leaching that resulted from the combined heterogeneities were higher than those obtained when either irrigation or soil heterogeneity was considered. An increase in irrigation level increased the Nemerow average drainage and nitrate leaching. Both irrigation and soil heterogeneity had a substantial influence on the variability of drainage and nitrate leaching. Combined irrigation and soil heterogeneities resulted in a synergistic effect on the variability in nitrate leaching. An increase in irrigation level did not alleviate the negative effects of irrigation and soil heterogeneities on variability in nitrate leaching. A low drip system uniformity of 60% is not recommended because of the substantially increased risk of nitrate leaching in arid regions. © 2019 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Comparative analysis of intrinsic skin aging between Caucasian and Asian subjects by slide‐free in vivo harmonic generation microscopy
Authors: Lin Kuan‐Hung , Liao Yi‐Hua , Wei Ming‐Liang , Sun Chi‐Kuang
Published: November 2019

Phenotypical and functional differences in the intrinsic skin aging process of individuals between Caucasians and Asians have generated considerable interest in dermatology and cosmetic industry. Most of the studies focused on the stratum corneum, and in some other studies inter‐individual differences overwhelms the racial difference. None of the studies comparatively analyzes the difference from the histopathological point of view. Here we report our harmonic generation microscopy study to analyze the difference of intrinsic aging between Caucasian and Asian skin from a histopathological point of view. As a result, the cellular and nuclear areas of basal cells in Caucasian subjects were found to increase at the same rate as the Asian subjects, ideal for scoring age. The maximum thickness of the viable epidermis, the dermal papilla (DP) volume per unit area and the depth of the DP zone in Caucasians were found to decrease at faster rates than those in Asians.
Effect of matrix stiffness and adhesion ligand density on chondrogenic differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells
Authors: Zhan Xintang
Published: November 2019

Adhesion ligands and mechanical properties of extracellular matrix (ECM) play significant roles in directing mesenchymal stem cells' (MSCs) behaviors, but how they affect chondrogenic differentiation of MSCs has rarely been studied. In this study, we investigated the effects of matrix stiffness and adhesion ligand density on proliferation and chondrogenic differentiation of MSCs by using UV crosslinked hydrogels comprised of methacrylated gelatin (GelMA) and poly(ethylene glycol) diacrylate (PEGDA) of different weight ratios. The PEGDA/GelMA hydrogels were fabricated by adjusting the weight ratio of PEGDA and GelMA with low or high adhesion ligand density (0.05 and 0.5% GelMA, respectively) and independent tunable stiffness (1.6, 6, and 25 kPa separately for hydrogels with 5, 10, and 15% PEGDA). MSCs presented differential behaviors to ECM by adjusting its adhesion ligand density and stiffness. Cell proliferation and chondrogenic differentiation could be enhanced with the improvement of adhesive properties and stiffness, evidenced by cell viability assay, hematoxylin–eosin staining, Safranin O staining, immunohistochemistry (Collagen types II, Col2a1), as well as the chondrogenic genes expression of Col2a1, Acan, and Sox9. This study may provide new strategies to design the scaffolds for cartilage tissue engineering.
Differential expression of miR‐142‐3p protects cardiomyocytes from myocardial ischemia‐reperfusion via TLR4/NFkB axis
Authors: Zhao Zhikun , Qu Feng , Liu Runmei , Xia Yunfeng
Published: November 2019

Our research aims to explore the impact of miR‐142 on myocardial apoptosis in the mouse ischemia and reperfusion (IR) model and investigate the underlying mechanisms at the molecular level. A considerable downregulation of miR‐142 was observed in the cardiac area of mice post IR modeling. To understand the regulatory function of IR‐induced miR‐142 downregulation, the animals were categorized into four groups: IR model group; IR + agomir‐142 group (IR mice treated with agomir‐142); IR + antagomir‐142 group (IR mice treated with antagomir‐142); IR + agomir‐142 + negative control (NC) group (IR mice processed with agomir‐NC). The results indicated that agomir‐142 upregulation was capable of shrinking IR damage‐triggered infarction of the ventriculus sinister, strengthening myocardial function, and guarding against cardiomyocyte apoptosis, whereas further decreased miR‐142 with antagomir‐142 infection displayed negative influence of miR‐142 against mice IR damage. In the cellular assay, miR‐142 overexpression significantly improved proliferation and inhibited the apoptosis of neonatal rat cardiomyocytes (NRCs). Moreover, we found that miR‐142 reduced the Bcl‐2/Bax ratio and upregulated hydrogen peroxide (H2O2)‐induced caspase‐3 expression. Furthermore, transfection with an miR‐142 mimic prevented the upregulation of TLR4/NFkB expression and activation in H2O2‐treated NRCs. Our findings also revealed that miR‐142 is linked to the 3'‐untranslated area of the TLR4 gene. In addition, TLR4 overexpression considerably ablated the protective effects of miR‐142 in terms of the cell viability of H2O2‐treated NRCs. Taken together, miR‐142 agomir injection in mice and miR‐142 mimic transfection in NRCs plays a role in protecting the heart from IR damage and malfunction via the TLR4/NFkB axis both in vivo and in vitro.
Lagrangian densities of linear forests and Turán numbers of their extensions
Authors: Hu Sinan , Peng Yuejian , Wu Biao
Published: November 2019

The Lagrangian of a hypergraph has been a useful tool in hypergraph extremal problems. Recently, Lagrangian densities of hypergraphs and Turán numbers of their extensions have been studied actively. However, determining the Lagrangian density of a hypergraph is not an easy task even for a “simple” hypergraph. For example, to determine the Lagrangian density of is equivalent to determine the Turán density of (a long standing conjecture of Turán). Hefetz and Keevash studied the Lagrangian density of the 3‐uniform matching of size 2. Pikhurko determined the Lagrangian density of a 4‐uniform tight path of length 2 and this led to confirm the conjecture of Frankl and Füredi on the Turán number of the ‐uniform generalized triangle for the case . It is natural and interesting to consider Lagrangian densities of other “basic” hypergraphs. In this paper, we determine the Lagrangian densities for a class of 3‐uniform linear forests. For positive integers and , let be the disjoint union of a 3‐uniform linear path of length and pairwise disjoint edges. In this paper, we determine the Lagrangian densities of for any and or 3. Applying a modified version of Pikhurko's transference argument used by Brandt, Irwin, and Jiang, we obtain the Turán numbers of their extensions.
Efficacy of cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia comorbid to Parkinson's disease: A focus on psychological and daytime functioning with a single‐case design with multiple baselines
Authors: Lebrun Cindy , Gély‐Nargeot Marie‐Christine , Rossignol Alexia , Geny Christian , Bayard Sophie
Published: November 2019

Objective

To test the efficacy of cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT‐i) in Parkinson's Disease (PD) and to evaluate its impact on indices of daytime and psychological functioning.

Method

Fifteen patients with insomnia disorder (ID) comorbid to PD were enrolled in a single‐case design with multiple baselines. Total wake time, sleep efficiency, and daytime sleepiness were recorded on a sleep diary. Self‐reported measures of insomnia, anxiety and depressive symptoms, health‐related quality of life, and psychological variables perpetuating ID were completed. All patients also underwent a clinical interview for ID diagnosis.

Results

CBT‐i was associated with significant changes in sleep variables and ID criteria. Significant positive treatment‐related effects were also noted for all indices of daytime and psychological functioning, and for variables perpetuating ID. All of these improvements were well maintained at 3‐month follow‐up.

Conclusion

CBT‐i is a promising therapeutic avenue for patients with PD.
A tale of four countries: How Bowlby used his trip through Europe to write the WHO report and spread his ideas
Authors: van der Horst Frank C. P. , Zetterqvist Nelson Karin , van Rosmalen Lenny , van der Veer René
Published: November 2019

Attachment theory, developed by child psychiatrist John Bowlby, is considered a major theory in developmental psychology. Attachment theory can be seen as resulting from Bowlby's personal experiences, his psychoanalytic education, his subsequent study of ethology, and societal developments during the 1930s and 1940s. One of those developments was the outbreak of World War II and its effects on children's psychological wellbeing. In 1950, Bowlby was appointed WHO consultant to study the needs of children who were orphaned or separated from their families for other reasons and needed care in foster homes or institutions. The resulting report is generally considered a landmark publication in psychology, although it subsequently met with methodological criticism. In this paper, by reconstructing Bowlby's visit to several European countries, on the basis of notebooks and letters, the authors shed light on the background of this report and the way Bowlby used or neglected the findings he gathered.
Light at the end of the tunnel?
Authors: Machado-Aranda D.A. , Raghavendran K.
Published: November 2019

Discussion on how the modulation of Rev-Erb-alpha and the circadian CLOCK proteins remain an interesting but elusive target for modulation of acute inflammatory response in critical illness.
Molecular and epidemiological aspects of hepatitis C virus infection among crack cocaine users
Authors: Del‐Rios Nativa Helena Alves , de Araujo Lyriane Apolinário , Martins Regina Maria Bringel , Guimarães Rafael Alves , de Matos Márcia Alves Dias , Caetano Karlla Antonieta Amorim , Pinheiro Raquel Silva , da Silva França Divânia Dias , da Silva Leandro Nascimento , Teles Sheila Araújo , dos Santos Carneiro Megmar Aparecida
Published: November 2019

The aim is to investigate the prevalence, risk factors, and hepatitis C virus (HCV) genotypes/subtypes among crack users in‐treatment in Central Brazil. A cross‐sectional survey in which 600 in‐treatment crack users were interviewed and tested for anti‐HCV Ab by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay was conducted between August 2012 and April 2013. Anti‐HCV‐positive samples were also submitted for HCV RNA detection by polymerase chain reaction. Positive HCV RNA samples were genotyped by direct sequencing analysis of the NS5B region of the viral genome, followed by phylogenetic analysis. Of the total, 3.7% (95.0% CI, 2.4%‐5.6%) were anti‐HCV positive. Age over 40 years and history of injecting drugs were risk factors for HCV, while snorting cocaine was a protector variable. HCV RNA was detected in 14 of 22 anti‐HCV‐positive samples, and the genotypes 1 (n = 10) and 3 (n = 2), subtypes 1a (n = 7), 1b (n = 3), and 3a (n = 2) were identified. The HCV prevalence found among crack users is almost threefold that observed in the general population in Brazil supporting that this population is at higher risk for HCV. The findings of cocaine insufflation as a protective behavior for HCV infection in this population should be explored.
The utility of electrocautery for suture passage through bone: A biomechanical study
Authors: Littlefield Zachary L. , Lehtonen Eva J. , McKissack Haley M. , Momaya Amit M. , Brabston Eugene W. , Baez Kevin , McGwin Gerald , Ponce Brent A.
Published: November 2019

Electrosurgical devices are routinely employed during surgery. The use of a Bovie Electrosurgical Unit (ESU) to facilitate the passage of a suture needle through bone has not been studied in the literature. This study aimed to identify force reduction with the application of Bovie ESU to the suture needle through the bone. Peak and the average axial force required for a suture needle to penetrate cadaveric proximal humeri were measured using a custom setup. Twenty‐four trials were conducted without electricity, and 72 trials were conducted with a Bovie ESU applying current. Needle size and Bovie ESU power settings were varied. t Tests and analysis of variance were used with p ≤ 0.05 denoting statistical significance. The application of electricity reduced the peak and average axial force needed for a needle to pierce bone, regardless of the Bovie ESU power setting (p < 0.001). The average peak force with the Bovie ESU was 65.7 N, compared with 126.0 N without (p < 0.001), a 47.9% reduction. The average axial force with the Bovie ESU was 38.2 N compared with 81.8 N without (p < 0.001), a 53.3% reduction. There was no significant difference in peak or average axial forces between power settings. At 30 and 90 W of power, larger needle size was associated with significantly lower peak (p = 0.001 and p < 0.001, respectively) and axial (p = 0.002 and p = 0.004, respectively) force. The Bovie ESU reduces the axial force required to pass a suture needle through bone. The use of this technique may allow for the avoidance of drilling for soft tissue repair. © 2019 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 38:954‐960, 2020
Metabolomics of lung cancer: Analytical platforms and their applications
Authors: Noreldeen Hamada A. A. , Liu Xinyu , Xu Guowang
Published: November 2019

Lung cancer is the leading type of cancer worldwide in terms of the number of new cases and is responsible for the largest number of deaths due to poor prognosis and difficult early detection. Due to its ability to detect numerous small molecular metabolites simultaneously, metabolomics has been widely used for the assessment of global metabolic changes in a living organism to discover candidate biomarkers for cancer diagnosis, investigate the development of cancer, and provide insights into the underlying pathophysiology. This review will mainly describe recent developments in lung cancer metabolomics in terms of early‐stage detection, biomarker discovery and mechanism exploration by using nuclear magnetic resonance, liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry, gas chromatography–mass spectrometry, and capillary electrophoresis–mass spectrometry in the last 10 years. The sample collection and metabolite extraction methods are also summarized.
Mechanism and kinetics of the reaction of the 2‐propargyl radical with ammonia
Authors: Nguyen Hue Minh Thi , Pham Tien Van , Van Hoang Hung , Hoan Pham Tho , Cuong Ngo Tuan
Published: November 2019

Gas‐phase mechanism and kinetics of the reactions of the 2‐propargyl radical (H2CCCH), an important intermediate in combustion processes, with ammonia were investigated using ab initio molecular orbital theory at the coupled‐cluster CCSD(T)//B3LYP/6‐311++G(3df,2p) method in conjunction with transition state theory (TST), variational transition state theory (VTST), and Rice–Ramsperger–Kassel–Macus (RRKM) calculations for rate constants. The potential energy surface (PES) constructed shows that the C3H3 + NH3 reaction has four main entrances, including two H‐abstraction and two addition channels in which the former are energetically more favorable. The H‐abstraction channels occur via energy barriers of 24 (T0/P2) and 26 kcal/mol (T0/P3) forming loose van de Waals complexes, COM_1 (12 kcal/mol) and COM_2 (14 kcal/mol), respectively. These complexes can easily be decomposed via barrier‐less processes resulting HCCCH3 + NH2 (P2, 14 kcal/mol) and HCCCH3 + NH2 (P3, 15 kcal/mol), respectively. The additional channels occur initially by formation of two intermediate states, H2CCCHNH3 (35 kcal/mol) and H2CC(NH3)CH (37 kcal/mol) via energy barriers of 37 and 40 kcal/mol at T0/1 and T0/5, respectively, followed by isomerization and decomposition yielding 21 different products. These processes are fully depicted in an as‐complete‐as‐possible PES. The rate constants and product branching ratios for the low‐energy channels calculated show that the C3H3 + NH3 reaction is almost pressure‐independent. For the temperature range of 300–2000 K, the HCCCH3 + NH2 is the major product, whereas the minor one, HCCCH3 + NH2, has more contribution when temperature increases. Theoretical results on the mechanism and kinetics of the reaction considered may be helpful for future experiments as well as for understanding the role of the propargyl radical in combustion chemistry.
Predictors of eustachian tube dysfunction improvement and normalization after endoscopic sinus surgery
Authors: Higgins Thomas S. , Cappello Zachary J. , Wu Arthur W. , Ting Jonathan Y. , Sindwani Raj
Published: November 2019

Objective

Studies have demonstrated improvement in Eustachian tube dysfunction (ETD) symptomatology after functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS); however, factors associated with ETD symptom alteration have not been elucidated. This study evaluated factors associated with improvement and normalization of ETD symptoms after FESS.

Methods

A case‐control study was performed of FESS patients who had clinically significant ETD symptoms based on the Eustachian Tube Dysfunction Questionnaire‐7 (ETDQ‐7 ≥ 2.1) without middle ear effusion (MEE) preoperatively. Study patients were identified as those with a normalized ETDQ‐7 at 2 months postoperatively. Controls were patients whose ETDQ‐7 did not normalize at 2 months. Demographics, surgery characteristics, chronic rhinosinusitis phenotype, Lund‐Mackay score, temporomandibular joint dysfunction (TMJD), preoperative ETDQ‐7 and SNOT‐22 scores, and tympanograms were analyzed. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed comparing study cases and controls.

Results

Data were collected on 165 patients, with 46% patients having clinically significant preoperative ETD and 60 patients meeting final study inclusion/exclusion criteria. FESS was associated with both SNOT‐22 and ETDQ‐7 improvement (P < 0.001). Nasal polyposis was associated with a higher probability of ETDQ‐7 normalization (OR 4.429, P = 0.035). Factors associated with failure of ETDQ‐7 normalization included TMJD (OR 0.086, P < 0.001, 95% CI 0.019–0.391) and high preoperative ETDQ‐7 (OR 0.140, P = 0.006, 95% CI 0.032–0.613).

Conclusion

In patients with clinically significant ETD symptoms without MEE, FESS was associated with ETDQ‐7 improvement. Nasal polyposis was associated with an increased probability of normalization of ETD symptoms postoperatively, whereas TMJD had a negative association.

Level of Evidence

3b Laryngoscope, 2019
The estimation of gross oxygen production and community respiration from autonomous time‐series measurements in the oligotrophic ocean
Authors: Barone Benedetto , Nicholson David , Ferrón Sara , Firing Eric , Karl David
Published: November 2019

Diel variations in oxygen concentration have been extensively used to estimate rates of photosynthesis and respiration in productive freshwater and marine ecosystems. Recent improvements in optical oxygen sensors now enable us to use the same approach to estimate metabolic rates in the oligotrophic waters that cover most of the global ocean and for measurements collected by autonomous underwater vehicles. By building on previous methods, we propose a procedure to estimate photosynthesis and respiration from vertically resolved diel measurements of oxygen concentration. This procedure involves isolating the oxygen variation due to biological processes from the variation due to physical processes, and calculating metabolic rates from biogenic oxygen changes using linear least squares analysis. We tested our method on underwater glider observations from the surface layer of the North Pacific Subtropical Gyre where we estimated rates of gross oxygen production and community respiration both averaging 1.0 mmol O2 m−3 d−1, consistent with previous estimates from the same environment. Method uncertainty was computed as the standard deviation of the fitted parameters and averaged 0.6 and 0.5 mmol O2 m−3 d−1 for oxygen production and respiration, respectively. The variability of metabolic rates was larger than this uncertainty and we were able to discern covariation in the biological production and consumption of oxygen. The proposed method resolved variability on time scales of approximately 1 week. This resolution can be improved in several ways including by measuring turbulent mixing, increasing the number of measurements in the surface ocean, and adopting a Lagrangian approach during data collection.
Amphiphilic Polymethyloxazoline–Polyethyleneimine Copolymers: Interaction with Lipid Bilayer and Antibacterial Properties
Authors: Kozon Dominika , Mierzejewska Jolanta , Kobiela Tomasz , Grochowska Agnieszka , Dudnyk Ksenia , Głogowska Agnieszka , Sobiepanek Anna , Kuźmińska Aleksandra , Ciach Tomasz , Augustynowicz‐Kopeć Ewa , Jańczewski Dominik
Published: November 2019

Polycations, mimicking activity of antibacterial peptides, belong to an important class of molecules investigated as a support or as an alternative to antibiotics. In this work, studies of modified linear amphiphilic statistical polymethyloxazoline (PMOX) and polyethyleneimine copolymers (PMOX_PEI) series are presented. Variation of PEI content in the structure results in controllable changes of polymeric aggregates zeta potential. The structure with the highest positive charge shows the best antimicrobial activity, well visible in tests against model Gram‐positive and Gram‐negative bacteria, fungi, and mycobacterium strains. The polymer toxicity is evaluated with MTT and hemolysis assay as a reference. Quartz crystal microbalance (QCM‐D) is used to investigate interaction between polycations and a model lipid membrane. Polymer activity correlates well with molecular structure, showing that amphiphilic component is altering polymer behavior in contact with the lipid bilayer.
Multi‐Stimuli‐Responsive Polymeric Prodrug for Enhanced Cancer Treatment
Authors: Wang Yue , Shen Na , Sakurai Kazuo , Tang Zhaohui
Published: November 2019

Accomplishing efficient delivery of a nanomedicine to the tumor site will encounter two contradictions as follows: 1) a contradiction between prolonged circulation time and endocytosis by cancer cells; 2) a dilemma between the stability of nanomedicine during blood circulation and intracellular drug release. While developing a nanomedicine which can solve the above two contradictions simultaneously is still a challenge, here, a multi‐stimuli‐responsive polymeric prodrug (PLys‐co‐(PLys‐DA)‐co‐(PLys‐SS‐PTX))‐b‐PLGLAG‐mPEG (P‐PEP‐SS‐PTX‐DA) is synthesized which is multi‐sensitive to overexpressed matrix metalloproteinase‐2 (MMP‐2), low pH, and high concentration of glutathione in tumors. The P‐PEP‐SS‐PTX‐DA can be dePEGylated and reversed from negative at normal physiological pH to positive charge at tumor extracellular microenvironment; in this way, it can solve the contradiction between prolonged circulation time and endocytosis by cancer cells. Owing to the high reductive conditions in cancer cells, P‐PEP‐SS‐PTX‐DA is ruptured to release paclitaxel (PTX) intracellular efficiently; therefore, it can resolve the dilemma between the stability of nanomedicine during blood circulation and intracellular drug release. These indicate that the multi‐stimuli‐responsive polymeric prodrug has potential application prospects in drug delivery and cancer therapy.
Mesoscopic Simulation of Dispersed Copolymers: Effects of Chain Length, Chemical Composition, and Block Length Distributions on Self‐Assembly
Authors: Lemos Tiago , Abreu Charlles , Pinto José Carlos
Published: November 2019

Polymer materials are normally constituted by chains of different sizes and compositions due to the stochastic nature of most polymerization mechanisms. For this reason, dissipative particle dynamics (DPD) simulations are carried out in the present work to investigate the effect of chain length distribution (CLD), chemical composition distribution (CCD), and block length distribution (BLD) on the process of self‐assembly of diblock copolymers. Flory and Poisson distributions are used to study CLD and BLD effects and bidispersed distributions are used for the study of CCD effects. Visual inspection and the static structure factorS(q) are used to evaluate the obtained structures. The results show that high dispersion in the CCD and different levels of dispersion in the BLDs of different components of the system increase the sizes of the segregated domains and decisively affect the structure and the purity of the formed mesophases.
Prostaglandin‐endoperoxide synthase 2 is not required for preimplantation ovine conceptus development in sheep
Authors: O'Neil Eleanore V. , Brooks Kelsey , Burns Gregory W. , Ortega Martha S. , Denicol Anna C. , Aguiar Luis H. , Pedroza Gabriela H. , Benne Joshua , Spencer Thomas E.
Published: November 2019

Conceptus development and elongation is required for successful pregnancy establishment in ruminants and is coincident with the production of interferon τ (IFNT) and prostaglandins (PGs). In both the conceptus trophectoderm and endometrium, PGs are primarily synthesized through a prostaglandin‐endoperoxide synthase 2 (PTGS2) pathway and modify endometrial gene expression and thus histotroph composition in the uterine lumen to promote conceptus growth and survival. Chemical inhibition of PG production by both the endometrium and the conceptus prevented elongation in sheep. However, the contributions of conceptus‐derived PGs to preimplantation conceptus development remain unclear. In this study, CRISPR‐Cas9 genome editing was used to inactivate PTGS2 in ovine embryos to determine the role of PTGS2‐derived PGs in conceptus development and elongation. PTGS2 edited conceptuses produced fewer PGs, but secreted similar amounts of IFNT to their Cas9 control counterparts and elongated normally. Expression of PTGS1 was lower in PTGS2 edited conceptuses, but PPARG expression and IFNT secretion were unaffected. Content of PGs in the uterine lumen was similar as was gene expression in the endometrium of ewes who received either Cas9 control or PTGS2 edited conceptuses. These results support the idea that intrinsic PTGS2‐derived PGs are not required for preimplantation embryo or conceptus survival and development in sheep.