bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Large‐Vessel Dilatation in Giant Cell Arteritis: A Different Subset of Disease?
Authors: Muratore Francesco , Kermani Tanaz A. , Crowson Cynthia S. , Koster Matthew J. , Matteson Eric L. , Salvarani Carlo , Warrington Kenneth J.
Published: December 2017

Objective

To compare patients with large‐vessel giant cell arteritis (LV‐GCA) characterized by wall thickening, stenosis, and/or occlusion of subclavian arteries to those with subclavian dilatation.

Methods

For the purposes of the present retrospective study, 2 different subsets of LV‐GCA were identified and compared from an established cohort of patients with radiographic evidence of subclavian artery vasculitis secondary to GCA: LV‐GCA with wall thickening, stenosis, and/or occlusion of subclavian arteries (Group 1), and LV‐GCA with dilatation of subclavian arteries without wall thickening or stenotic changes (Group 2).

Results

The study included 109 patients in Group 1 and 11 in Group 2. Large‐vessel involvement secondary to GCA was diagnosed significantly later in patients from Group 2 compared to those from Group 1 (median 15.3 versus 0.0 months; P = 0.010). Compared to patients from Group 1, those from Group 2 were more frequently male (17% versus 45%; P = 0.027), ever smokers (42% versus 73%; P = 0.048), and more frequently had a history of coronary artery disease (11% versus 36%; P = 0.018). At LV‐GCA diagnosis, 10 of the 11 patients (91%) from Group 2 had aortic dilatation compared to 13 of 109 patients (12%) from Group 1 (P < 0.001). During the followup period, the prevalence of aortic aneurysm was significantly higher in patients from Group 2 compared with those from Group 1 (64% versus 7% at 5 years; P < 0.001).

Conclusion

Two different subsets of LV‐GCA were identified. Given the strong association between subclavian artery dilatation and aortic aneurysm, such patients should be evaluated and monitored carefully for aortic dilatation.
Orthopedic Surgery Among Patients With Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Population‐Based Study to Identify Risk Factors, Sex Differences, and Time Trends
Authors: Richter Michael D. , Crowson Cynthia S. , Matteson Eric L. , Makol Ashima
Published: December 2017

Objective

To identify risk factors for large‐joint surgery (LJS) versus small‐joint surgery (SJS) in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and evaluate trends in surgery rates over time.

Methods

A retrospective medical record review of all orthopedic surgeries following first fulfillment of the 1987 American College of Rheumatology criteria for adult‐onset RA among residents of Olmsted County, Minnesota between 1980 and 2013 was performed. Risk factors were examined using Cox models adjusted for age, sex, and calendar year of RA incidence. Trends in incidence of joint surgeries were examined using Poisson regression models.

Results

A total of 1,077 patients with RA (mean age 56 years, 69% female, 66% seropositive for rheumatoid factor [RF] and anti–cyclic citrullinated peptide [anti‐CCP] antibodies) were followed for a median of 10.7 years, during which 112 patients (90 women) underwent at least 1 SJS and 204 (141 women) underwent at least 1 LJS. Risk factors included advanced age, and RF and anti‐CCP antibody positivity for both SJS and LJS, and body mass index ≥30 kg/m2 for LJS. Risk factors for SJS and LJS at any time during followup included the presence of radiographic erosions, large‐joint swelling, and methotrexate use. SJS rates decreased by calendar year of incidence (hazard ratio 0.53, P = 0.001), with significant decline in the rates of SJS after 1995. The cumulative incidence of SJS was higher in women than men (P = 0.008).

Conclusion

In recent years, there has been a significant decline in the rates of SJS but not LJS in patients with RA. The incidence of SJS is higher among women. Traditional RA risk factors are strong predictors for SJS and LJS. Increasing age and obesity are predictive of LJS.
Frontiers in the Growth of Complex Oxide Thin Films: Past, Present, and Future of Hybrid MBE
Authors: Brahlek Matthew , Gupta Arnab Sen , Lapano Jason , Roth Joseph , Zhang Hai‐Tian , Zhang Lei , Haislmaier Ryan , Engel‐Herbert Roman
Published: December 2017

Driven by an ever‐expanding interest in new material systems with new functionality, the growth of atomic‐scale electronic materials by molecular beam epitaxy (MBE) has evolved continuously since the 1950s. Here, a new MBE technique called hybrid‐MBE (hMBE) is reviewed that has been proven a powerful approach for tackling the challenge of growing high‐quality, multicomponent complex oxides, specifically the ABO3 perovskites. The goal of this work is to (1) discuss the development of hMBE in a historical context, (2) review the advantageous surface kinetics and chemistry that enable the self‐regulated growth of ABO3 perovskites, (3) layout the key components and technical challenges associated with hMBE, (4) review the status of the field and the materials that have been successfully grown by hMBE which demonstrate its general applicability, and (5) discuss the future of hMBE in regards to technical innovations and expansion into new material classes, which are aimed at expanding into industrial realm and at tackling new scientific endeavors.
Activatable Hybrid Nanotheranostics for Tetramodal Imaging and Synergistic Photothermal/Photodynamic Therapy
Authors: Goel Shreya , Ferreira Carolina A. , Chen Feng , Ellison Paul A. , Siamof Cerise M. , Barnhart Todd E. , Cai Weibo
Published: December 2017

A multifunctional core–satellite nanoconstruct is designed by assembling copper sulfide (CuS) nanoparticles on the surface of [89Zr]‐labeled hollow mesoporous silica nanoshells filled with porphyrin molecules, for effective cancer imaging and therapy. The hybrid nanotheranostic demonstrates three significant features: (1) simple and robust construction from biocompatible building blocks, demonstrating prolonged blood retention, enhanced tumor accumulation, and minimal long‐term systemic toxicity, (2) rationally selected functional moieties that interact together to enable simultaneous tetramodal (positron emission tomography/fluorescence/Cerenkov luminescence/Cerenkov radiation energy transfer) imaging for rapid and accurate delineation of tumors and multimodal image‐guided therapy in vivo, and (3) synergistic interaction between CuS‐mediated photothermal therapy and porphyrin‐mediated photodynamic therapy which results in complete tumor elimination within a day of treatment with no visible recurrence or side effects. Overall, this proof‐of‐concept study illustrates an efficient, generalized approach to design high‐performance core–satellite nanohybrids that can be easily tailored to combine a wide variety of imaging and therapeutic modalities for improved and personalized cancer theranostics in the future.
Pressure‐Induced Wide‐Range Reversible Emission Shift of Triphenylamine‐Substituted Anthracene via Hybridized Local and Charge Transfer (HLCT) Excited State
Authors: Li Aisen , Ma Zhiyong , Wu Jinxia , Li Ping , Wang Hailong , Geng Yijia , Xu Shuping , Yang Bing , Zhang Houyu , Cui Haining , Xu Weiqing
Published: December 2017

4‐(Anthracen‐9‐yl)‐N,N‐diphenylaniline (TPA‐AN) is a typical molecule belonging to a donor–acceptor system. Here, the ordered crystal and the powder of TPA‐AN are used for high‐pressure Raman and fluorescence experiments, and their spectroscopic features under the shearing force of grinding and the hydrostatic pressure applied by a diamond anvil cell (DAC) are compared. The mechanochromism of TPA‐AN is discussed in detail based on the analysis of its single‐crystal structure and pressure‐driven spectral changes. During the DAC compression process, the TPA‐AN crystal shows an obvious emission band shift (from 476 to 600 nm) along with a new intramolecular charge transfer state that is separated from the hybridized local and charge transfer excited state and extremely sensitive to external force. Once the pressure is relieved, the Raman and fluorescence spectra both entirely self‐recover without a secondary force. To the authors' knowledge, TPA‐AN crystal is one of the largest emission shift organic mechanochromic fluorescent materials among reported publications. The reversible mechanochromic property of TPA‐AN for a wide‐range emission shift implies a great application potential as smart stimuli‐responsive layer in the fields of sensing, organic light‐emitting diode displays, and data storage.
A Large‐Area Smart Window with Tunable Shading and Solar‐Thermal Harvesting Ability Based on Remote Switching of a Magneto‐Active Liquid
Authors: Heiz Benjamin P. V. , Pan Zhiwen , Su Lingqi , Le Si Thien , Wondraczek Lothar
Published: December 2017

Switchable windows provide intriguing opportunities for addressing the challenges of modern building skins. In particular, indoor comfort and the control of radiative heat transfer into and out of the building require adaptive and tunable solutions for shading and emissivity. Here, a switchable, ultrathin suspended particle device (SPD) for large‐area integration with smart facades is presented. The system is based on a fluidic window, manufactured at low cost from a laminate of structured, rolled glass and a thin cover with high surface strength. Loading the circulating fluid with magnetic nanoparticles enables active shading and solar‐thermal energy harvesting, whereby the loading state and, hence, the optical properties of the liquid can be controlled through remote switching in a particle collector‐suspender device. In the fully shaded state, a typical harvesting efficiency of 45% of the incoming solar power is obtained. For an average solar irradiance of 1000 W m−2 during 800 h a−1, this corresponds to a solar thermal harvesting capacity in the range of 360 kWh a−1 m−2. In comparison to alternative SPD concepts, this enables high flexibility and compatibility with established production lines. In addition, there is no need for further electrical contact, transparent conductive layers, or electrolytes.
All‐in‐One Cellulose Nanocrystals for 3D Printing of Nanocomposite Hydrogels
Authors: Wang Jieping , Chiappone Annalisa , Roppolo Ignazio , Shao Feng , Fantino Erika , Lorusso Massimo , Rentsch Daniel , Dietliker Kurt , Pirri Candido Fabrizio , Grützmacher Hansjörg
Published: December 2017

Cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) with >2000 photoactive groups on each can act as highly efficient initiators for radical polymerizations, cross‐linkers, as well as covalently embedded nanofillers for nanocomposite hydrogels. This is achieved by a simple and reliable method for surface modification of CNCs with a photoactive bis(acyl)phosphane oxide derivative. Shape‐persistent and free‐standing 3D structured objects were printed with a mono‐functional methacrylate, showing a superior swelling capacity and improved mechanical properties.
Lagoons and saltwater wetlands getting more diversity: A molecular approach reveals cryptic lineages of a euryhaline submerged macrophyte (Ruppia)
Authors: Triest Ludwig , Beirinckx Lise , Sierens Tim
Published: December 2017

Ruppia species are distantly related to seagrasses and occur in saltwater coastal and inland lagoons, mostly as monospecific beds. The diversity of euryhaline Ruppia populations from different continents recently became better understood from a suite of chloroplast sequences but limited nuclear markers. These revealed a high complexity from hybridization, introgression, polyploidy and haplotypic divergence.

Because of this complexity within the genus and multiple allelic states in polyploids, three multiplexed sets of 24 nuclear microsatellites were developed from four Ruppia provenances and cross‐amplified on 130 individuals from a wide range of taxa in various aquatic habitats on different continents.

Secondly, pure R. cirrhosa and R. maritima individuals could be unambiguously identified from their introgressed hybrids and from other known or yet unidentified taxa, using diagnostic markers that referred to autotetraploid individuals in R. cirrhosa and allotetraploidy in an ancient hybrid complex ‘haplogroup E’.

Thirdly, a phenetic barcoding approach of trnH‐psbA chloroplast haplotypes taking into account insertion–deletion variations, revealed lineages of recently described taxa from lagoons in different continents (i.e. R. sinensis, R. brevipedunculata, R. mexicana) in addition to separate lineages of hybrid origin. Congruence between pollination mode and diversification of lineages, allows one to hypothesize whether selfing underwater leads to clearly separated lineages whereas outcrossing at the water surface allows hybridization and extensive introgression with potential chloroplast capture.

This study raises a renewed interest in cryptic lineages, hybrid taxa and shallow phylogenies of Ruppia lineages, thereby critically questioning worldwide distributions of least concern species. Recognition and monitoring of unique Ruppia lineages will support further studies on connectivity, survival strategies and movement ecology to aid in determining the conservation status of a wide variety of lagoon and coastal wetland habitats.
Morphological divergence of the threatened Rocky Mountain sculpin (Cottus sp.) is driven by biogeography and flow regime: Implications for mitigating altered flow regime to freshwater fishes
Authors: Rudolfsen Tyana , Watkinson Douglas A. , Poesch Mark
Published: December 2017

Stream hydrology is considered the primary factor in structuring freshwater fish communities, influencing stream habitats, food resources, and life‐history characteristics. Changes in stream hydrology, from climate change and anthropogenic sources (e.g. dams, irrigation channels), are thought to have adverse impacts on many freshwater species.

The Rocky Mountain sculpin (Cottus sp.) is a threatened species in Canada. Phenotypes of Rocky Mountain sculpin were compared across a gradient of four streams differing in stream hydrology. It was hypothesized that Rocky Mountain sculpin would show body forms minimizing drag in higher flow environments.

Using geometric morphometrics and meristic counts, body shape, fin rays, and sensory pores were compared. As hypothesized, high‐flow river systems were correlated with sculpin with more dorso‐ventrally compressed, slender body shapes that minimized resistance to flow (P<0.001). Rocky Mountain sculpin had more pectoral fin rays in populations with higher flows than lower flows, potentially allowing them to increase friction when gripping onto the substrate (P<0.001), and more anteriorly and dorsally located head pores to improve detection of floating prey (P<0.001).

Biogeographic isolation and difference in flow regime were the likely basis for the observed morphological variation. The degree to which these phenotypes become fixed is unknown; however, since phenotypic diversity parallels genetic diversity in Rocky Mountain sculpin, there is the possibility that persistent selection of these phenotypes can make it difficult to adapt to rapidly changing habitat conditions, such as changing flow.

This study emphasizes the importance of considering phenotypic and morphological variation when evaluating how best to mitigate anthropogenic stressors and their impact on freshwater fishes.
Morphological and Histological Study on the Foot Pads of the Anatolian Bobcat (Lynx lynx)
Authors: Ari Hasan Hüseyin , Kuru Nilgun , Uslu Sema , Ozdemir Ozge
Published: December 2017

This study was conducted to reveal the morphometric and morphological features of foot pads in the Anatolian bobcat (Lynx lynx). To achieve this objective, dissection, histological, and radiography techniques were applied to two dead materials obtained from the Republic of Turkey Ministry of Forest and Water Works Sivas Branch Manager. Digit I is radiographically rudimentary in the forepaw. The paws of the forelimb of the Anatolian bobcat have a carpal, a metacarpal, and four digital pads, while the hind feet have a metatarsal pad and four digital pads. The metacarpal pad is cone‐like, while the metatarsal pad resembles a butterfly. The digital pads in the paws of the forelimb are longer and thinner than in the paws in the hind feet. The paws in both feet are situated as binary. Through histological examination, it was determined that the skin of the foot pads consists of epidermis, dermis, and pad cushion. The epidermis is subdivided into basal, spinous, granular, lucidum, and corneum layers. The dermis of each pad consists of papillar and reticular strata containing sweat glands, elastin, collagen, and reticular fibers. Anat Rec, 301:932–938, 2018. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Efficient 3‐Hydroxybutyrate Production by Quiescent Escherichia coli Microbial Cell Factories is Facilitated by Indole‐Induced Proteomic and Metabolomic Changes
Authors: Thomson Nicholas M. , Shirai Tomokazu , Chiapello Marco , Kondo Akihiko , Mukherjee Krishna J. , Sivaniah Easan , Numata Keiji , Summers David K.
Published: December 2017

The authors show that quiescent (Q‐Cell) Escherichia coli cultures can maintain metabolic activity in the absence of growth for up to 24 h, leading to four times greater specific productivity of a model metabolite, 3‐hydroxybutyrate (3HB), than a control. Q‐cells can be created by using the proton ionophore indole to halt cell division of an hns mutant strain. This uncouples metabolism from cell growth and allows for more efficient use of carbon feedstocks because less metabolic effort is diverted to surplus biomass production. However, the reason for the increased productivity of cells in the quiescent state was previously unknown. In this study, proteome expression patterns between wild‐type and Q‐cell cultures show that Q‐cells overexpress stress response proteins, which prime them to tolerate the metabolic imbalances incurred through indole addition. Metabolomic data reveal the accumulation of acetyl‐coenzyme A and phosphoenolpyruvate: excellent starting points for high‐value chemical production. We demonstrate the exploitation of these accumulated metabolites by engineering a simple pathway for 3HB production from acetyl‐coenzyme A. Quiescent cultures produced half the cell biomass of control cultures lacking indole, but were still able to produce 39.4 g L−1 of 3HB compared to 18.6 g L−1 in the control. Q‐cells therefore have great potential as a platform technology for the efficient production of a wide range of commodity and high value chemicals.
Recent tragedies call for re‐evaluating approach to event safety, security
Authors: O'Brien Timothy
Published: December 2017

The horrific and tragic shooting at the concert in Las Vegas and the use of trucks as deadly weapons in large crowds in France and New York have once again thrust the issues of event‐related safety, security, and liability into the spotlight.
Bovine leukemia virus linked to breast cancer but not coinfection with human papillomavirus: Case‐control study of women in Texas
Authors: Baltzell Kimberly A. , Shen Hua Min , Krishnamurthy Savitri , Sison Jennette D. , Nuovo Gerard J. , Buehring Gertrude C.
Published: December 2017

BACKGROUND

Bovine leukemia virus (BLV) and human papillomavirus (HPV) were previously identified in human breast tissue and have been associated with breast cancer in independent studies. The objective of the current study was to test for the presence of BLV and HPV in the same breast tissue specimens to determine whether the viruses were associated with breast cancer either singly or together.

METHODS

Archival formalin‐fixed paraffin‐embedded breast tissue sections from 216 women were received from The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center along with patient diagnosis. In situ polymerase chain reaction and/or DNA hybridization methods were used to detect targeted DNA segments of BLV and HPV. Standard statistical methods were used to calculate age‐adjusted odds ratios, attributable risk, and P values for the trend related to the association between presence of a virus and a diagnosis of breast disease.

RESULTS

Women diagnosed with breast cancer were significantly more likely to have BLV DNA in their breast tissue compared with women with benign diagnoses and no history of breast cancer. Women with breast pathology classified as premalignant and no history of breast cancer also were found to have an elevated risk of harboring BLV DNA in their breast tissue. HPV status was not associated with malignancy, premalignant breast disease, or the presence of BLV in the breast tissues.

CONCLUSIONS

The data from the current study supported previous findings of a significant association between BLV DNA in breast tissue and a diagnosis of breast cancer, but did not demonstrate oncogenic strains of HPV associated with breast cancer or the presence of BLV DNA in breast tissue. The authors believe the findings of the current study contribute to overall knowledge regarding a possible causal role for viruses in human breast cancer. Cancer 2018;124:1342‐9. © 2017 American Cancer Society.
Evaluating the efficiency of Linda implementations
Authors: Buravlev Vitaly , De Nicola Rocco , Mezzina Claudio Antares
Published: December 2017

Among the paradigms for parallel and distributed computing, the one popularized with Linda, and based on tuple spaces, is one of the least used, despite the fact of being intuitive, easy to understand, and easy to use. A tuple space is a repository, where processes can add, withdraw, or read tuples by means of atomic operations. Tuples may contain different values, and processes can inspect their content via pattern matching. The lack of a reference implementation for this paradigm has prevented its wide spreading. In this paper, first we perform an extensive analysis of a number of actual implementations of the tuple space paradigm and summarize their main features. Then, we select four such implementations and compare their performances on four different case studies that aim at stressing different aspects of computing, such as communication, data manipulation, and CPU usage. After reasoning on strengths and weaknesses of the four implementations, we conclude with some recommendations for future work towards building an effective implementation of the tuple space paradigm.
Very low computational complexity (VLCC) architecture for optical interconnect in data center networks
Authors: Fayyaz Mohsin , Aziz Khurram , Mujtaba Ghulam , Fayyaz Ahmad , Khan Samee U.
Published: December 2017

Real time cloud computing applications require a low latency network. The latency of optical interconnect in Data Center Networks (DCNs) is dependent on the complexity of the routing algorithm. The routing algorithm makes decisions about the forwarding of a packet on each successive node. If a routing algorithm is more complex, it requires more hardware resources to implement, which incurs extra cost and latency to the optical interconnect. This paper analyzes the complexity of existing architectures for the first time by showing Big O notation of complexity for each architecture. Different factors affecting the computational complexity of any routing algorithm are identified. This paper proposes a new architecture named VLCC. It has very low fixed routing complexity irrespective of network size. It has no packet loss at the network layer under many to many and all to one communication pattern. The only packet loss is at the physical layer due to signal degradation caused by optical components. The level of signal degradation is analyzed in terms of received signal power, bit error rate (BER), receiver sensitivity, path loss, and blocking probability. VLCC architecture is highly suitable for real time applications that require deterministic quality of service (QoS), where network performance is not affected by the traffic pattern.
Cross‐layer coordination in the I/O software stack of extreme‐scale systems
Authors: Yu Jie , Liu Guangming , Li Xiaoyong , Dong Wenrui , Li Qiong
Published: December 2017

I/O forwarding layer has now become a standard storage layer in today's HPC systems in order to scale current storage systems to new levels of concurrency. With the deepening of storage hierarchy, I/O requests must traverse through several types of nodes to access required data, including compute nodes, I/O nodes, and storage nodes. It becomes difficult to control the data path and apply cross‐layer I/O optimization. In this paper, we propose a well coordinated I/O stack, which coordinates the data path between compute nodes and I/O nodes for better load balancing and data locality with a job‐level I/O node mapping, and coordinates data path between I/O nodes and storage nodes for lighter I/O interference. We implement and evaluate our ideas on Tianhe‐1A by leveraging an open‐source I/O forwarding layer named IOFSL. The experimental results show that our proposals can significantly accelerate I/O performance of multiple I/O kernels and real applications.
Improving performance of transactional memory through machine learning
Authors: Xiao Yang , Jeyakumaran Thireshan , Atoofian Ehsan , Jannesari Ali
Published: December 2017

Transactional memory (TM) is a programming paradigm that facilitates parallel programming for multi‐core processors. In the last few years, some chip manufacturers provided hardware support for TM to reduce runtime overhead of Software Transactional Memory (STM). In this work, we offer two optimization techniques for TMs. The first technique focuses on Restricted Transactional Memory (RTM) in Intel's Haswell processor and shows that while in some applications, RTM improves performance over STM, in some others, it falls behind STM. We exploit this variability and propose an adaptive technique that switches between RTM and STM, statically. The second technique focuses on the overhead of TM and enhances the speed of the adaptive system. In particular, we focus on the size of transactions and improve performance by changing the transaction size. Optimizing the transaction size manually is a time‐consuming process and requires significant software engineering effort. We use a combination of Linear Regression (LR) and decision tree to decide on the transaction size, automatically. We evaluate our optimization techniques using a set of benchmarks from NAS, DiscoPoP, and STAMP benchmark suites. Our experimental results reveal that our optimization techniques are able to improve the performance of TM programs by 9% and energy‐delay by 15%, on average.
A combined network control approach for the edge cloud and LPWAN‐based IoT services
Authors: Kim Dae‐Young , Kim Seokhoon , Park Jong Hyuk
Published: December 2017

Recently, low‐power wide area network (LPWAN) has attracted attention as a wireless network for long‐range Internet of Things (IoT) services. IoT devices in an LPWAN are managed by a network server in the cloud. Various data are delivered from the IoT devices to the network server, and the role of the centralized network server in the cloud has become important for efficient data transfer over an LPWAN. However, control by the network server concentrates the control load on the network server and is vulnerable in terms of response time and bandwidth utilization. Therefore, this paper takes the approach of moving the control of the LPWAN to the edge cloud, which provides computing and storage environments at base stations. An LPWAN gateway is then integrated with the edge cloud, and LPWAN data are cached at the edge cloud in the gateway for LPWAN control. LPWAN control such as report interval control for data, transmission power control, and data aggregation is applied to improve the efficiency of data transmission. Network control is performed by learning using cached data in the edge cloud. Compared with the existing LPWAN control approach, the proposed approach exhibits improved performance for IoT data transmission. The simulation results show the proposed approach's efficiency.
What factors potentially influence the ability of phylogenetic distance to predict trait dispersion in a temperate forest?
Authors: Jiang Feng , Xun Yanhan , Cai Huiying , Jin Guangze
Published: December 2017

Although phylogenetic‐based approaches have been frequently used to infer ecological processes, they have been increasingly criticized in recent years. To date, the factors that affect phylogenetic signals and further the ability of phylogenetic distance to predict trait dispersion have been assumed but not empirically tested. Therefore, we investigate which factors potentially influence the ability of phylogenetic distance to predict trait dispersion. We quantified the phylogenetic and trait dispersions across size classes and spatial scales in a 9‐ha old‐growth temperate forest dynamics plot in northeastern China. Phylogenetic signals at the community level were generally lower than those at the species pool level, and phylogenetically clustered communities showed lower phylogenetic signals than did overdispersed communities. This pattern might explain the other three findings of our study. First, phylogenetically overdispersed communities performed better at predicting trait dispersion than did clustered communities. Second, the mean pairwise distance (MPD)‐based metric exhibited a stronger correlation with trait dispersion than did the mean nearest taxon distance (MNTD)‐based metric. Finally, the MNTD‐based metric showed that the prediction accuracy for trait dispersion decreased with increasing spatial scales, whereas its effects were weak on the MPD‐based metric. In addition, phylogeny could not determine the dispersions of all functional axes but was able to predict certain traits depending on whether they were evolutionarily conserved. These results were conserved when we removed the effects of space and environment. Our findings highlighted that using phylogenetic distance as a proxy of trait similarity might work in a temperate forest depending on the species in local communities sampled from total pool as well as the traits measured. Utilizing these rules, we should rethink the conclusions of previous studies that were based on phylogenetic‐based approaches.
Transition‐Metal‐Catalyzed [3+2+2] Cycloaddition Reactions
Authors: Kuila Bilash , Kaur Maninderjeet , Singh Prabhpreet , Bhargava Gaurav
Published: December 2017

[3+2+2] Cycloaddition reactions are of key importance in organic chemistry for the synthesis of seven‐membered mono‐ and condensed carbocycles. This review article summarises the different reports on transition‐metal‐catalysed [3+2+2] cycloaddition reactions since 2000. Different transition‐metals, such as Ni, Rh, Pd, Co, or Ru, which have been earlier reported for higher order [3+2+2] cycloaddition reactions are summarized in this article. The [3+2+2] cycloadditions of different functionalized substrates afford cycloheptane derivatives, 6–7,5–7 condensed bicyclic carbocycles, or 5–7–5 or 6–7–5 condensed tricyclic carbocycles. These higher order cycloaddition reactions may provide an easy route for the total synthesis of natural products, or as a preferable key synthetic step leading to final structure.
Does conditioned pain modulation predict the magnitude of placebo effects in patients with neuropathic pain?
Authors: Skyt I. , Moslemi K. , Baastrup C. , Grosen K. , Svensson P. , Jensen T.S. , Vase L.
Published: December 2017

Background

Conditioned pain modulation (CPM) is a validated measure of the function of endogenous pain inhibitory pathways. Placebo effects reflect top‐down inhibitory modulation of pain. CPM and placebo effects are both influenced by expectations, albeit to varying degrees, and are related to neurotransmitter systems such as the endogenous opioid system, and it can be speculated that CPM responses are positively associated with the magnitude of placebo effects. Yet, no studies have tested this.

Methods

The study included 19 patients with neuropathic pain. CPM was quantified as the difference in pressure pain threshold (PPT) as measured at the middle deltoid muscle before and after 5‐min exposure to the cold pressor test (CPT) (conditioning pain stimulus). Placebo effects were tested via open and hidden applications of the pain‐relieving agent lidocaine (2 mL) using a disinfection napkin controlled for no treatment.

Results

The mean (SD) PPT was 668.7 (295.7) kPa before and 742.3 (370.8) kPa after the CPT. The mean (SD) CPM response was −73.6 (214.0) kPa corresponding to an 11% increase in PPT, reflecting a normally functioning endogenous pain modulatory system. Large and significant placebo effects were observed in ongoing neuropathic pain intensity (p = 0.002). The CPM response did not predict the magnitude of the placebo effect (p = 0.765). Moreover, there were no interaction effects for the moderator variables: clinical pain level (p = 0.136), age (p = 0.347) and gender (p = 0.691).

Conclusions

Conditioned pain modulation and placebo effects do not seem to be associated in patients with neuropathic pain.

Significance

Conditioned pain modulation and placebo effects are endogenous pain‐modulating phenomena that are influenced by some of the same mechanisms. This study suggests that CPM and placebo effects in neuropathic pain are independent phenomena that may be mediated by different mechanisms.
Heparin‐gold Nanoparticles and Liquid Crystal Applied in Label‐free Electrochemical Immunosensor for Prostate‐specific Antigen
Authors: Talamini Lucas , Zanato Nicole , Zapp Eduardo , Brondani Daniela , Westphal Eduard , Gallardo Hugo , Vieira Iolanda Cruz
Published: December 2017

A label‐free electrochemical immunosensor based on the liquid crystal (E)‐1‐decyl‐4‐[(4‐decyloxyphenyl)diazenyl]pyridinium bromide (Br−Py), together with heparin‐stabilized gold nanoparticles (AuNP‐Hep) and Nafion is proposed for the determination of prostate‐specific antigen (PSA). The Br−Py liquid crystal presented redox properties and good film‐forming abilities on the electrode surface, and thus it is a suitable alternative as a redox probe for a label‐free electrochemical immunosensor, which could simplify the analysis methodology. The stepwise construction of the immunosensor and the incubation process (immunocomplex formation) were characterized by voltammetry and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. The proposed immunosensor could directly detect PSA concentrations in the incubation samples, based on the suppression of the Br−Py redox peak (‘base peak’) current. After optimization, the immunosensor exhibited a linear response to PSA concentrations in the range of 0.1 to 50 ng mL−1, with a calculated detection limit of 0.08 ng mL−1. The reproducibility (coefficient of variance less than 3.0 %), selectivity and accuracy of the methodology were adequate. The immunosensor was satisfactorily applied in the quantification of PSA in human blood plasma samples.
The Impact of Alexithymia on Emotion Dysregulation in Anorexia Nervosa and Bulimia Nervosa over Time
Authors: Brown Tiffany A. , Avery Jade C. , Jones Michelle D. , Anderson Leslie K. , Wierenga Christina E. , Kaye Walter H.
Published: December 2017

Research supports that anorexia nervosa‐restricting subtype (AN‐R) and bulimia nervosa (BN) are associated with emotion regulation difficulties and alexithymia. However, the impact of diagnosis on the relationship between these constructs is less well understood. The purpose of the present study was to examine whether eating disorder diagnosis moderated the association between admission alexithymia and emotion regulation through discharge. Adult patients with AN‐R (n = 54) and BN (n = 60) completed assessments at treatment admission and discharge from a partial hospital program. Eating disorder diagnosis moderated the association between admission alexithymia levels and change in global emotion dysregulation, impulse control difficulties and access to emotion regulation strategies. At higher levels of admission alexithymia, there were no differences between AN‐R and BN on emotion dysregulation, whereas at lower levels of alexithymia, AN‐R patients demonstrated lower levels of emotion dysregulation. Results imply that difficulties with alexithymia appear to have a greater impact on emotion dysregulation for AN‐R patients. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and Eating Disorders Association.
Resolving the false-negative issues of the nonpolar organic amendment in whole-sediment toxicity identification evaluations
Authors: Mehler W. Tyler , Keough Michael J. , Pettigrove Vincent
Published: December 2017

Three common false-negative scenarios have been encountered with amendment addition in whole-sediment toxicity identification evaluations (TIEs): dilution of toxicity by amendment addition (i.e., not toxic enough), not enough amendment present to reduce toxicity (i.e., too toxic), and the amendment itself elicits a toxic response (i.e., secondary amendment effect). One such amendment in which all 3 types of false-negatives have been observed is with the nonpolar organic amendment (activated carbon or powdered coconut charcoal). The objective of the present study was to reduce the likelihood of encountering false-negatives with this amendment and to increase the value of the whole-sediment TIE bioassay. To do this, the present study evaluated the effects of various activated carbon additions to survival, growth, emergence, and mean development rate of Chironomus tepperi. Using this information, an alternative method for this amendment was developed which utilized a combination of multiple amendment addition ratios based on wet weight (1%, lower likelihood of the secondary amendment effect; 5%, higher reduction of contaminant) and nonconventional endpoints (emergence, mean development rate). This alternative method was then validated in the laboratory (using spiked sediments) and with contaminated field sediments. Using these multiple activated carbon ratios in combination with additional endpoints (namely, emergence) reduced the likelihood of all 3 types of false-negatives and provided a more sensitive evaluation of risk. Environ Toxicol Chem 2018;37:1219–1230. © 2017 SETAC
Development of omega‐3‐rich Camelina sativa seed oil emulsions
Authors: Belayneh Henok D. , Wehling Randy L. , Zhang Yue , Ciftci Ozan N.
Published: December 2017

Camelina sativa seed is an underutilized oil source rich in omega‐3 fatty acids; however, camelina oil is not fully explored for food applications. Its high omega‐3 content makes it susceptible to oxidation, which may limit food applications. Therefore, the main objective of this study was to investigate the potential of camelina seed oil to form physically and oxidatively stable emulsions as a potential delivery system for omega‐3 fatty acids. Effects of homogenization conditions, namely, pressure (15 MPa‐30 MPa), number of passes (1,3,5, and 7), and type of homogenizers (high pressure and high shear) on the structural properties and stability of camelina seed oil emulsions stabilized with whey protein isolate were studied. High homogenization pressure (30 MPa) and number of passes (>3) reduced the particle size (278 nm) and formed more physically and oxidatively stable emulsions compared to high shear homogenization; high shear homogenization generated bigger oil particles (~2,517 nm). Apparent viscosity and consistency index (k) decreased with increasing pressure, number of passes, and shear rate. Emulsions prepared with high pressure homogenization at both 15 and 30 MPa with 3 and more passes did not exhibit any peroxide formation over 28 days. Results indicated that camelina seed oil is a promising alternative oil source to form stable omega‐3‐rich emulsions for food applications.
Psychiatrists' treatment preferences for generalized anxiety disorder
Authors: Latas Milan , Trajković Goran , Bonevski Dimitar , Naumovska Andromahi , Vučinić Latas Dušanka , Bukumirić Zoran , Starčević Vladan
Published: December 2017

Objective

The objective of this study is to ascertain psychiatrists' treatment preferences for generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) and compare them to the same psychiatrists' treatment preferences in the hypothetical scenario that treatment is to be administered to themselves as patients.

Methods

A questionnaire was completed by 221 psychiatrists from 3 Balkan countries. They were asked to indicate their treatment preferences for patients with GAD and for themselves as patients.

Results

A large majority of psychiatrists chose selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors/serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors as preferred treatment option for GAD patients. Fewer psychiatrists selected benzodiazepines and pregabalin and about one third chose psychotherapy. The majority of psychiatrists chose the same treatments for their patients and for themselves, with main differences being in terms of pharmacotherapy (especially benzodiazepines) being less frequently recommended and psychotherapy being more frequently recommended as preferred treatment option for psychiatrists as patients.

Conclusions

Treatment preferences for GAD by psychiatrists in the 3 West Balkan countries were mostly in accordance with treatment guidelines and treatment preferences for patients and for psychiatrists as patients were mostly concordant. However, some psychiatrists were more likely to choose pharmacotherapy for patients and psychotherapy for themselves as patients. These findings have implications for education of psychiatrists and for efforts to improve treatment guidelines and mental health services.
3D printed hyperelastic “bone” scaffolds and regional gene therapy: A novel approach to bone healing
Authors: Alluri Ram , Jakus Adam , Bougioukli Sofia , Pannell William , Sugiyama Osamu , Tang Amy , Shah Ramille , Lieberman Jay R.
Published: December 2017

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the viability of human adipose‐derived stem cells (ADSCs) transduced with a lentiviral (LV) vector to overexpress bone morphogenetic protein‐2 (BMP‐2) loaded onto a novel 3D printed scaffold. Human ADSCs were transduced with a LV vector carrying the cDNA for BMP‐2. The transduced cells were loaded onto a 3D printed Hyperelastic “Bone” (HB) scaffold.In vitroBMP‐2 production was assessed using enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay analysis. The ability of ADSCs loaded on the HB scaffold to inducein vivobone formation in a hind limb muscle pouch model was assessed in the following groups: ADSCs transduced with LV‐BMP‐2, LV‐green fluorescent protein, ADSCs alone, and empty HB scaffolds. Bone formation was assessed using radiographs, histology and histomorphometry. Transduced ADSCs BMP‐2 production on the HB scaffold at 24 hours was similar on 3D printed HB scaffolds versus control wells with transduced cells alone, and continued to increase after 1 and 2 weeks of culture. Bone formation was noted in LV‐BMP‐2 animals on plain radiographs at 2 and 4 weeks after implantation; no bone formation was noted in the other groups. Histology demonstrated that the LV‐BMP‐2 group was the only group that formed woven bone and the mean bone area/tissue area was significantly greater when compared with the other groups. 3D printed HB scaffolds are effective carriers for transduced ADSCs to promote bone repair. The combination of gene therapy and tissue engineered scaffolds is a promising multidisciplinary approach to bone repair with significant clinical potential. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 106A: 1104–1110, 2018.
Injectable hydroxyphenyl derivative of hyaluronic acid hydrogel modified with RGD as scaffold for spinal cord injury repair
Authors: Zaviskova Kristyna , Tukmachev Dmitry , Dubisova Jana , Vackova Irena , Hejcl Ales , Bystronova Julie , Pravda Martin , Scigalkova Ivana , Sulakova Romana , Velebny Vladimir , Wolfova Lucie , Kubinova Sarka
Published: December 2017

Hydrogel scaffolds which bridge the lesion, together with stem cell therapy represent a promising approach for spinal cord injury (SCI) repair. In this study, a hydroxyphenyl derivative of hyaluronic acid (HA‐PH) was modified with the integrin‐binding peptide arginine‐glycine‐aspartic acid (RGD), and enzymatically crosslinked to obtain a soft injectable hydrogel. Moreover, addition of fibrinogen was used to enhance proliferation of human Wharton's jelly‐derived mesenchymal stem cells (hWJ‐MSCs) on HA‐PH‐RGD hydrogel. The neuroregenerative potential of HA‐PH‐RGD hydrogel was evaluatedin vivoin acute and subacute models of SCI. Both HA‐PH‐RGD hydrogel injection and implantation into the acute spinal cord hemisection cavity resulted in the same axonal and blood vessel density in the lesion area after 2 and 8 weeks. HA‐PH‐RGD hydrogel alone or combined with fibrinogen (HA‐PH‐RGD/F) and seeded with hWJ‐MSCs was then injected into subacute SCI and evaluated after 8 weeks using behavioural, histological and gene expression analysis. A subacute injection of both HA‐PH‐RGD and HA‐PH‐RGD/F hydrogels similarly promoted axonal ingrowth into the lesion and this effect was further enhanced when the HA‐PH‐RGD/F was combined with hWJ‐MSCs. On the other hand, no effect was found on locomotor recovery or the blood vessel ingrowth and density of glial scar around the lesion. In conclusion, we have developed and characterized injectable HA‐PH‐RGD based hydrogel, which represents a suitable material for further combinatorial therapies in neural tissue engineering. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 106A: 1129–1140, 2018.
Template‐free Fabrication of ZnS/TiO2 Photocatalyst with Macrochannels
Authors: Wang Wanqiang , Li Shilong , Pan Cong , Liu Suqin , Luo Tianxiong , Dai Gaopeng
Published: December 2017

Constructing a porous structure in photocatalysts is an effective strategy for improving the photocatalytic activity because of its enhanced molecule transfer capability and light capturing efficiency. In this work, a hierarchical macro‐/mesoporous ZnS/TiO2 composite with macrochannels was successfully synthesized without using templates by the simple dropwise addition of an ethanol solution of tetrabutyl titanate and zinc acetate into a sodium sulfide aqueous solution, which was then calcined at 450°C. Compared with pure TiO2, the ordered porous ZnS/TiO2 composite exhibited an enhanced photocatalytic activity on methylene blue removal under UV‐light irradiation. The results indicate that the macro‐/mesoporous structure, the large specific surface area, and the heterostructure combination between ZnS and TiO2 play a synergistic effect on the enhanced photocatalytic activity via improving the light absorption and the diffusion of organic molecules, providing more reactive sites for the photocatalytic reaction and improving the separation of photogenerated electron–hole pairs, respectively. Radical trapping experiments demonstrated that holes (h+) and superoxide anion radicals (O2−) play an important role in the photocatalytic oxidation process.
Simulation of color breakup based on measured display temporal responses
Authors: Wang Jian , Zhang Yuning , Weng Yishi , Li Xiaohua
Published: December 2017

Based on the measured temporal luminance behavior of each field, the perceived color breakup (CBU) artifact for moving block on a field sequential color display is simulated and predicted. The prediction accuracy is evaluated by a perceptual experiment on a 240 Hz liquid crystal display. The results show a perfect matching between the simulation and the subjects' actual visual experience. The simulation also works well when motion compensation is applied. It is validated by another perceptual experiment that a perfect or a near‐perfect compensation degree can suppress CBU significantly in field sequential color system. CBU of nature image was also simulated and reproduced for both stable and pulse backlight by using this model, which could be rather valuable for the further development of CBU metrics.