bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparative Effects of Conventional and Non-Conventional Flocculants and Disinfectants on Microbial Contaminants in Water Purification
Authors: Omiyale F. B. , Ekundayo F. O.
Published: October 2019

This work compares the effect of alum, a conventional flocculant to the bioflocculant isolated from Bacillus subtilis and Moringa oleifera seed powder (non conventional bioflocculants) and chlorine as disinfectant on microbial contaminants in water purification. Bioflocculant was purified from the sand sediments of Onyearugbulem market, jar test method was used in bioflocculating activity and dosage. Bioflocculant purified from Bacillus subtilis isolated from the sediments of Onyearugbulem market stream inhibited the growth of coliform for well, stream and abattoir waste water samples. On the other hand, alum sulfate when compared with bioflocculant at a dosage level of 200 mg for well and stream waters and 800 mg for abattoir waste water yielded flocculating activities of 87.33%, 78.42% and 24.60%. This indicates that purified bioflocculant was more effective than alum sulphate. Bioflocculant produced from Bacillus subtilis should be exploited in water treatment. Moringa oleifera seed powder exhibited both flocculating and disinfecting potentials in water treatment but not effective in the treatment of abattoir waste water.
Sewage Sludge as Fertilizer in Soybean Cultivation
Authors: Melo Luan Danilo Ferreira de Andrade , Junior João Luciano de Andrade Melo , Gonçalves Edilma Pereira , Viana Jeandson Silva , Souto Priscila Cordeiro , Ferreira Vilma Marques , Neto João Correia de Araújo , Paes Reinaldo de Alencar
Published: October 2019

The objective of the present study was to evaluate the effects of the application of treated sewage sludge on the initial development of soybean plants (Glycine max L.). Seven treatments were used: (T1) only the soil (absolute control); (T2) soil + residue at the dose of 5.0 g/dm3; (T3) soil + residue at a dose of 10.0 g/dm3; (T4) soil + residue at the dose of 15.0 g/dm3; (T5) soil + residue at the dose of 20.0 g/dm3; (T6) soil + residue at the dose of 25.0 g/dm3; and (T7) culture with PK. The variables of emergence, first count and emergence speed of seedlings, green mass, shoot length, root length, dry shoot mass and dry root mass of the plants were analyzed. The experimental design was in randomized blocks, with four replicates of 25 plants for each treatment. The use of the organic residue positively influenced the characteristics observed in relation to the control and the PK, and in the appropriate dose, it can be recommended as an input and soil conditioner. Sewage sludge presents high potential as a fertilizer for soybean cultivation.
Determination of Antimicrobial Properties of Myristica fragans (Nutmeg) on Microorganisms Isolated from Veritas University Hostels Bathroom and their Surfaces
Authors: Ozoude T. O. , Mbah C. C. , Amacheree E. U.
Published: October 2019

The bathroom which is a place for people to clean up themselves is also prone to contamination. The aim of this study was to investigate the antimicrobial properties of nutmeg against isolates from the bathroom using different solvents such as acetone, ethanol and water for the extraction of the nutmeg. In this study, samples from different areas in Veritas University male and female hostel bathrooms were screened for bacterial and fungal contamination and results from the study showed that bacterial genera such as Escherichia coli, Salmonella, Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus, Pseudomonas, and fungus Aspergillus were found in this public bathroom surfaces. The Cup-plate Agar Diffusion method was used to determine the antibacterial potency of the nutmeg while the Filter paper method was used to determine its antifungal properties. The results proved that nutmeg has great anti-microbial properties thus was capable of inhibiting the growth of these isolates. Results from this study also revealed that when acetone was used as the solvent at 75% concentration, it was the most effective for the antibacterial susceptibility test while ethanoic solvent at the same concentration was the most effective for the antifungal susceptibility testing.
Alcohol reinforces both positively and negatively, complicating treatment
Authors: Enos Gary
Published: October 2019

Research findings are shedding new light on the role of both positive and negative reinforcement in drinking behavior and the development of alcohol use disorders, as well as highlighting the challenges in identifying viable treatment strategies to reduce alcohol use.
Liquefied Microcapsules as Dual‐Microcarriers for 3D+3D Bottom‐Up Tissue Engineering
Authors: Correia Clara R. , Bjørge Isabel M. , Zeng Jinfeng , Matsusaki Michiya , Mano João F.
Published: October 2019

Cell encapsulation systems must ensure the diffusion of molecules to avoid the formation of necrotic cores. The architectural design of hydrogels, the gold standard tissue engineering strategy, is thus limited to a microsize range. To overcome such a limitation, liquefied microcapsules encapsulating cells and microparticles are proposed. Microcapsules with controlled sizes with average diameters of 608.5 ± 122.3 µm are produced at high rates by electrohydrodynamic atomization, and arginyl–glycyl–aspartic acid (RGD) domains are introduced in the multilayered membrane. While cells and microparticles interact toward the production of confined microaggregates, on the outside cell‐mediated macroaggregates are formed due to the aggregation of microcapsules. The concept of simultaneous aggregation is herein termed as 3D+3D bottom‐up tissue engineering. Microcapsules are cultured alone (microcapsule1) or on top of 2D cell beds composed of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) alone (microcapsule2) or cocultured with fibroblasts (microcapsule3). Microcapsules are able to support cell encapsulation shown by LiveDead, 3‐(4,5‐dimethylthiazol‐2‐yl)‐5‐(3‐carboxymethoxyphenyl)‐2‐(4‐sulphofenyl)‐2H‐tetrazolium (MTS), and dsDNA assays. Only microcapsule3 are able to form macroaggregates, as shown by F‐actin immunofluorescence. The bioactive 3D system also presented alkaline phosphatase activity, thus allowing osteogenic differentiation. Upon implantation using the chick chorioallontoic membrane (CAM) model, microcapsules recruit a similar number of vessels with alike geometric parameters in comparison with CAMs supplemented with basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF).
Tough Bonding, On‐Demand Debonding, and Facile Rebonding between Hydrogels and Diverse Metal Surfaces
Authors: Li Weichang , Liu Xiaobo , Deng Zhishuang , Chen Yutong , Yu Qianqian , Tang Wen , Sun Tao Lin , Zhang Yu Shrike , Yue Kan
Published: October 2019

Hybrid systems of hydrogels and metals with tough bonding may find widespread applications. Here, a simple and universal method to obtain strong adhesion between hydrogels and diverse metal surfaces, such as titanium, steel, nickel, tantalum, argentum, and aluminum, with adhesion energy up to >1000 J m−2 is reported. To achieve such, the metal surfaces are instantly modified with a linker molecule via soaking, dip‐coating, or drop‐casting. The designed linker molecule has a carboxylic acid group to bind with a metal surface, and a methacrylic group to crosslink with a hydrogel, thus bridging the interface between them. In addition, by introducing a stimulus‐responsive disulfide bond into the linker molecule, the on‐demand debonding between toughly bonded hydrogel and metal surface, which is enabled by reductive cleavage of the disulfide chemical linkage, is also demonstrated. More interestingly, after the reductive debonding, the resulting metal surface with free thiol groups can be easily rebonded with a second hydrogel without any further surface modification. The strategy may provide unique opportunities in designing hybrid devices that are suitable for complex and dynamic environments.
Rate‐Dependent Decohesion Modes in Graphene‐Sandwiched Interfaces
Authors: Xu Chaochen , Yang Tianhao , Kang Yilan , Li Qunyang , Xue Tao , Liechti Kenneth M. , Huang Rui , Qiu Wei
Published: October 2019

Mechanical dry transfer of large‐area graphene is increasingly applied in fabrication of graphene‐based electronic devices, and adhesion energy of graphene/substrate interface is a key factor affecting reliability and performance of these devices. Herein, the adhesion energy of a graphene/poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) interface is measured by widely adopted double cantilever beam (DCB) fracture tests. Results show that the apparent adhesion energy of sandwiched interface is highly rate‐dependent. When separation rate increases from 20 to 150 µm s−1, apparent adhesion energy increases by an order of magnitude. By examining fractured interfaces after DCB tests with micro‐Raman spectroscopy, the graphene is found to be fractured and transferred in fragments, with residual tensile strain up to 3% for high separation rates. The results are contrary to earlier reports, where higher separation rate in dry‐transfer process would typically enhance the dry transfer of graphene, resulting in better integrity and performance. Based on Raman spectroscopy measurements, three distinct decohesion modes are identified for PET‐/graphene‐/adhesive‐sandwiched interface, which consistently explain the rate‐dependent apparent adhesion energy. The complicated decohesion modes also suggest that an optimal separation rate should be used to properly measure the adhesion energy and improve the dry‐transfer technique of graphene with minimum damage and residual strain.
Vertically Oriented Films of Layered Rare Earth Hydroxides Grown Directly on Flat and Tubular Substrates
Authors: Jeon Hong‐Gu , Kim Hyunsub , Byeon Song‐Ho
Published: October 2019

Layered rare earth hydroxides (LRHs) have emerged as novel optical materials for various applications, but an effective method for orientation controlled growth of LRH films is not yet well established. Exfoliated nanosheets of LRHs are generally employed as building blocks for the construction of highly oriented films. In these cases, assembled LRH nanosheets tend to orient themselves parallel to the substrate surface. In the present work, direct growth of LRH sheets in a direction preferably perpendicular to flat glass and quartz tube substrates is successfully accomplished by adopting the chemical bath deposition technique. In particular, Tb3+‐doped layered yttrium hydroxide (LYH:Tb) films are grown under several different conditions to evaluate their effects on film growth. Both slide glass and a quartz tube coated with LYH:Tb film are further used as a replaceable adsorbent kit to detect and remove Cr(VI) ions utilizing the typical luminescence quenching of Tb3+ by the filter effect of adsorbed Cr(VI). Owing to high surface roughness caused by the microscale hierarchical architecture, the wettability of the LYH:Tb film can be also easily changed from superhydrophilic to superhydrophobic by a simple stearic acid treatment.
Selective UV‐Gating Organic Memtransistors with Modulable Levels of Synaptic Plasticity
Authors: Zhong Ya‐Nan , Gao Xu , Xu Jian‐Long , Sirringhaus Henning , Wang Sui‐Dong
Published: October 2019

Targeting the emulation of diverse synapses in the brain, organic thin‐film memtransistors gated remotely by UV light are achieved and analytically modeled. They show continuously and reversibly variable device states, and the degree of the variability can also be controlled by selective UV gating. The modulable memristive characteristics cover a wide range of four orders in reading current, all with excellent state retention upon reading or power‐off. The UV‐gating effect stems from the UV‐enhanced cumulative charge trapping/detrapping in the polymer electret layer, expressed as a linear relationship between the characteristic trapping frequency and UV power density. The organic memtransistors are utilized to successfully mimic various synapses at newborn, young, and mature stages that have different levels of synaptic plasticity, as well as the synaptic functions of paired‐pulse facilitation and paired‐pulse depression. The realization of versatile synaptic emulation in a single device may pave the way toward organic‐based neuromorphic circuits, where UV gating could be used for remote regulation of circuit learning rate.
Conductive shape‐memory polyurethane/multiwall carbon nanotube nanocomposite aerogels
Authors: Teymouri Mohsen , Kokabi Mehrdad , Alamdarnejad Ghazaleh
Published: October 2019

Smart nanocomposite aerogels have promising applications. In this work, different percentages of multiwall carbon nanotube (MWCNT) added into synthesized polyurethane (PU) gel in the molten state, using a two‐roll mill. By soaking the PU/MWCNT nanocomposite gel into the water, PU/MWCNT hydrogels containing more than 90 wt % of water were prepared. The obtained hydrogels were freeze‐dried to produce aerogel counterparts. The aerogels were fully characterized using mercury porosimetry, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE‐SEM). The electrical percolation threshold of conductive aerogel system was measured. The shape‐memory behavior of PU/MWCNT nanocomposite aerogels was evaluated by dynamic mechanical thermal analysis (DMTA). The results of the DMTA showed that by adding 2.75 wt % of MWCNT, the recovery ratio and storage modulus of the PU/MWCNT nanocomposite aerogel increased 42 and 180%, respectively. The electrical conductivity of the system also increased three orders of magnitude at the percolation threshold. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci.2020,137, 48602.
Acute kidney injury after endovascular interventions for critical limb ischemia: Is that a whole different animal?
Authors: Tarantini Giuseppe , Giacoppo Daniele
Published: October 2019

Key Points

Acute kidney injury after endovascular interventions for critical limb ischemia is common and has strong association with in‐hospital mortality.

Despite a steady increase over time of the incidence of acute kidney injury after endovascular interventions, in‐hospital mortality declined in the same period.

Development of acute kidney injury after endovascular interventions is associated with age, diabetes, heart failure, and chronic kidney disease.
CTO PCI: When at first you don't succeed…
Authors: Riley Robert F. , Henry Timothy D.
Published: October 2019

Key Points

Compared to first attempt coronary CTO lesions, reattempt CTOs were more anatomically complex and had lower technical success rates.

The utilization of more complex recanalization techniques can improve the PCI success for reattempt CTO PCI.

Reattempt CTO PCI procedures were associated with higher MACE rates.
Synthesis of Textured Tungsten Disulfide Nanosheets and their Catalysis for Benzylamine Coupling Reaction
Authors: Liang Hua , Zhang Bing‐Qian , Song Ji‐Ming
Published: October 2019

Tungsten disulfide (WS2) has a graphite‐like structure with the properties of strippable and indirect/direct band gap conversion, which makes it have important applications in the fields of optoelectronics, catalysis and lubrication. Here, ultra‐thin WS2 nanosheets with texture on the surface were obtained by colloid synthesis method, and its phase, morphology and valence state were characterized. TEM images displayed that the obtained sample had flower‐like morphology composed of “petal” nanosheets with several stripes on the surface. Interestingly, the fabricated WS2 nanosheets exhibited excellent catalytic performance for the conversion of benzylamine with the yield reaching 97.9 % and excellent catalytic activity still being retained after 5 cycles of catalysis, and the WS2 nanosheets also had good catalytic activity for coupling reactions of benzylamine homologues to synthesize corresponding imines. Besides, the coupling reaction could be done in natural light without the need for additional light and oxygen atmosphere at certain temperature. Further research showed that in our reaction system, the benzylamine oxidative coupling reaction was a photothermal co‐catalytic process with thermal catalysis being dominant role and photocatalysis further improving the yield.
Optimal Besov Differentiability for Entropy Solutions of the Eikonal Equation
Authors: Ghiraldin Francesco , Lamy Xavier
Published: October 2019

In this paper we study the eikonal equation in a bounded planar domain. We prove the equivalence among optimal Besov regularity, the finiteness of every entropy production, and the validity of a kinetic formulation. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
γδ T cells in cancer: a small population of lymphocytes with big implications
Authors: Raverdeau Mathilde , Cunningham Stephen P , Harmon Cathal , Lynch Lydia
Published: October 2019

γδ T cells are a small population of mostly tissue‐resident lymphocytes, with both innate and adaptive properties. These unique features make them particularly attractive candidates for the development of new cellular therapy targeted against tumor development. Nevertheless, γδ T cells may play dual roles in cancer, promoting cancer development on the one hand, while participating in antitumor immunity on the other hand. In mice, γδ T‐cell subsets preferentially produce IL‐17 or IFN‐γ. While antitumor functions of murine γδ T cells can be attributed to IFN‐γ+ γδ T cells, recent studies have implicated IL‐17+ γδ T cells in tumor growth and metastasis. However, in humans, IL‐17‐producing γδ T cells are rare and most studies have attributed a protective role to γδ T cells against cancer. In this review, we will present the current knowledge and most recent findings on γδ T‐cell functions in mouse models of tumor development and human cancers. We will also discuss their potential as cellular immunotherapy against cancer.
Uncovering the ecosystem service legacies of wetland loss using high‐resolution models
Authors: Tomscha Stephanie , Deslippe Julie , de Róiste Mairéad , Hartley Stephen , Jackson Bethanna
Published: October 2019

Ecosystem services provided by contemporary landscapes are different from those of the past, and this difference is influenced by the legacies of policies that incentivized wetland drainage without considering the impact on ecosystem services. Heterogeneity in ecosystem service legacies is rarely acknowledged or documented. Even less understood is the relative role of historical wetland type (e.g., swamps, fens) and contemporary land cover in shaping these heterogeneous outcomes. Here, we contrasted contemporary ecosystem services with a scenario of no wetland drainage in the Ruamahanga Basin, New Zealand, a region historically rich in wetlands. Using the high‐resolution Land Use Capability Indicator model, we mapped nitrogen retention, phosphorous retention, sediment retention, agricultural productivity, and flood mitigation at a 5‐m spatial resolution under these two scenarios. Our work supports the broad understanding that agricultural productivity has increased in contemporary landscapes, while flood mitigation and nutrient retention have decreased. Net losses in ecosystem services occurred for the majority of historical wetlands, while net gains were less common. However, spatially heterogeneous and divergent responses of ecosystem services to land cover changes reinforced the need for high‐resolution models to untangle the range of factors affecting ecosystem service provisioning. Contemporary land cover explained very little variation in ecosystem services. Initial conditions, however, played an important role in determining ecosystem service outcomes with losses of swamps being particularly problematic for net loss of ecosystem services provisioning. The maps we produced, and the algorithms underlying them, provide tools to envision both local‐ and broad‐scale effects of historical wetland drainage.
Building self‐powered emergency electronics based on hybrid nanogenerators for field survival/rescue
Authors: Cui Xiaojing , Cao Shengli , Guo Rui , Khan Saeed Ahmed , Xie Gang , Tian Zhigang , Sang Shengbo , Zhang Hulin
Published: October 2019

Harvesting energy from human body in multiple ways is pivotal for achieving powering emergency electronics effectively. Herein, we report a hybrid nanogenerator that is based on the coupling of a triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG) and electromagnetic generator (EMG). By utilizing a copper coil in multiroles, the energy grabbing units can operate independently without interfering, revealing a superior performance in scavenging biomechanical energy from human motions. The hybrid device by encapsulation exhibits an excellent environmental stability. When wearing the fabricated device, the TENG and EMG can generate the output voltage about 4 and 1.5 V, respectively, which can be directly stored into a capacitor. By integrating with a battery, the established self‐powered device can actively provide a geographic coordinate in real time in the wild where there is no power supply or network connectivity. Our work paves a way for the further exploration based on hybrid nanogenerators in self‐powered wearable/portable emergency electronics that can be applied in exploration, travel, work, as well as rescue in the wild without power apply and Internet.
Molecular detection of respiratory pathogens among children aged younger than 5 years hospitalized with febrile acute respiratory infections: A prospective hospital‐based observational study in Niamey, Niger
Authors: Lagare Adamou , Ousmane Sani , Dano Ibrahim Dan , Issaka Bassira , Issa Idi , Mainassara Halima Boubacar , Testa Jean , Tempia Stefano , Mamadou Saidou
Published: October 2019

Background and Aims

In Niger, acute respiratory infections (ARIs) are the second most common cause of death in children aged younger than 5 years. However, the etiology of ARI is poorly understood in the country. This study aims to describe viral and bacterial infections among children aged younger than 5 years hospitalized with febrile ARI at two hospitals in Niamey, Niger's capital city, and the reported clinical procedures.

Methods

We conducted a prospective study among children aged younger than 5 years hospitalized with febrile ARI at two national hospitals in Niamey between January and December 2015. Clinical presentation and procedures during admission were documented using a standardized case investigation form. Nasopharyngeal specimens collected from each patient were tested for a panel of respiratory viruses and bacteria using the Fast Track Diagnostic 21 Plus kit.

Results

We enrolled and tested 638 children aged younger than 5 years, of whom 411 (64.4%) were aged younger than 1 year, and 15 (2.4%) died during the study period. Overall, 496/638 (77.7%) specimens tested positive for at least one respiratory virus or bacterium; of these, 195 (39.3%) tested positive for respiratory viruses, 126 (25.4%) tested positive for respiratory bacteria, and 175 (35.3%) tested positive for both respiratory viruses and bacteria. The predominant viruses detected were respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) (149/638; 23.3%), human parainfluenza virus (HPIV) types 1 to 4 (78/638; 12.2%), human rhinovirus (HRV) (62/638; 9.4%), human adenovirus (HAV) (60/638; 9.4%), and influenza virus (INF) (52/638; 8.1%). Streptococcus pneumoniae (249/638; 39.0%) was the most frequently detected bacterium, followed by Staphylococcus aureus (112/638; 12.2%) and Haemophilus influenzae type B (16/638; 2.5%). Chest X‐rays were performed at the discretion of the attending physician on 301 (47.2%) case patients. Of these patients, 231 (76.7%) had abnormal radiological findings. A total of 135/638 (21.2%) and 572/638 (89.7%) children received antibiotic treatment prior to admission and during admission, respectively.

Conclusion

A high proportion of respiratory viruses was detected among children aged younger than 5 years with febrile ARI, raising concerns about excessive use of antibiotics in Niger.
Entropy generation on MHD peristaltic flow of Cu‐water nanofluid with slip conditions
Authors: Ali Aamir , Shah Zahir , Mumraiz S. , Kumam Poom , Awais M.
Published: October 2019

The current research explores entropy generation and effect of magnetic field on peristaltic flow of copper‐water nanofluid in an asymmetric configuration saturated with porous medium. Slip conditions are invoked for velocity and temperature. Governing flow problem is constructed under the long wave length assumption. Analytical result for the problem is computed by exploiting homotopy analysis methodology. The influences of involved physical parameters are investigated through plots.
Localization of PD‐L1 on single cancer cells by iSERS microscopy with Au/Au core/satellite nanoparticles
Authors: Stepula Elzbieta , König Matthias , Wang Xin‐Ping , Levermann Janina , Schimming Tobias , Kasimir‐Bauer Sabine , Schilling Bastian , Schlücker Sebastian
Published: October 2019

Programmed cell death‐ligand 1 (PD‐L1) is an important predictive biomarker. The detection of PD‐L1 can be crucial for patients with advanced cancer where the use of immunotherapy is considered. Here, we demonstrate the use of immuno‐SERS microscopy (iSERS) for localizing PD‐L1 on single cancer SkBr‐3 cells. A central advantage of iSERS is that the disturbing autofluorescence from cells and tissues can be efficiently minimized by red to near‐infrared laser excitation. In this study we employed Au/Au core/satellite nanoparticles as SERS nanotags because of their remarkable signal brightness and colloidal stability upon red laser excitation. False‐color iSERS images of the positive and negative controls clearly reveal the specific localization of PD‐L1 with SERS nanotag‐labeled antibodies.
Effects of Zoledronate on Cancer, Cardiac Events, and Mortality in Osteopenic Older Women
Authors: Reid Ian R , Horne Anne M , Mihov Borislav , Stewart Angela , Garratt Elizabeth , Bastin Sonja , Gamble Gregory D
Published: October 2019

We recently showed that zoledronate prevented fractures in older women with osteopenia (hip T-scores between −1.0 and −2.5). In addition to fewer fractures, this study also suggested that women randomized to zoledronate had fewer vascular events, a lower incidence of cancer, and a trend to lower mortality. The present analysis provides a more detailed presentation of the adverse event data from that study, a 6-year, double-blind trial of 2000 women aged >65 years recruited using electoral rolls. They were randomly assigned to receive four infusions of either zoledronate 5 mg or normal saline at 18-month intervals. Supplements of vitamin D, but not calcium, were provided. There were 1017 serious adverse events in 443 participants in the placebo group, and 820 events in 400 participants in those randomized to zoledronate (relative risk = 0.90; 95% CI, 0.81 to 1.00). These events included fractures resulting in hospital admission. Myocardial infarction occurred in 39 women (43 events) in the placebo group and in 24 women (25 events) in the zoledronate group (hazard ratio 0.60 [95% CI, 0.36 to 1.00]; rate ratio 0.58 [95% CI, 0.35 to 0.94]). For a prespecified composite cardiovascular endpoint (sudden death, myocardial infarction, coronary artery revascularization, or stroke) 69 women had 98 events in the placebo group, and 53 women had 71 events in the zoledronate group (hazard ratio 0.76 [95% CI, 0.53 to 1.08]; rate ratio 0.72 [95% CI, 0.53 to 0.98]). Total cancers were significantly reduced with zoledronate (hazard ratio 0.67 [95% CI, 0.51 to 0.89]; rate ratio 0.68 [95% CI, 0.52 to 0.89]), and this was significant for both breast cancers and for non-breast cancers. Eleven women had recurrent or second breast cancers during the study, all in the placebo group. The hazard ratio for death was 0.65 (95% CI, 0.40 to 1.06; p = 0.08), and 0.51 (95% CI, 0.30 to 0.87) in those without incident fragility fracture. These apparent beneficial effects justify further appropriately powered trials of zoledronate with these nonskeletal conditions as primary endpoints. © 2019 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Effects of Estrogen Replacement on Bone Geometry and Microarchitecture in Adolescent and Young Adult Oligoamenorrheic Athletes: A Randomized Trial
Authors: Ackerman Kathryn E , Singhal Vibha , Slattery Meghan , Eddy Kamryn T , Bouxsein Mary L , Lee Hang , Klibanski Anne , Misra Madhusmita
Published: October 2019

Oligoamenorrheic athletes (OAs) have lower bone mineral density (BMD) and greater impairment of bone microarchitecture, and therefore higher fracture rates compared to eumenorrheic athletes. Although improvements in areal BMD (aBMD; measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry) in OAs have been demonstrated with transdermal estrogen treatment, effects of such treatment on bone microarchitecture are unknown. Here we explore effects of transdermal versus oral estrogen versus no estrogen on bone microarchitecture in OA. Seventy-five OAs (ages 14 to 25 years) were randomized to (i) a 100-μg 17β-estradiol transdermal patch (PATCH) administered continuously with 200 mg cyclic oral micronized progesterone; (ii) a combined 30 μg ethinyl estradiol and 0.15 mg desogestrel pill (PILL); or (iii) no estrogen/progesterone (NONE) and were followed for 12 months. Calcium (≥1200 mg) and vitamin D (800 IU) supplements were provided to all. Bone microarchitecture was assessed using high-resolution peripheral quantitative CT at the distal tibia and radius at baseline and 1 year. At baseline, randomization groups did not differ by age, body mass index, percent body fat, duration of amenorrhea, vitamin D levels, BMD, or bone microarchitecture measurements. After 1 year of treatment, at the distal tibia there were significantly greater increases in total and trabecular volumetric BMD (vBMD), cortical area and thickness, and trabecular number in the PATCH versus PILL groups. Trabecular area decreased significantly in the PATCH group versus the PILL and NONE groups. Less robust differences between groups were seen at the distal radius, where percent change in cortical area and thickness was significantly greater in the PATCH versus PILL and NONE groups, and changes in cortical vBMD were significantly greater in the PATCH versus PILL groups. In conclusion, in young OAs, bone structural parameters show greater improvement after 1 year of treatment with transdermal 17β-estradiol versus ethinyl estradiol–containing pills, particularly at the tibia. © 2019 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
The AQUA‐MER databases and aqueous speciation server: A web resource for multiscale modeling of mercury speciation
Authors: Lian Peng , Guo Luanjing , Devarajan Deepa , Parks Jerry M. , Painter Scott L. , Brooks Scott C. , Smith Jeremy C.
Published: October 2019

To assess the chemical reactivity, toxicity, and mobility of pollutants in the environment, knowledge of their species distributions is critical. Because their direct measurement is often infeasible, speciation modeling is widely adopted. Mercury (Hg) is a representative pollutant for which study of its speciation benefits from modeling. However, Hg speciation modeling is often hindered by a lack of reliable thermodynamic constants. Although computational chemistry (e.g., density functional theory [DFT]) can generate these constants, methods for directly coupling DFT and speciation modeling are not available. Here, we combine computational chemistry and continuum‐scale modeling with curated online databases to ameliorate the problem of unreliable inputs to Hg speciation modeling. Our AQUA‐MER databases and web server (https://aquamer.ornl.gov) provides direct speciation results by combining web‐based interfaces to a speciation calculator, databases of thermodynamic constants, and a computational chemistry toolkit to estimate missing constants. Although Hg is presented as a concrete use case, AQUA‐MER can also be readily applied to other elements. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Association ofGCKgene DNA methylation with the risk of clopidogrel resistance in acute coronary syndrome patients
Authors: Su Jia , Zheng Nan , Li Zhenwei , Huangfu Ning , Mei Li , Xu Xiaolei , Zhang Li , Chen Xiaomin
Published: October 2019

Backgrounds

Clopidogrel resistance (CR), which was manifested as the failure of platelet inhibition in clopidogrel treatment, was likely to lead to cardiovascular events. Our study was aimed to explore the contribution of DNA methylation in glucokinase (GCK) to the CR risk.

Methods

Among 36 CR and 36 non‐CR acute coronary syndrome (ACS) patients, the platelet functions were evaluated by VerifyNow P2Y12 assay (turbidimetric‐based optical detection) and DNA methylation levels on two fragments of the CGI from theGCKwere investigated through bisulfite pyrosequencing methods. In addition, theGCKmRNA expression was analyzed via quantitative real‐time PCR. Lastly, the logistic regression was employed to test the interaction betweenGCKmethylation and nongenetic variables in CR patients.

Results

Subunit analysis showed that in male patients without DM but suffering from dyslipidemia, the increased methylation of cg18492943 indicated a risk of poor clopidogrel response (male, NCR vs CR(%): 84.86 ± 6.29 vs 88.16 ± 4.32,P = .032; without DM, NCR vs CR (%): 84.66 ± 6.18 vs 88.16 ± 4.17,P = .029; and dyslipidemia, NCR vs CR (%): 83.81 ± 6.96 vs 88.39 ± 4.74,P = .042).In addition,GCKmRNA expression was reduced in CR patients without DM. Moreover, regression analysis indicated that the values of platelet distribution width (PDW), total cholesterol (TC), and uric acid (UA) were correlated with the incidence of CR, and hypertension lowered the CR risk.

Conclusions

A higher methylation of cg18492943 inGCKgene would lower the expression ofGCKmRNA, which might contribute to CR in patients without DM. Meanwhile, PDW and TC might be risk factors in CR.
Cover Image, Volume 94, Issue 11
Authors: Garza‐Arévalo Javier I , Intiso Adriano , Proto Antonio , Rossi Federico , Sanchez‐Dominguez Margarita
Published: October 2019

The cover image is based on the Research Article Trichloroethylene solubilization using a series of commercial biodegradable ethoxylated fatty alcohol surfactants by Javier I Garza‐Arévalo et al., DOI: 10.1002/jctb.5965.

The image was prepared by the first author, Javier I. Garza‐Arévalo.

image
Variation of organ position in snakes
Authors: Perez Daniela , Sheehy Coleman M. , Lillywhite Harvey B.
Published: October 2019

The complex and successful evolutionary history of snakes produced variation in the position and structure of internal organs. Gravity strongly influences hemodynamics, and the impact on structure and function of the cardiovascular system, including pulmonary circulation, is well established. Therefore, we hypothesized that interspecific variation in the position of the heart and vascular (faveolar) lung should exceed that of other internal organs that are less sensitive to gravity. We examined the position of selected internal organs in 72 snakes representing 5 families and 13 species including fully aquatic and scansorial/arboreal species, representing the extremes of gravitational influence. Tests for differences of variance and coefficients of variation largely confirm that interspecific variation in position of the heart and vascular lung generally exceed those of other organs that we measured, particularly posterior organs. The variance of heart position generally exceeded that of more posterior organs, was similar to that of the anterior margin of the vascular lung, and was exceeded by that of the posterior margin of the vascular lung (variance ratio = 0.23). The gravity‐sensitive vascular lung exhibited the greatest variation of any organ. Importantly, these findings corroborate previous research demonstrating the influence of gravity on cardiopulmonary morphology. Snakes offer useful model systems to help understand the adaptation of organs to a spectrum of conditions related to diversity of behavior and habitat across a broad range of related taxa.
Mass spectrometry of peptides and proteins using digestion by a grape cysteine protease at pH 3
Authors: Perutka Zdeněk , Šebela Marek
Published: October 2019

Cysteine protease from grapevine (Vitis vinifera) belongs to those resistant proteins, which survive the process of vinification and can therefore be detected as wine components. Its amino acid sequence shows a homology to other members of the papain family, but the enzyme has only partially been explored so far. In order to get more biochemical information with the help of mass spectrometry (MS), wine proteins were collected by ultrafiltration and separated by gel permeation chromatography. The purified enzyme surprisingly displayed a high molecular mass value of around 200 kDa, indicating a possible oligomeric status and aggregation, as it entered only negligibly the separating 10% gel during polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. The isoelectric point (pI) value of 3.6 was determined by chromatofocusing. Matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization (MALDI)‐MS was employed to evaluate the cleavage specificity and usefulness of the isolated cysteine protease in protein and peptide research. A potential applicability could be anticipated from the efficient digestion performance in volatile ammonium formate buffers at pH 3. Common peptides were digested and the resulting products analyzed by MS/MS sequencing. Then, mixtures of protein standards and extracted barley nuclear proteins were processed in the same way. Grape cysteine protease is nonspecific but shows a certain preference for Arg, Lys, and also Leu residues. Compared with papain, it seems not to require fully the presence of a large hydrophobic residue adjacent to that at the cleavage site. The enzyme is suitable for protein research as it produces peptides of a reasonable length in acidic pH.
Global characterization of hydrological and meteorological droughts under future climate change: The importance of timescales, vegetation‐CO2feedbacks and changes to distribution functions
Authors: Vicente‐Serrano Sergio M. , Domínguez‐Castro Fernando , McVicar Tim R. , Tomas‐Burguera Miquel , Peña‐Gallardo Marina , Noguera Iván , López‐Moreno Juan I. , Peña Dhais , El Kenawy Ahmed
Published: October 2019

There is a strong scientific debate on how drought will evolve under future climate change. Climate model outputs project an increase in drought frequency and severity by the end of the 21st century. However, there is a large uncertainty related to the extent of the global land area that will be impacted by enhanced climatological and hydrological droughts. Although climate metrics suggest a likely strong increase in future drought severity, hydrologic metrics do not show a similar signal. In the literature, numerous attempts have been made to explain these differences using several physical mechanisms. This study provides evidence that characterization of drought from different statistical perspectives can lead to unreliable detection of climatological/hydrological droughts in model projections and accordingly give a “false alarm” of the impacts of future climate change. In particular, this study analyses future projections based on different drought metrics and stresses that detecting trends in drought behavior in future projections must consider the extreme character of drought events by comparing the percentage change in drought magnitude relative to a reference climatological period and rely on the frequency of events in the tail of the distribution. In addition, the autoregressive character of drought indices makes necessary the use of the same temporal scale when comparing different drought metrics in order to maintain comparability. Taking into consideration all these factors, our study demonstrates that climatological and hydrological drought trends are likely to undergo similar temporal evolution during the 21st century, with almost 30% of the global land areas experiencing water deficit under future greenhouse gas emissions scenarios. As such, a proper characterization of drought using comparable metrics can introduce lower differences and more consistent outputs for future climatic and hydrologic droughts.
Effects of a stochastic multicloud parameterization on the simulated Asian‐Australian monsoon rainfall in an AGCM
Authors: Ma Libin , Jiang Zijun , Cao Jian
Published: October 2019

The Asian‐Australian monsoon (AAM) plays a vital role in modulating the global and local climates. Current numerical models, including climate system models (CSMs) and atmospheric general circulation models (AGCMs), have difficulties in capturing the fundamental and intrinsic features of the AAM. By applying the stochastic multicloud model (SMCM) to the state‐of‐the‐art ECHAM6.3 atm model, we investigated the impacts of SMCM on the simulation of AAM precipitation. Though the modified model with the SMCM improves simulations of the AAM precipitation in June–July–August–September season, the solstice mode, the AAM domain, and the AAM precipitation intensity, deficiencies also exist in other aspects, that is, simulations of rainfall in December–January–February–March and April–May seasons, and the equinox mode. Analyses also unravelled the modified model improves in simulating the spatial patterns of seasonal variation of precipitation in the Indian monsoon region, western North Pacific monsoon region, and Australian monsoon region in terms of pattern correlation coefficient and normalized root‐mean square error scores. The enhanced simulation of solar radiation in the modified model favours improving the performance of the simulated solstice mode. In addition, moisture budget analysis was applied to investigate physical processes that modulate the variations and distributions of AAM precipitation. Analyses revealed that variations and distributions of the vertical integral of moisture flux convergence is closely associated with changes in precipitation, while the stratification of vertical moist transport is associated with changes in precipitation over land in the AAM region. In addition, the modified model influences the AAM precipitation mainly through the variations of moisture flux convergence. The present work potentially provides a method to improve the simulated capability of AGCMs.
Distinguishing effects of juvenile mortality and dispersal on recruitment
Authors: DRUMMOND FALINE M. , Parker Kevin A. , Lovegrove Tim G. , Armstrong Doug P.
Published: October 2019

Detailed data on juvenile survival are rare in the literature. Although many studies estimate recruitment, if you cannot distinguish between permanent dispersal and mortality, the management implications for a population may be unclear. We estimated juvenile survival in a reintroduced North Island robin (Petroica longipes) population in a protected sanctuary surrounded by an unprotected landscape where the species is extirpated. The population has had marginal population growth due to poor recruitment so we modeled 3 types of data (resighting of fledglings, radio‐telemetry of independent juveniles, resighting of adults) in an integrated framework to determine the life stages where high mortality was occurring, and to distinguish mortality from dispersal. Approximately 16% of birds that fledged (n = 109) were present at the start of the next breeding season, consistent with recruitment rates from previous years. Low survival in the first 6 weeks after fledging was the primary cause of poor recruitment. Only 50% survived to independence (4 weeks after fledging), and 18% survived to the end of the radio‐tracking period (14 weeks), after which juvenile survival matched adult survival. No dispersal from the sanctuary occurred during the radio‐tracking period. Juveniles moved between adjacent forest fragments within the sanctuary, but did not leave the sanctuary. This information, which demonstrates the importance of distinguishing between natal mortality and dispersal, is important for ongoing management of the site and selection of future reintroduction sites for this species. © 2019 The Wildlife Society.
Satisfaction in Academic Otolaryngology: Do Physician Demographics Impact Press Ganey Survey Scores?
Authors: Tracy Lauren F. , Jabbour Nicolette , Rubin Batsheva R. , Sobin Lindsay B. , Lawlor Claire M. , Basa Krystyne C. , Levi Jessica R. , Tracy Jeremiah C.
Published: October 2019

Objectives/Hypothesis

Patient satisfaction is increasingly emphasized and measured in healthcare delivery. However, patient satisfaction is multifactorial and difficult to comprehensively assess. The objective of this study was to assess for correlation between patient satisfaction measured by Press Ganey surveys (PGS) and physician demographics of gender, years in practice, academic rank, and specialty in academic otolaryngology.

Study Design

Review of publicly available PGS scores in academic otolaryngology practice.

Methods

Public websites of academic otolaryngology departments were assessed for inclusion of PGS scores. Individual physician profiles were queried for years in practice, academic rank, and specialty. Gender was determined by picture or profile pronouns. Univariate and multivariate analyses compared PGS scores with studied variables.

Results

Forty‐seven of 113 (42.8%) academic practices publicly reported physician PGS score. Of 1,360 affiliated otolaryngologists, 742 (54.6%,592 male:150 female) revealed PGS scores. Average PGS score for male and female providers was equivalent (PGS = 4.73, P = .84). There was no significant difference in PGS scores by academic rank (P = .28). A weak statistically significant decrease in mean PGS scores was associated with longer duration of practice (r = −0.11, P = .018). Head and neck oncologic surgeons had higher mean PGS score in comparison to other specialties (PGS = 4.81, P < .05). General/comprehensive otolaryngologists had lower average PGS score (PGS = 4.66) in comparison to specialists (P < .05).

Conclusions

Physician gender and academic rank do not correlate with patient satisfaction in academic otolaryngology as measured by publicly reported PGS scores. Head and neck oncology is rated more highly than other specialties, and physicians in practice for longer demonstrate decreased PGS scores. With PGS scores tied to physician evaluation and reimbursement, investigation into the generalizability of PGS in otolaryngology is warranted.

Level of Evidence

NA Laryngoscope, 130: 1902–1906, 2020
The Role of Spirometry and Dyspnea Index in the Management of Subglottic Stenosis
Authors: Tie Kevin , Buckmire Robert A. , Shah Rupali N.
Published: October 2019

Objectives

We aimed to assess the role of spirometry measures and Dyspnea Index (DI) in response to treatment of subglottic stenosis (SGS) and ability to predict need for surgery. We also assessed correlations between spirometry measures, DI, and physical SGS parameters.

Methods

Thirty‐seven adult female SGS patients were prospectively enrolled. Spirometry data and DI were obtained at serial clinic visits; physical SGS parameters were obtained intraoperatively. PIFR, PEFR, EDI, FEV1/FVC, and DI were compared preoperatively to postoperatively for patients who underwent operative intervention. Spirometry data, DI, and physical SGS parameters were analyzed for correlations, and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were created for spirometry measures and DI to determine optimal cutoffs for recommending surgery.

Results

Means of all measured spirometry measures changed significantly from preoperative to postoperative visits (P < .05). Mean DIs changed significantly between preoperative (27.5, n = 13, SD = 8.6) and postoperative visits (8.6, n = 13, SD = 5.5, P < 5 × 10‐5). All Pearson correlations were negligible to moderate. The area under the curve (AUC) for peak inspiratory flow rate (PIFR) was 0.903 (95% CI, 0.832–0.974) with cutoff at 2.10 L/s; the AUC for DI was 0.874 (95% CI, 0.791–0.956) with cutoff between 22‐25; the AUC for peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR) was 0.806 (95% CI, 0.702–0.910) with cutoff at 2.5 L/s; all other ROC curves were less than good.

Conclusion

PIFR, PEFR, EDI, FEV1/FVC, and DIs significantly improve after treatment for SGS. No strong correlations exist between spirometry measures, DI, and physical SGS parameters. PIFR was the most sensitive and specific for predicting timing of operative intervention in our cohort.

Level of Evidence

1b Laryngoscope, 2019