bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Bioinspired Nitroalkylation for Selective Protein Modification and Peptide Stapling
Authors: Mahesh Sriram , Adebomi Victor , Muneeswaran Zilma P. , Raj Monika
Published: November 2019

Nitroalkanes react specifically with aldehydes, providing rapid, stable, and chemoselective protein bioconjugation. These nitroalkylated proteins mimic key post‐translational modifications (PTMs) of proteins and can be used to understand the role of these PTMs in cellular processes. Demonstrated here is the substrate scope of this bioconjugation by attaching a variety of tags, such as NMR tags, fluorescent tags, affinity tags, and alkyne tags, to proteins. The structure and enzymatic activity of modified proteins remain conserved after labeling. Notably, the nitroalkane group leads to easy characterization of proteins by mass spectrometry because of its distinct fingerprint pattern. Importantly, the nitro‐alkylated peptides provide a new handle for site‐selective fluorination of peptides, thus installing a specific probe to study peptide–protein interactions by19F NMR spectroscopy. Furthermore, nitroalkane reagents can be used for the late‐stage diversification of peptides and for the synthesis of peptide staples.
A new copper complex on graphene oxide: A heterogeneous catalyst for N‐arylation and C‐H activation
Authors: Mittal Ayushi , Kumari Shweta , Parmanand  , Yadav Deepak , Sharma Sunil K.
Published: November 2019

Graphene oxide supported Cu (II) ligand complex (GO@AP/L‐Cu) has been synthesized and characterized by FT‐IR, Raman, PXRD, UV–Visible, TGA, XPS, FESEM, TEM, EDAX, Elemental mapping, BET, CHNS and AAS analysis. The complex has been found to be efficient and reusable heterogeneous catalyst for the N‐arylation and C‐H activation reactions, both the catalytic reactions were found to be simple, cleaner and give high yields (~ 90%) of product. The catalyst can be easily filtered out from the reaction mixture and reused up to four times without significant loss of catalytic activity. The reported method is economical and novel in the sense that aqueous medium was used for both the reactions and for the stability of the catalyst. All isolated organic products were fully characterized on the basis of their physical and spectral data.
Adenosine Triphosphate‐Bioluminescence Technology as an Adjunct Tool to Validate Cleanliness of Surgical Instruments
Authors: Rodriguez Jose A. , Hooper Gwendolyn
Published: November 2019

Perioperative and sterile processing department personnel commonly use visual inspection to validate surgical instrument cleanliness. This validation process does not detect microbes (eg, bacteria, viruses) and the resultant inadequately decontaminated instruments can put patients at risk for developing surgical site infections. Sterile processing department personnel should use a rapid, straightforward method to validate surgical instrument cleanliness objectively. During a quality improvement project at a military treatment facility, staff members found that adenosine triphosphate (ATP)–based technology was a viable and affordable solution for detecting bioburden and validating cleaning practices. The project design compared manually and mechanically cleaned cannulated instruments (59 of each) and identified 16 contaminated instruments, 14 of which had been manually cleaned. The contamination rate after mechanical cleaning was significantly lower (P = .0022) compared with manual cleaning. As a result of this quality improvement project, this facility fully implemented the technology to validate instrument cleaning.
Investigation of Ni─Ca binary catalystic activities for production of light aromatics from catalytic pyrolysis of brown coal
Authors: Na Zhang , Xu Zhang , Ziliang Liu , Qiuxiang Lu , Wei Li , Qiue Cao , Xiaoguang Xie , Guini Yao , Zhigang Ma , Shenfu Yuan
Published: November 2019

The pyrolysis behavior of Ni─Ca‐loaded Yunnan brown coals (Shi Caoxing [SCX] and Guo Jiashan [GJS]) was studied in a fixed‐bed reactor to investigate the effects of Ni, Ca, and Ni─Ca loading on the yields of the obtained liquids and light aromatic hydrocarbons. Structural variations of the prepared coal chars were characterized by the scanning electron microscope–energy dispersion X‐ray, Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy, X‐ray diffractometer, Brunauer–Emmett–Teller analysis, and elemental analysis. The effects of the Ni, Ca, and Ni─Ca loadings on the tar yield and upgradation of pyrolysis tar were evaluated. The results revealed that the use of the Ni─Ca catalyst affords improved yields of the liquid products and tar. Furthermore, the light hydrocarbon liquids contents in the coal tar was improved with the use of the Ni─Ca catalyst. The heavy components and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in the coal tar could be easy to convert into light hydrocarbon liquids (phenol, cresol, xylenols, and naphthalene) with the SCX brown coal pyrolysis. In contrast, the catalytic pyrolysis of GJS brown coal was inhibited by the Ni─Ca catalyst. The study revealed that the catalytic activity of the Ni─Ca catalyst greatly depends on the type of the coal substrate and was promoted or inhibited depending on the type of the brown coal.
Effect of compatibilizer concentration on dynamic rheological behavior and morphology of thermoplastic starch/polypropylene blends
Authors: Raee Ehsan , Avid Arezoo , Kaffashi Babak
Published: November 2019

The reactive compatibilization of blends consisting polypropylene (PP) and thermoplastic starch (TPS) (70/30) with different portions of PP‐grafted maleic anhydride (PP‐g‐MA) is carried out by melt mixing. The esterification reaction between the starch hydroxyl and the PP‐g‐MA groups proved by the FTIR leads to a compatibility improvement. The dynamic rheological properties, morphology, elongation at break, and the impact strength of the blends were studied. The SEM images show that increasing the compatibilizer concentration reduces the dispersed TPS droplet size. The generalized Zener model states that an elastic interface is established (minimum α value) and enables us to predict the dynamic rheological properties of our blends in a longer frequency range to where the current experimental limitation exists. The modified Cross model is implemented to confirm better adhesion between phases when 20 wt % PP‐g‐MA is used (minimum ac value). The increase in the dynamic viscoelastic moduli at concentrations up to 20 wt % and the observed plateau at the elongation at break point at this concentration confirmed that this concentration is the optimum for the maximum stress transfer. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2020, 137, 48742.
Are Sexually Offensive or Violent Experiences More Common among Adolescents Exposed to Parental Alcohol Intoxication?
Authors: Haugland Siri Havas , Coombes Lindsey , Strandheim Arve
Published: November 2019

This study aimed to investigate the association between parental alcohol intoxication and sexually offensive or violent experiences in adolescence. A total of 8680 adolescents (13–16 years) participated in this cross‐sectional study. Analyses were based on adolescent self‐report on background, parental intoxication, and various sexually offensive and violent experiences. Multivariable logistic regression models were adjusted for gender, age and socioeconomic status. Seeing parents intoxicated a few times (lifetime) increased the odds of one or more violent experiences (odds ratio (OR) 2.1; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.8–2.3) and one or more sexually offensive experiences (OR 2.3; CI 2.0–2.5). Seeing parents intoxicated a few times a year was strongly associated with one or more violent experiences (OR 2.7; CI 2.3–3.3) and one or more sexually offensive experiences (OR 2.8; CI 2.4–3.3). Finally, seeing parents intoxicated on some occasions weekly/monthly increased the odds for one or more violent experiences (OR 3.8; CI 2.9–4.8) and one or more sexually offensive experiences (OR 3.7; CI 2.9–4.7). The odds of adverse experience increased with the frequency of exposure to parental intoxication. However, even infrequent exposure to parental intoxication was clearly associated with these adverse childhood experiences. The findings identify a group that is potentially vulnerable to alcohol‐related harm. © 2019 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

‘This study aimed to investigate the association between parental alcohol intoxication and sexually offensive or violent experiences in adolescence’

Key Practitioner Messages

Sexually offensive or violent experiences among adolescents are consistently and strongly associated with parental intoxication.

Even a low frequency of exposure to parental intoxication is clearly associated with adverse childhood experiences.

The more frequently that adolescents are exposed to parental intoxication, the higher the odds of adverse experiences.

Findings identify a group that is potentially vulnerable to alcohol‐related harm and a possible target for preventive measures.
Halogen Bonding in Biomimetic Deiodination of Thyroid Hormones and their Metabolites and Dehalogenation of Halogenated Nucleosides
Authors: Mondal Santanu , Manna Debasish , Raja Karuppusamy , Mugesh Govindasamy
Published: November 2019

Thyroid hormones (THs) are key players in the endocrine system and play pivotal roles in carbohydrate and fat metabolism, protein synthesis, overall growth, and brain development. The thyroid gland predominantly produces thyroxine or 3,5,3′,5′‐tetraiodothyronine (T4) as a prohormone; three isoforms of a mammalian selenoenzyme—iodothyronine deiodinase (DIO1, DIO2 and DIO3)—catalyze the regioselective deiodination of T4 to produce biologically active and inactive metabolites. Whereas DIO1 catalyzes both 5‐ and 5′‐deiodination of T4, DIO2 and DIO3 selectively mediate 5‐ and 5′‐deiodination, respectively. In this review we discuss the regioselective deiodination of THs in the presence of organochalcogen compounds. Naphthalene‐based compounds containing sulfur and/or selenium at the peri positions mediate regioselective 5‐deiodination of THs, detailed mechanistic studies having revealed that the heterolytic cleavage of the C−I bond is facilitated by the formation of cooperative Se/S⋅⋅⋅I halogen bonds and Se/S⋅⋅⋅Se chalcogen bonds. We also discuss the biomimetic deiodination of several TH metabolites, including sulfated THs, iodothyronamines, and iodotyrosines. A brief discussion on the dehalogenation of halogenated nucleosides and nucleobases in the presence of organochalcogen compounds is also included.
Insights into the Control of Optoelectronic Properties in Mixed‐Stacking Charge‐Transfer Complexes
Authors: Wang Zongrui , Yu Fei , Xie Jian , Zhao Jianfeng , Zou Ye , Wang Zepeng , Zhang Qichun
Published: November 2019

Although cocrystallization has provided a promising platform to develop new organic optoelectronic materials, it is still a big challenge to purposely design and achieve specific optoelectronic properties. Herein, a series of mixed‐stacking cocrystals (TMFA, TMCA, and TMTQ) were designed and synthesized, and the regulatory effects of the acceptors on the co‐assembly behavior, charge‐transfer nature, energy‐level structures, and optoelectronic characteristics were systematically investigated. The results demonstrate that it is feasible to achieve effective charge‐transport tuning and photoresponse switching by carefully regulating the intermolecular charge transfer and energy orbitals. The inherent mechanisms underlying the change in these optoelectronic behaviors were analyzed in depth and elucidated to provide clear guidelines for future development of new optoelectronic materials. In addition, due to the excellent photoresponsive characteristics of TMCA, TMCA‐based phototransistors were investigated with varying light wavelength and optical power, and TMCA shows the best performance among all reported cocrystals under UV illumination.
Optimized Inhibitors of MDM2 via an Attempted Protein‐Templated Reductive Amination
Authors: van der Vlag Ramon , Yagiz Unver M. , Felicetti Tommaso , Twarda‐Clapa Aleksandra , Kassim Fatima , Ermis Cagdas , Neochoritis Constantinos G. , Musielak Bogdan , Labuzek Beata , Dömling Alexander , Holak Tad A. , Hirsch Anna K. H.
Published: November 2019

Innovative and efficient hit‐identification techniques are required to accelerate drug discovery. Protein‐templated fragment ligations represent a promising strategy in early drug discovery, enabling the target to assemble and select its binders from a pool of building blocks. Development of new protein‐templated reactions to access a larger structural diversity and expansion of the variety of targets to demonstrate the scope of the technique are of prime interest for medicinal chemists. Herein, we present our attempts to use a protein‐templated reductive amination to target protein‐protein interactions (PPIs), a challenging class of drug targets. We address a flexible pocket, which is difficult to achieve by structure‐based drug design. After careful analysis we did not find one of the possible products in the kinetic target‐guided synthesis (KTGS) approach, however subsequent synthesis and biochemical evaluation of each library member demonstrated that all the obtained molecules inhibit MDM2. The most potent library member (Ki=0.095 μm) identified is almost as active as Nutlin‐3, a potent inhibitor of the p53‐MDM2 PPI.
Sonic hedgehog expression in zebrafish forebrain identifies the teleostean pallidal signaling center and shows preglomerular complex and posterior tubercular dopamine cells to arise from shh cells
Authors: Wullimann Mario F. , Umeasalugo Kosisochukwu E.
Published: November 2019

Ventralization, a major patterning process in the developing vertebrate neural tube (central nervous system, CNS), depends on Sonic hedgehog (SHH) as a main signaling morphogen. We studied the CNS of late larval and young adult zebrafish in a transgenic shh‐GFP line revealing increased neuroanatomical detail due to the progressed differentiation state compared to earlier stages. Some major findings emerge from the present study. (a) shh –GFP is still expressed along the adult zebrafish CNS neuraxis in most locations seen in larvae. (b) We newly identify a ventroposterior shh pallidal domain representing the basal telencephalic signaling center important for basal ganglia development known in other vertebrates (i.e., the anterior entopeduncular area—basal medial ganglionic eminence of mammals). (c) We further show late‐emerging shh‐GFP positive radial glia cells in the medial zone of the dorsal telencephalon (i.e., the teleostan pallial amygdala). (d) Immunostains for tyrosine hydroxylase demonstrate that there is selective colocalization in adult dopamine cells with shh‐GFP in the posterior tuberculum, including in projection cells to striatum, which represents a striking parallel to amniote mesodiencephalic dopamine cell origin from shh expressing floor plate cells. (e) There is no colocalization of shh and islet1 as shown by respective shh‐GFP and islet1‐GFP lines. (f) The only radially far migrated shh‐GFP cells are located in the preglomerular area. (g) There are no adult cerebellar and tectal shh‐GFP cells confirming their exclusive role during early development as previously reported by our laboratory.
Drosophila pericentrin‐like protein promotes the formation of primordial germ cells
Authors: Fang Junnan , Lerit Dorothy A.
Published: November 2019

Primordial germ cells (PGCs) are the precursors to the adult germline stem cells that are set aside early during embryogenesis and specified through the inheritance of the germ plasm, which contains the mRNAs and proteins that function as the germline fate determinants. In Drosophila melanogaster, formation of the PGCs requires the microtubule and actin cytoskeletal networks to actively segregate the germ plasm from the soma and physically construct the pole buds (PBs) that protrude from the posterior cortex. Of emerging importance is the central role of centrosomes in the coordination of microtubule dynamics and actin organization to promote PGC development. We previously identified a requirement for the centrosome protein Centrosomin (Cnn) in PGC formation. Cnn interacts directly with Pericentrin‐like protein (PLP) to form a centrosome scaffold structure required for pericentriolar material recruitment and organization. In this study, we identify a role for PLP at several discrete steps during PGC development. We find PLP functions in segregating the germ plasm from the soma by regulating microtubule organization and centrosome separation. These activities further contribute to promoting PB protrusion and facilitating the distribution of germ plasm in proliferating PGCs.
Water availability drives aboveground biomass and bird richness in forest restoration plantings to achieve carbon and biodiversity cobenefits
Authors: Hagger Valerie , Wilson Kerrie , England Jacqueline R. , Dwyer John M.
Published: November 2019

To combat global warming and biodiversity loss, we require effective forest restoration that encourages recovery of species diversity and ecosystem function to deliver essential ecosystem services, such as biomass accumulation. Further, understanding how and where to undertake restoration to achieve carbon sequestration and biodiversity conservation would provide an opportunity to finance ecosystem restoration under carbon markets. We surveyed 30 native mixed‐species plantings in subtropical forests and woodlands in Australia and used structural equation modeling to determine vegetation, soil, and climate variables most likely driving aboveground biomass accrual and bird richness and investigate the relationships between plant diversity, aboveground biomass accrual, and bird diversity. We focussed on woodland and forest‐dependent birds, and functional groups at risk of decline (insectivorous, understorey‐nesting, and small‐bodied birds). We found that mean moisture availability strongly limits aboveground biomass accrual and bird richness in restoration plantings, indicating potential synergies in choosing sites for carbon and biodiversity purposes. Counter to theory, woody plant richness was a poor direct predictor of aboveground biomass accrual, but was indirectly related via significant, positive effects of stand density. We also found no direct relationship between aboveground biomass accrual and bird richness, likely because of the strong effects of moisture availability on both variables. Instead, moisture availability and patch size strongly and positively influenced the richness of woodland and forest‐dependent birds. For understorey‐nesting birds, however, shrub cover and patch size predicted richness. Stand age or area of native vegetation surrounding the patch did not influence bird richness. Our results suggest that in subtropical biomes, planting larger patches to higher densities, ideally using a diversity of trees and shrubs (characteristics of ecological plantings) in more mesic locations will enhance the provision of carbon and biodiversity cobenefits. Further, ecological plantings will aid the rapid recovery of woodland and forest bird richness, with comparable aboveground biomass accrual to less diverse forestry plantations.
Synthesis and Characterization of Naphtho[2,1‐b:7,8‐b′]bis[1]benzothiophene
Authors: Kaiser Jens , Mekic Amel , Parham Amir Hossain , Buchholz Herwig , König Burkhard
Published: November 2019

We describe a simple three‐step synthesis of naphtho[2,1‐b:7,8‐b′]bis[1]benzothiophene, which is scalable to multi‐hundred‐gram. We report the subsequent functionalization of this compound into iodine, boronic ester and silane derivatives, which are useful intermediates for various applications. The core structure was analyzed by NMR and single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction, and the physical properties were investigated by cyclic voltammetry, UV/Vis‐ and fluorescence spectroscopy.
The von Willebrand Factor Facilitates Model for End‐Stage Liver Disease–Independent Risk Stratification on the Waiting List for Liver Transplantation
Authors: Györi Georg P. , Pereyra David , Rumpf Benedikt , Hackl Hubert , Köditz Christoph , Ortmayr Gregor , Reiberger Thomas , Trauner Michael , Berlakovich Gabriela A. , Starlinger Patrick
Published: November 2019

Background and Aims

The Model for End‐Stage Liver Disease (MELD) is used for clinical decision‐making and organ allocation for orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT) and was previously upgraded through inclusion of serum sodium (Na) concentrations (MELD‐Na). However, MELD‐Na may underestimate complications arising from portal hypertension or infection. The von Willebrand factor (vWF) antigen (vWF‐Ag) correlates with portal pressure and seems capable of predicting complications in patients with cirrhosis. Accordingly, this study aimed to evaluate vWF‐Ag as an adjunct surrogate marker for risk stratification on the waiting list for OLT.

Approach and Results

Hence, WF‐Ag at time of listing was assessed in patients listed for OLT. Clinical characteristics, MELD‐Na, and mortality on the waiting list were recorded. Prediction of 3‐month waiting‐list survival was assessed by receiver operating characteristics and net reclassification improvement. Interestingly, patients dying within 3 months on the waiting list displayed elevated levels of vWF‐Ag (P < 0.001). MELD‐Na and vWF‐Ag were comparable and independent in their predictive potential for 3‐month mortality on the waiting list (area under the curve [AUC], vWF‐Ag = 0.739; MELD‐Na = 0.764). Importantly, a vWF‐Ag cutoff at 413% identified patients at risk for death within 3 months of listing with a higher odds ratio (OR) than the previously published cutoff at a MELD‐Na of 20 points (vWF‐Ag, OR = 10.873, 95% confidence interval [CI], 3.160, 36.084; MELD‐Na, OR = 7.594, 95% CI, 2.578, 22.372; P < 0.001, respectively). Ultimately, inclusion of vWF‐Ag into the MELD‐Na equation significantly improved prediction of 3‐month waiting‐list mortality (AUC, MELD‐Na–vWF = 0.804).

Conclusions

A single measurement of vWF‐Ag at listing for OLT predicts early mortality. Combining vWF‐Ag levels with MELD‐Na improves risk stratification and may help to prioritize organ allocation to decrease waiting‐list mortality.
Experimental investigation of thermal performance of the graphene oxide–coated plates
Authors: Ghasemiasl Ramin , Taheri Mohammad Ali , Molana Maysam , Raoufi Nahid
Published: November 2019

This paper experimentally investigates the conductive heat transfer of samples with different materials and coatings. A range of graphene oxide nanoparticle concentration has been employed. Results demonstrate that utilizing nanoparticles leads to enhancement of conductive heat transfer by 10.07% and 8.01% for EK2 and ST14 samples, respectively. The aforementioned nanoparticles also reduce coating thickness and yield an enhanced quality of the surface, in terms of mechanical properties. The convective and radiative methods of heat transfer have been ignored in this study.
Testicular cancer incidence predictions in Europe 2010–2035: A rising burden despite population ageing
Authors: Znaor Ariana , Skakkebæk Niels E. , Rajpert‐De Meyts Ewa , Laversanne Mathieu , Kuliš Tomislav , Gurney Jason , Sarfati Diana , McGlynn Katherine A. , Bray Freddie
Published: November 2019

Testicular cancer is the most common cancer among young men of European ancestry, with about one‐third of all cases occurring in Europe. With the historically increasing trends in some high‐incidence populations reported to have stabilised in recent years, we aimed to assess recent trends and predict the future testicular cancer incidence burden across Europe. We extracted testicular cancer (ICD‐10 C62) incidence data from Cancer Incidence in Five Continents Volumes VII–XI and complemented this with data published by registries from 28 European countries. We predicted cancer incidence rates and the number of incident cases in Europe in the year 2035 using the NORDPRED age‐period‐cohort model. Testicular cancer incidence rates will increase in 21 out of 28 countries over the period 2010–2035, with trends attenuating in the high‐incidence populations of Denmark, Norway, Switzerland and Austria. Although population ageing would be expected to reduce the number of cases, this demographic effect is outweighed by increasing risk, leading to an overall increase in the number of cases by 2035 in Europe, and by region (21, 13 and 32% in Northern, Western and Eastern Europe, respectively). Declines are however predicted in Italy and Spain, amounting to 12% less cases in 2035 in Southern Europe overall. In conclusion, the burden of testicular cancer incidence in Europe will continue to increase, particularly in historically lower‐risk countries. The largest increase in the number of testicular cancer patients is predicted in Eastern Europe, where survival is lower, reinforcing the need to ensure the provision of effective treatment across Europe.
Role of miR‐106‐mediated mitogen‐activated protein kinase signaling pathway in oxidative stress injury and inflammatory infiltration in the liver of the mouse with gestational hypertension
Authors: Wang Zhihui , Bao Xiufang , Song Limeng , Tian Yuying , Sun Ping
Published: November 2019

We aim to investigate the role of miR‐106‐mediated mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathway in oxidative stress (OS) injury and inflammatory infiltration in the liver of the mouse with gestational hypertension (GH). Ninety specific pathogen‐free mice (Kunming species) during middle to late gestation were selected for the study. Fifteen mice were used as control, while the rest were used for establishing the GH model. The mice were assigned to six groups: normal group (normal gestation), model group (GH model), negative control group (GH model, intravenously injected with negative control vector), miR‐106a‐mimic group (GH model, intravenously injected with vector overexpressing miR‐106a, which mimics the overexpression of endogenous mature miR‐106a), SB203580 group (GH model, intravenously injected with MAPK pathway inhibitor SB203580), and miR‐106a‐mimic+SB203580 group (GH model, intravenously injected with SB203580 and vector overexpressing miR‐106a). Fourteen days after electrical stimulation, all the groups except for the normal group had elevated blood pressure vs those on day 0 and 7. Compared with the normal group, the other groups had lower levels of miR‐106a expression, nitric oxide, nitric oxide synthase, catalase, superoxide dismutase, S cell ratio, and interleukin‐4 (IL‐4) and IL‐10 in the serum and liver as opposed to increased levels of blood pressure, p38MAPK mRNA expression, p‐p38MAPK positive expression rate, protein expressions of p‐p38MAPK, p‐ERK, and p‐JNK, H2O2 and malondialdehyde in liver, G0/G1 cell ratio, apoptosis rate, and IL‐6, interferon‐γ (IFN‐γ), and IFN‐α in the serum and liver (all P < .05). The miR‐106 overexpression or inhibiting MAPK signaling pathway can attenuate OS injury and inflammatory response in the liver of the mouse with GH, and the effect can be even better if both miR‐106a overexpression and inhibiting MAPK pathway are applied. In conclusion, miR‐106a overexpression can inhibit OS injury and inflammatory infiltration in the liver of the mouse with GH by mediating MAPK signaling pathway.
Ganglion cysts developed from the flexor tendon sheaths in the fingers: Clinical and sonographic features
Authors: Jang Yeonjung , Kang Byeong S. , Bang Minseo , Lim Soyeoun , Park Gyeong M. , Lee Tae Y. , Kwon Woon J.
Published: November 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to assess the clinical and sonographic features of flexor tendon sheath ganglion cysts in the fingers.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed the clinical and sonographic features of 35 cases of flexor tendon sheath ganglion cysts in the fingers in 34 patients that were pathologically confirmed between 2003 and 2018.

Results

The mean age of the patients was 44.2 years (range, 11‐73 years). Lesions were located at the level of the metacarpophalangeal joint (n = 22 [63%]) and proximal phalanx (n = 11 [31%]), and involvement of the third finger was common (n = 19 [54%]). The mean lesion size was 6 mm and the mean volume was 90 mm3. None of the lesions had a pedicle. Lesions were homogeneous (n = 24 [69%]) and anechoic (n = 23 [66%]). A septum was noted in 12 cases (34%).

Conclusions

Flexor tendon sheath ganglion cysts are most commonly located in the third finger and at the level of the metacarpophalangeal joint and proximal phalanx. It usually presents as a simple cyst without a pedicle, but occasionally exhibits a mixed echogenicity and contains a septum.
Transcranial Doppler waveform changes due to increased cerebrovascular resistance and raised intracranial pressure in a patient with cirrhosis: A difference in shapes, not in numbers
Authors: Khan Khurram S. , Wiersema Ubbo F.
Published: November 2019

We report and discuss a case that illustrate the clinical utility of transcranial Doppler (TCD) ultrasound in a patient with cirrhosis. A 43‐year‐old female presented with acute decompensation of cirrhosis with hepatic encephalopathy, requiring mechanical ventilation. TCD showed low diastolic flow velocities and high pulsatility index (PI) consistent with increased cerebrovascular resistance (CVR). The flow velocities and PI normalized over a period of few days and correlated well with neurological improvement after treatment. Subsequently, the patient developed a large intracerebral hemorrhage with mass effect. The TCD measurements in intracranial hypertension were similar to those with cirrhosis and hepatic encephalopathy. However, the windkessel notch in the systolic phase of TCD waveform, related to the distensibility of arterial wall, was absent during raised intracranial pressure (ICP). The absence of a windkessel notch may help to differentiate a high downstream resistance due to raised ICP from increased CVR.
Climate change projections in the Awash River Basin of Ethiopia using Global and Regional Climate Models
Authors: Tadese Mahtsente T. , Kumar Lalit , Koech Richard
Published: November 2019

Understanding the long‐term variability and change in climate variables is critical for the sustainable management of water resources. This research aimed to project and analyse climate change in the Awash River Basin (ARB) using bias‐corrected Global and Regional Climate Model simulations. The analysis included a baseline period from 1986 to 2005 and two future scenarios (2050s and 2070s) under two representative concentration pathways (RCP4.5 and RCP8.5). Following the evaluation of bias correction methods, the distribution mapping and power transformation were used for temperature and precipitation projection, respectively. The 2050s and 2070s RCP4 simulations showed an increase in precipitation during half of the months with 32 and 10%, respectively. Moreover, the 2050s and 2070s RCP8.5 simulation indicated a decrease in precipitation with 18 and 26%, respectively. The 2050s and 2070s RCP8.5 simulation indicated a significant decrease in precipitation in four of the months (February/March to May) with the highest decreasing rate of 34.7%. The 2050s and 2070s RCP4.5 simulation showed an increase of 0.48–2.6°C in maximum temperature. In the case of RCP8.5, the simulated maximum temperature increase reached 3.4 and 4.1°C in the 2050s and 2070s, respectively. The future precipitation and temperature change projected in ARB might worsen the water stress and incidence of dry spells in the basin, and hence mitigation strategies and management options to reduce this negative impact should be developed.
Is the personalized approach the key to improve clinical diagnosis of peri‐implant conditions? The role of bone markers
Authors: Rakic Mia , Monje Alberto , Radovanovic Sandro , Petkovic‐Curcin Aleksandra , Vojvodic Danilo , Tatic Zoran
Published: November 2019

Background

Study objectives were 1) to estimate diagnostic capacity of clinical parameters, receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa‐B (RANKL) and osteoprotegerin (OPG) to diagnose healthy peri‐implant condition (HI), peri‐implant mucositis (PIM) and peri‐implantitis (PIMP) by assessing respective diagnostic accuracy, sensitivity, specificity and diagnostic ranges 2) to develop personalized diagnostic model (PDM) for implant monitoring.

Methods

Split‐mouth study included 126 patients and 252 implants (HI = 126, PIM = 57, and PIMP = 69). RANKL and OPG concentrations were estimated in peri‐implant crevicular fluid using enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay method and assessed with clinical parameters using routine statistics, while the diagnostic capacity of individual parameters and overall clinical diagnosis were estimated using classifying algorithms. PDM was developed using decision trees.

Results

Bleeding on probing (BOP), plaque index, and probing depth (PD) were confirmed reliable discriminants between peri‐implant health and disease, while increase in PD (PD > 4 mm) and suppuration were good discriminants amongst PIM/PIMP. Bone turnover markers (BTMs) demonstrated presence of bone resorption in PIM; between comparable diagnostic ranges PIM/PIMP, PIMP was clinically distinguished from PIM in about 60% of patients while 40% remained diagnosed as false negatives. PDM demonstrated highest diagnostic capacity (accuracy: 96.27%, sensitivity: 95.00%, specificity: 100%) and defined HI: BOP ≤0.25%; PIM: BOP >0.25%, PD ≤4.5 mm; PIMP: BOP >0.25%, PD >4.5 mm and RANKL ≤19.9 pg/site; PIM: BOP >0.25%, PD >4.5 mm, and RANKL >19.9 pg/site.

Conclusions

BTMs demonstrated capacity to substantially improve clinical diagnosis of peri‐implant conditions. Considering lack of difference in BTMs between PIM/PIMP and cluster of PIM with exceeding BTMs, a more refined definition of peri‐implant conditions according to biological characteristics is required for further BTMs validation and appropriate PIMP management.
Evaluation of the Umbrella Species Concept at Fine Spatial Scales
Authors: Barlow Natasha L. , Kirol Christopher P. , Doherty Kevin E. , Fedy Bradley C.
Published: November 2019

Declines in the spatial extent of the sagebrush ecosystem have prompted the consideration of conservation efforts that view the greater sage‐grouse (Centrocercus urophasianus; sage‐grouse) as an umbrella species at landscape scales. Conservation strategies that focus on an umbrella species, however, may have unintended negative consequences for co‐occurring species at finer scales. In North America, grassland and shrubland songbird populations are declining faster than other avian groups. Conservation of sage‐grouse habitats may protect songbird habitats where distributions overlap. To assess the umbrella species concept at fine scales, we quantified nest‐site selection for a sagebrush‐obligate songbird, the Brewer's sparrow (Spizella breweri). We then compared the fine‐scale habitat variables that influenced Brewer's sparrow nest‐site selection with fine‐scale nest‐site selection for sage‐grouse in the Powder River Basin region of northeastern Wyoming, USA. We modeled nest‐site selection using conditional logistic regression for Brewer's sparrow (2016–2017) and logistic regression for sage‐grouse (2004–2007). Both species selected nest sites with higher visual obstruction, shrub height, and branching density, although the selection for higher shrub height was stronger for sage‐grouse. Brewer's sparrows selected nest shrubs with higher percentage of living foliage (vigor), and the opposite was shown for sage‐grouse. At the nest site, based on the variables we measured, our results suggest that Brewer's sparrows and sage‐grouse select for similar habitat attributes, with the exception of shrub vigor of the nest shrub. The stronger selection for more vigorous shrubs in Brewer's sparrows may be because they nest in shrubs, rather than on the ground under shrubs (as in sage‐grouse). Most of the conservation objectives for protection of sage‐grouse habitats appear to be beneficial or inconsequential for Brewer's sparrow. Local habitat management for sage‐grouse as a proxy for conservation of other species may be justified if the microhabitat preferences of the species under the umbrella are understood to avoid unintentional negative effects. © 2019 The Wildlife Society.
Invasive Snake Activity Before and After Automated Aerial Baiting
Authors: Siers Shane R. , Shiels Aaron B. , Barnhart Patrick D.
Published: November 2019

Aerially delivered toxic baits have proven effective for landscape‐level control of numerous invasive vertebrate populations with major benefits for conservation and ecosystem function, but this technique has not been broadly adapted for control of invasive reptiles. Nonnative brown treesnakes (Boiga irregularis) on the Pacific island of Guam have caused severe ecological and economic damage and pose an invasion risk on other islands, making them a high‐profile candidate for application of aerial baiting methods. Although terrestrial applications of traps, toxicants, and hand‐removal are standard brown treesnake management practices, these methods are not cost‐effective for control in the island's large tracts of remote, rugged forest. In 2016, the first major in situ evaluation of a helicopter‐borne automated aerial bait delivery system applied snake‐targeted toxic baits at an effective rate of approximately 120 baits/ha over a 110‐ha forested test plot on Guam. We evaluated the extent and duration of the suppressive effect of this toxic bait application on brown treesnakes by measuring nontoxic bait take rates as a proxy index of relative snake abundance before and after toxic bait application in a treatment plot and surrounding reference area. We placed 4,420 nontoxic baits in random transects at georeferenced locations, from 1 month before until nearly 12 months after toxic bait application, allowing temporal analysis of the suppressive effect and spatial analysis of treatment plot reinvasion. Over the first 30 days after toxic bait application, average nontoxic bait take rate in the treatment plot was 41.2% lower than the pre‐application rate, and there was no immediate decrease in bait take in the reference area. Reduced snake activity was still evident nearly 12 months after bait application. Roads forming a portion of the treatment boundary appeared to slow snake movement between treated area and surrounding untreated area. Trail cameras monitoring a subset of bait tubes showed that 97.5% of baits removed were taken by snakes rather than nontarget species. We indexed rodent abundance in the treatment plot and reference area, and found no indication of a rodent population increase following toxic bait application. Our results show that automated aerial bait applications can suppress brown treesnake abundance over a large area and that reinvasion from surrounding untreated habitat occurs over several months. We anticipate that repeated bait applications could achieve and maintain greatly reduced brown treesnake abundance on a landscape scale, potentially improving biosecurity and enabling experimental reintroduction of native birds extirpated by brown treesnake predation. Published 2019. This article is a U.S. Government work and is in the public domain in the USA. The Journal of Wildlife Management published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of The Wildlife Society.
Control of LED Emission with Functional Dielectric Metasurfaces
Authors: Khaidarov Egor , Liu Zhengtong , Paniagua‐Domínguez Ramón , Ha Son Tung , Valuckas Vytautas , Liang Xinan , Akimov Yuriy , Bai Ping , Png Ching Eng , Demir Hilmi Volkan , Kuznetsov Arseniy I.
Published: November 2019

The improvement of light‐emitting diodes (LEDs) is one of the major goals of optoelectronics and photonics research. LED integration to complex photonic devices requires precise control of the wavefront of the emitted light. Metasurfaces are spatial arrangements of engineered scatters that may enable this light manipulation capability with unprecedented resolution. Most of these devices, however, are only able to function properly under irradiation of laser light with a large spatial coherence. LEDs, on the other hand, have angularly broad, Lambertian‐like emission patterns characterized by a low spatial coherence, which makes the integration of metasurface devices on LEDs challenging. A novel concept for metasurface integration on LED is proposed, using a cavity to increase the LED spatial coherence through an angular collimation. The experimental demonstration of the proposed concept is implemented on a GaP LED architecture including a hybrid metallic‐Bragg cavity. By integrating a silicon metasurface on top, two different functionalities of these compact devices are demonstrated: directional LED emission at a desired angle and LED emission of a vortex beam with an orbital angular momentum. The presented concept is general, being applicable to other incoherent light sources and enabling metasurfaces designed for plane waves to work with incoherent light emitters.
Asymmetrically Substituted Poly(diitaconates) Obtained by Reversible Addition‐Fragmentation Chain Transfer (RAFT) Polymerization: Synthesis, Copolymerization Parameters, and Antimicrobial Activity
Authors: Himmelsbach Andreas , Schneider‐Chaabane Alexandra , Lienkamp Karen
Published: November 2019

Asymmetrically substituted poly(diitaconate) copolymers are synthesized from 1‐((N‐tert‐butoxycarbonyl)‐2‐aminoethyl)‐4‐propyl diitaconate (PrIA) and different comonomers (N,N‐dimethyl‐acrylamide, DMAA; acrylic acid; or ((N‐tert‐butoxycarbonyl)‐2‐aminoethyl)methacrylate) by reversible addition–fragmentation chain transfer polymerization (RAFT). The RAFT copolymerization parameters of PrIA and DMAA are rDMAA = 0.49 and rPrIA = 0.17, compared to rDMAA = 0.52 and rPrIA = 0.54 obtained by free radical copolymerization (FRP). Thus, the RAFT process has a stronger trend to alternating polymerization than the FRP process. The polydispersity index of the RAFT copolymers is around 1.2–1.8, compared to 2.8–2.9 for the corresponding FRP copolymers. After removal of the tert‐butoxycarbonyl protective groups, antimicrobially active synthetic mimics of antimicrobial peptides are obtained. The thus activated poly(PrIA‐co‐DMAA) copolymers (repeat unit ratio 1:1) have an increasing activity against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus with increasing molar mass. The RAFT copolymers are slightly more active and less toxic than comparable FRP polymers, leading to a higher selectivity for bacteria over mammalian cells. Higher molar fractions of PrIA in poly(PrIA‐co‐DMAA) copolymers (up to 80 mol%) do not increase their antimicrobial activity; reduction of the BuIA content in poly(BuIA‐DMAA) (down to 10 mol%) leads to a loss of activity against both E. coli and S. aureus.
Tremor and Dystonia in Jacob's Syndrome (47,XYY)
Authors: Davis Jennie L. , Kurek Julie A. , Morgan John C. , Sethi Kapil D.
Published: November 2019

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Reflection of plane waves in generalized thermoelasticity of type III with nonlocal effect
Authors: Das Narayan , De Soumen , Sarkar Nantu
Published: November 2019

The generalized thermoelasticity theory based upon the Green and Naghdi model III of thermoelasticity as well as the Eringen's nonlocal elasticity model is used to study the propagation of harmonic plane waves in a nonlocal thermoelastic medium. We found two sets of coupled longitudinal waves, which are dispersive in nature and experience attenuation. In addition to the coupled waves, there also exists one independent vertically shear‐type wave, which is dispersive but experiences no attenuation. All these waves are found to be influenced by the elastic nonlocality parameter. Furthermore, the shear‐type wave is found to face a critical frequency, while the coupled longitudinal waves may face critical frequencies conditionally. The problem of reflection of the thermoelastic waves at the stress‐free insulated and isothermal boundary of a homogeneous, isotropic nonlocal thermoelastic half‐space has also been investigated. The formulae for various reflection coefficients and their respective energy ratios are determined in various cases. For a particular material, the effects of the angular frequency and the elastic nonlocal parameter have been shown on phase speeds and the attenuation coefficients of the propagating waves. The effect of the elastic nonlocality on the reflection coefficients and the energy ratios has been observed and depicted graphically. Finally, analysis of the various results has been interpreted.
Myotonic dystrophy type 1 alters muscle twitch properties, spinal reflexes, and perturbation‐induced trans‐cortical reflexes
Authors: Shields Richard K. , Lee Jinhyun , Buelow Aaron , Petrie Michael , Dudley‐Javoroski Shauna , Cross Stephen , Gutmann Laurie , Nopoulos Peggy C.
Published: November 2019

Background

Neurophysiologic biomarkers are needed for clinical trials of therapies for myotonic dystrophy (DM1). We characterized muscle properties, spinal reflexes (H‐reflexes), and trans‐cortical long‐latency reflexes (LLRs) in a cohort with mild/moderate DM1.

Methods

Twenty‐four people with DM1 and 25 matched controls underwent assessment of tibial nerve H‐reflexes and soleus muscle twitch properties. Quadriceps LLRs were elicited by delivering an unexpected perturbation during a single‐limb squat (SLS) visuomotor tracking task.

Results

DM1 was associated with decreased H‐reflex depression. The efficacy of doublet stimulation was enhanced, yielding an elevated double‐single twitch ratio. DM1 participants demonstrated greater error during the SLS task. DM1 individuals with the least‐robust LLR responses showed the greatest loss of spinal H‐reflex depression.

Conclusions

DM1 is associated with abnormalities of muscle twitch properties. Co‐occurring alterations of spinal and trans‐cortical reflex properties underscore the central nervous system manifestations of this disorder and may assist in gauging efficacy during clinical trials.
Fascicular constrictions above elbow typify anterior interosseous nerve syndrome
Authors: Sneag Darryl B. , Arányi Zsuzsanna , Zusstone Esther M. , Feinberg Joseph H. , Queler Sophie C. , Nwawka O. Kenechi , Lee Steve K. , Wolfe Scott W.
Published: November 2019

Introduction

In this study we tested the hypothesis that fascicular constrictions (FCs) of the median nerve proximal to the elbow joint characterize anterior interosseous nerve syndrome (AINS).

Methods

Magnetic resonance neurography (MRN) and ultrasound (US) examinations were evaluated in 45 patients with clinically suspected AINS. All 22 patients at site 1 underwent MRN and 8 underwent US; all 23 patients at site 2 underwent US.

Results

Median nerve FCs were identified in all MRN cases; FCs and/or fascicular enlargements were identified in 88% of US cases. Most FCs were in the mediannerve posterior/posteromedial region and were proximal to the elbow joint line (mean distance: MRN, 5.4 cm; US, 7.5 cm), with the exception of a single FC (located 1 cm distal). No extrinsic compression of median or anterior interosseous nerves was identified in the arm or forearm.

Discussion

AINS is a noncompressive neuropathy characterized by median nerve FCs in the arm.