bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Transcriptional cofactor Vgll2 is required for functional adaptations of skeletal muscle induced by chronic overload
Authors: Honda Masahiko , Tsuchimochi Hirotsugu , Hitachi Keisuke , Ohno Seiko
Published: February 2019

Skeletal muscle is composed of heterogeneous populations of myofibers classified as slow‐ and fast‐twitch fibers. Myofiber size and composition are drastically changed in response to physiological demands. We previously showed that transcriptional cofactor vestigial‐like (Vgll) 2 is a pivotal regulator of slow muscle gene programming under sedentary conditions. However, whether Vgll2 is required for skeletal muscle adaptations after chronic overload is unclear. Therefore, we investigated the role of Vgll2 in chronic overload‐inducing skeletal muscle adaptations using synergist ablation (SA) on plantaris. We found that Vgll2 is an essential regulator of the switch towards a slow‐contractile phenotype and oxidative metabolism during chronic overload. Mice lacking Vgll2 exhibited limited fiber type transition and downregulation of genes related to lactate metabolism and their regulator peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor gamma coactivator 1α1, after SA, was augmented in Vgll2‐deficient mice compared with in wild‐type mice. Mechanistically, increased muscle usage elevated Vgll2 levels and promoted the interaction between Vgll2 and its transcription partners such as TEA domain1 (TEAD1), MEF2c, and NFATc1. Calcium ionophore treatment promoted nuclear translocation of Vgll2 and increased TEAD‐dependent MYH7 promotor activity in a Vgll2‐dependent manner. Taken together, these data demonstrate that Vgll2 plays an important role for functional adaptation of skeletal muscle to chronic overload.
Rank‐permutation tests for behavior analysis, and a test for trend allowing unequal data numbers for each subject
Authors: Elliffe Douglas , Elliffe Martin
Published: February 2019

We advocate for rank‐permutation tests as the best choice for null‐hypothesis significance testing of behavioral data, because these tests require neither distributional assumptions about the populations from which our data were drawn nor the measurement assumption that our data are measured on an interval scale. We provide an algorithm that enables exact‐probability versions of such tests without recourse to either large‐sample approximation or resampling approaches. We particularly consider a rank‐permutation test for monotonic trend, and provide an extension of this test that allows unequal number of data points, or observations, for each subject. We provide an extended table of critical values of the test statistic for this test, and both a spreadsheet implementation and an Oracle® Java Web Start application to generate other critical values at https://sites.google.com/a/eastbayspecialists.co.nz/rank-permutation/.
Economic evaluation of direct‐acting antivirals for the treatment of genotype 3 hepatitis C infection in Singapore
Authors: Wong Yu‐Jun , Cheen McVin HH , Hsiang John C , Kumar Rahul , Tan Jessica , Teo Eng K , Thurairajah Prem H
Published: February 2019

Background and Aim

The prohibitively high cost of direct‐acting antivirals (DAA) for hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection remains a barrier to treatment access in Singapore. We aimed to evaluate whether DAA as first‐line therapy would be cost‐effective for genotype 3 (GT3) HCV patients compared with pegylated interferon and ribavirin (PR).

Methods

A decision tree analysis was used to compare the costs and outcomes of DAA and PR as first‐line therapy. Treatment effectiveness, defined as sustained virological response, was assessed using a retrospective cohort of treated GT3 HCV patients. Direct medical costs were estimated from the payer’s perspective using billing information. We obtained health utilities from published literature. We performed extensive one‐way sensitivity analyses and probabilistic sensitivity analyses to account for uncertainties regarding the model parameters.

Results

In base case analysis, first‐line therapy with DAA and PR yielded quality‐adjusted life years (QALYs) of 0.69 and 0.62 at a cost of USD 54 634 and USD 23 857, respectively. The resultant incremental cost‐effectiveness ratio (ICER) (USD 449 232/QALY) exceeded the willingness‐to‐pay threshold (USD 53 302/QALY). The ICER was robust for uncertainties regarding the model parameters. The cost of DAA is the key factor influencing the cost‐effectiveness of HCV treatment. At current price, DAA as first‐line therapy is not cost‐effective compared with PR, with or without consideration of retreatment. Threshold analysis suggested that DAA can be cost‐effective if it costs less than USD 17 002 for a 12‐week treatment course.

Conclusion

At current price, DAA as first‐line therapy is not cost‐effective compared with PR in GT3 HCV patients in Singapore.
Synthesis and Ameliorative Effect of Isatin–Mesalamine Conjugates on Acetic Acid‐induced Colitis in Rats
Authors: Panga Shyam , Podila Naveen Kumar , Ciddi Veeresham
Published: February 2019

A series of new isatin–mesalamine conjugates (9a–g) were synthesized via conjugation of isatin (3a) and its derivatives (3b–3d, 4, 5, and 6) with mesalamine (7) by using chloroacetyl chloride as a bifunctional linker. Compounds 3a–3d were prepared by employing Sandmeyer reaction. Compounds 4, 5, and 6 were obtained from isatin (3a) via previously reported methods. The synthesized compounds were characterized by IR, mass, 1H NMR, and 13C NMR spectral techniques. Synthesized compounds (3a–d, 4, 5, 6, and 9a–g) were evaluated for in vitro antioxidant activity by DPPH assay method using ascorbic acid as standard. Hybrids 9b (IC50 = 368.6 ± 3.5 μM) and 9f (IC50 = 335.1 ± 2.9 μM) showed better antioxidant activity than its parent compounds such as 3a (IC50 = 556.8 ± 2.9 μM), 5 (IC50 = 511.9 ± 3.6 μM), and 7 (IC50 = 768.9 ± 2.7 μM). Acetic acid‐induced ulcerative colitis in rat model was chosen to examine the antioxidant potential of the synthesized hybrids (9b and 9f) in the amelioration of ulcerative colitis. Colonic myeloperoxidase and malondialdehyde enzymes were used as biomarkers of anti‐ulcerative colitis activity. In the present study, hybrids 9b and 9f reduced the levels of colonic myeloperoxidase and malondialdehyde enzymes significantly (p < 0.05) when compared with control (colitic), at a dose (0.03 mM/12.5 mg/kg b.w. p.o.) (50%) less than that of its parent moieties mesalamine (0.16 mM/25 mg/kg) and isatin (0.16 mM/25 mg/kg). Thus, the molecular hybridization was proved to be significant in enhancing the activity of hybrids 9b and 9f by reducing the dose.
Molecular epidemiology and host genetics of norovirus and rotavirus infections in Portuguese elderly living in aged care homes
Authors: Piedade João , Nordgren Johan , Esteves Filipa , Esteves Aida , Teodósio Rosa , Svensson Lennart , Istrate Claudia
Published: February 2019

Norovirus (NoV) and rotavirus group A (RVA) are major agents of acute gastroenteritis worldwide. This study aimed to investigate their epidemiological profile in Portuguese elderly living in long‐term care facilities and to assess the host genetic factors mediating infection susceptibility. From November 2013 to June 2015, 636 faecal specimens from 169 elderly, mainly asymptomatic, living in nursing homes in Greater Lisbon and Faro district, Portugal, were collected. NoV and RVA were detected by real‐time polymerase chain reaction and NoV genotyped by phylogenetic analysis. NoV detection rate was 7.1% (12 of 169). Three GI.3 and one GII.6 strains were genotyped. RVA detection rate was 3.6% (6 of 169), exclusively in asymptomatic individuals. Host genetic factors associated with infection susceptibility were described on 250 samples by saliva‐based enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assays. The Lewis‐negative phenotype was 8.8% (22 of 250) and the rate of nonsecretors was 16.8% (42 of 250). Association to NoV and RVA infection was performed in the subgroup of individuals (n = 147) who delivered both faecal and saliva samples. The majority of NoV‐ and RVA‐positive individuals (90.9% and 83.3%, respectively) were secretor‐positive, with Lewis B phenotype. In a subset of individuals,
FUT2 and
FUT3 genes were genotyped to assess mutations and validate the secretor and Lewis phenotypes. All sequenced nonsecretors were homozygous for
FUT2 nonsense mutation G428A. In this study, low detection rates of NoV and RVA infections were found during two winter seasons. However, even in the absence of any outbreak, the importance of finding these infections in a nonepidemic situation in long‐term care facilities may have important implications for infection control.
Spontaneously‐resolving episodes of cytomegalovirus DNAemia in allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplant recipients: Virological features and clinical outcomes
Authors: Talaya Alberto , Giménez Estela , Piñana José Luis , Albert Eliseo , Hernández‐Boluda Juan Carlos , Pérez Ariadna , Torres Ignacio , Solano Carlos , Navarro David
Published: February 2019

It has been reported that low‐plasma cytomegalovirus (CMV) DNA loads are associated with an increased risk of overall mortality in allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo‐HSCT). Utilizing a conservative strategy for initiation of preemptive antiviral therapy (>1500 IU/mL), we characterized the virological features of spontaneously‐resolving episodes of CMV DNAemia and assessed their impact on mortality through the first year after transplantation. We reviewed the CMV DNA polymerase chain reaction results and clinical charts of 230 consecutive adult patients who underwent T‐cell replete allo‐HSCT at our center. A total of 280 episodes of CMV DNAemia were registered in 164 patients, of which 144 episodes cleared spontaneously. Clearance of CMV DNAemia was significantly delayed in initial and recurrent self‐resolving episodes featuring CMV DNA peak loads > 250 IU/mL compared with those displaying lower values. All‐cause mortality in patients with self‐resolving episodes of CMV DNAemia was comparable (P = 0.7) to that in patients with no CMV DNAemia and was not related to the CMV DNA peak load (≥250 IU/mL vs <250 IU/mL) (P = 0.6). In summary, in our setting, the magnitude of the CMV DNA peak load reached during self‐resolving episodes of CMV DNAemia correlated directly with duration of episodes, but had no apparent impact on all‐cause mortality taking patients with no documented CMV DNAemia as a reference.
Development of real‐time fluorescent reverse transcription loop‐mediated isothermal amplification assays for rhinovirus detection
Authors: Nakauchi Mina , Takayama Ikuyo , Takahashi Hitoshi , Semba Shohei , Saito Shinji , Kubo Hideyuki , Kaida Atsushi , Oba Kunihiro , Nagata Shiho , Odagiri Takato , Kageyama Tsutomu
Published: February 2019

Human rhinoviruses (RVs) belong to the genus Enterovirus of the family Picornaviridae, and are classified into RV‐A, ‐B, and ‐C species. Two assays were developed to detect RVs by a real‐time fluorescent reverse transcription loop‐mediated isothermal amplification method: one was designed based on the 5′‐untranslated regions (UTRs) of RV‐A and ‐B, and the other was designed based on the 5′‐UTR of RV‐C. The competence of both assays for the diagnosis of RV infection was tested using isolated viruses and compared with real‐time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction assays on clinical specimens. Neither assay demonstrated cross‐reactivity with other tested enteroviruses, and they detected 19 out of 21 tested RV‐As and seven out of eight tested RV‐Cs. The specificity of the assays was 100% for the detection of RVs and their sensitivity for RV‐A and RV‐C was 86.3% and 77.3%, respectively, on clinical specimens by the combined use of both assays. Considering that both developed assays were highly specific and detected the majority of recently circulating RVs, they are helpful for the diagnosis of RV infection. Consequently, the results generated by these assays will enhance the surveillance of respiratory illness and the study of the roles of RVs associated with clinical features and disease severity.
Biomechanics of two external fixator devices used in rat femoral fractures
Authors: Osagie‐Clouard Liza , Kaufmann Joshua , Blunn Gordon , Coathup Melanie , Pendegrass Catherine , Meeson Richard , Briggs Timothy , Moazen Mehran
Published: February 2019

The use of external fixators allows for the direct investigation of newly formed interfragmentary bone, and the radiographic evaluation of the fracture. We validated the results of a finite element (FE) model with the in vitro stiffness’ of two widely used external fixator devices used for in vivo analysis of fracture healing in rat femoral fractures with differing construction (Ti alloy ExFix1 and PEEK ExFix2). Rat femoral fracture fixation was modeled using two external fixators. For both constructs an osteotomy of 2.75 mm was used, and offset maintained at 5 mm. Tufnol, served as standardized substitutes for rat femora. Constructs were loaded under axial compression and torsion. Overall axial and torsional stiffness were compared between the in vitro models and FE results. FE models were also used to compare the fracture movement and overall pattern of von Mises stress across the external fixators. In vitro axial stiffness of ExFix1 was 29.26 N/mm ± 3.83 compared to ExFix2 6.31 N/mm ± 0.67 (p* < 0.05). Torsional stiffness of ExFix1 was 47.5 Nmm/° ± 2.71 compared to ExFix2 at 19.1 Nmm/° ±1.18 (p* < 0.05). FE results predicted similar comparative ratios between the ExFix1 and 2 as the in vitro studies. FE results predicted considerably larger interfragmentary motion in the ExFix2 comparing to ExFix1. We demonstrated significant differences in the stiffness’ of the two external fixators as one would expect from such variable designs; yet, importantly we validated the utility of an FE model for the analysis and prediction of changes in fracture mechanics dependent on fixator choice. © 2018 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 37:293–298, 2019.
Calcium chloride treatment modifies cell wall metabolism and activates defense responses in strawberry fruit (Fragaria × ananassa, Duch)
Authors: Langer Silvia E , Marina María , Burgos José L , Martínez Gustavo A , Civello Pedro M , Villarreal Natalia M
Published: February 2019

BACKGROUND

Fruit dips in calcium ions solutions have been shown as an effective treatment to extend strawberries (Fragaria × ananassa, Duch) quality during storage. In the present work, strawberry fruit were treated with 10 g L−1 calcium chloride solution and treatment effects on cell wall enzymes activities and the expression of encoding genes, as well as enzymes involved in fruit defense responses were investigated.

RESULTS

Calcium treatment enhanced pectin methylesterase activity while inhibited those corresponding to pectin hydrolases as polygalacturonase and β‐galactosidase. The expression of key genes for strawberry pectin metabolism was up‐regulated (for FaPME1) and down‐regulated (for FaPG1, FaPLB, FaPLC, FaβGal1 and FaAra1) by calcium dips. In agreement, a higher firmness level and ionically‐bound pectins (IBPs) amount were detected in calcium‐treated fruit compared with controls. The in vitro and in vivo growth rate of fungal pathogen Botrytis cinerea was limited by calcium treatment. Moreover, the activities of polyphenol oxidases, chitinases, peroxidases and β‐1,3‐glucanases were enhanced by calcium ion dips.

CONCLUSION

News insights concerning the biochemical and molecular basis of cell wall preservation and resistance to fungal pathogens on calcium‐treated strawberries are provided. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
Heliox for inducible laryngeal obstruction (vocal cord dysfunction): A systematic literature review
Authors: Slinger Claire , Slinger Richard , Vyas Aashish , Haines Jemma , Fowler Stephen J.
Published: February 2019

Objectives

To perform a systematic literature review on the use of Heliox with patients with inducible laryngeal obstruction/vocal cord dysfunction to: i) identify current evidence base; and ii) establish the methodological quality of published research.

Methods

Articles published up to March 2018 were searched for key words and terms using Cochrane Library, MEDLINE, PubMed, CINAHL, EMBASE and Dynamed. Studies were included if they presented original research into the use of Heliox for vocal cord dysfunction.

Results

Only three studies met the inclusion criteria for review. All reported favorable results for the use of Heliox as an adjunctive therapy for vocal cord dysfunction but none had sufficient methodological quality to support their conclusions.

Conclusion

Despite review articles recommending the use of Heliox in vocal cord dysfunction, there is a lack of good quality research to support this conclusion. There is a need for further research to investigate the effectiveness of Heliox as an adjunctive therapy for vocal cord dysfunction.

Level of Evidence

4
Characterization of Polyethylene Glycol–Reinforced Alginate Microcapsules for Mechanically Stable Cell Immunoisolation
Authors: Verheyen Connor A. , Morales Laura , Sussman Joshua , Paunovska Kalina , Manzoli Vita , Ziebarth Noel M. , Tomei Alice A.
Published: February 2019

Islet transplantation within mechanically stable microcapsules offers the promise of long‐term diabetes reversal without chronic immunosuppression. Reinforcing the ionically gelled network of alginate (ALG) hydrogels with covalently linked polyethylene glycol (PEG) may create hybrid structures with desirable mechanical properties. This report describes the fabrication of hybrid PEG‐ALG interpenetrating polymer networks and the investigation of microcapsule swelling, surface modulus, rheology, compression, and permeability. It is demonstrated that hybrid networks are more resistant to bulk swelling and compressive deformation and display improved shape recovery and long‐term resilience. Interestingly, it is shown that PEG‐ALG networks behave like ALG during microscale surface deformation and small amplitude shear while exhibiting similar permeability properties. The results from this report's in vitro characterization are interpreted according to viscoelastic polymer theory and provide new insight into hybrid hydrogel mechanical behavior. This new understanding of PEG‐ALG mechanical performance is then linked to previous work that demonstrated the success of hybrid polymer immunoisolation devices in vivo.
On an inverse problem of reconstructing a subdiffusion process from nonlocal data
Authors: Kirane Mokhtar , Sadybekov Makhmud A. , Sarsenbi Abdisalam A.
Published: February 2019

We consider a problem of modeling the thermal diffusion process in a closed metal wire wrapped around a thin sheet of insulation material. The layer of insulation is assumed to be slightly permeable. Therefore, the temperature value from one side affects the diffusion process on the other side. For this reason, the standard heat equation is modified, and a third term with an involution is added. Modeling of this process leads to the consideration of an inverse problem for a one‐dimensional fractional evolution equation with involution and with periodic boundary conditions with respect to a space variable. This equation interpolates heat equation. Such equations are also called nonlocal subdiffusion equations or nonlocal heat equations. The inverse problem consists in the restoration (simultaneously with the solution) of the unknown right‐hand side of the equation, which depends only on the spatial variable. The conditions for overdefinition are initial and final states. Existence and uniqueness results for the given problem are obtained via the method of separation of variables.
Multiple positive solutions for Schrödinger‐Poisson system involving singularity and critical exponent
Authors: Lei Chun‐Yu , Liao Jia‐Feng
Published: February 2019

In this paper, the existence and multiplicity of positive solutions is established for Schrödinger‐Poisson system of the form

urn:x-wiley:mma:media:mma5519:mma5519-math-0001
where 0 ∈ Ω is a smooth bounded domain in
,
, and λ > 0 is a real parameter. Combining with the variational method and Nehari manifold method, two positive solutions of the system are obtained.
Treatment outcome in juvenile‐onset myasthenia gravis
Authors: Jastrzębska Aleksandra , Jastrzębski Miłosz , Ryniewicz Barbara , Kostera‐Pruszczyk Anna
Published: February 2019

Introduction

Myasthenia gravis (MG) is an autoimmune disease of the neuromuscular junction. Approximately 10%–15% of MG patients have juvenile (<18 years of age) onset. We aimed to assess the clinical course, outcome, and subjectively perceived health status of a cohort of juvenile MG patients.

Methods

This was a retrospective analysis of medical records of 101 patients followed by a cross‐sectional questionnaire study.

Results

The mean age of patients was 12.8 years at onset and 13.7 years at diagnosis. Ninety percent of the patients were seropositive. Over 40% of the patients were treated with immunosuppression and over 80% underwent thymectomy. The mean Myathenia Gravis Activities of Daily Living (MG‐ADL) scale score was 2.48. At last follow‐up, 30.9% of patients were in complete, stable remission; 77.8% perceived their health as good.

Discussion

The treatment outcome for juvenile MG is favorable, with a marked reduction of symptoms and good day‐to‐day activity achieved for most patients. Muscle Nerve 59:549–549, 2019
Classification and dynamic evolution of public's environmental risk coping actions in China
Authors: Wang Gang , Ning Jing , Song Kai‐ye , Zhang Xia‐fei
Published: February 2019

Existing studies on public attitudes and actions towards sites elections of projects with existing environmental risk usually make simple binary partition and mostly focus on public confrontational actions. Whereas, no attention has been paid to the complexity and dynamic convertibility of public's risk coping actions. This paper constructs an integrated framework for environmental risk coping actions referring to risk social amplification theory and risk protective theory. Through the comparative analysis with three typical projects of nuclear facilities in China, it has been found that there are four different types of risk coping action based on dual dimensions of risk perception and risk communication, namely, acquiescence–support and acquiescence–adaption, belonging to low‐grade risk coping actions, and two high‐grade risk coping actions, prevention–mobilization and prevention–protest. Under specific conditions, the dynamic conversions from low grade to high grade among the four action choice models also existed. Findings of this paper try to provide a theoretical interpretation for getting a better understanding of the public action choices in relation to environment risk. In the meanwhile, policy enlightenment to risk governance for government has also been discussed.
Synthesis and photovoltaic investigation of dithieno[2,3‐d:2′,3′‐d′]‐benzo[1,2‐b:3,4‐b′:5,6‐d″]trithiophene‐based conjugated polymer with an enlarged π‐conjugated system
Authors: Zhang Xiaofang , Zhang Minjing , Tong Junfeng , Guo Pengzhi , Wang Xunchang , Liang Zezhou , Wang Yufei , Xia Yangjun
Published: February 2019

Compared with benzo[1,2‐b:3,4‐b′:5,6‐d″]trithiophene (BTT), an extended π‐conjugation fused ring derivative, dithieno[2,3‐d:2′,3′‐d′]benzo[1,2‐b:3,4‐b′:5,6‐d″]trithiophene (DTBTT) has been designed and synthesized successfully. For investigating the effect of extending conjugation, two wide‐bandgap (WBG) benzo[1,2‐b:4,5‐b′]dithiophene (BDT)‐based conjugated polymers (CPs), PBDT‐DTBTT, and PBDT‐BTT, which were coupled between alkylthienyl‐substituted benzo[1,2‐b:4,5‐b′]dithiophene bistin (BDT‐TSn) and the weaker electron‐deficient dibromides DTBTTBr2 and BTTBr2 bearing alkylacyl group, were prepared. The comparison result revealed that the extending of conjugated length and enlarging of conjugated planarity in DTBTT unit endowed the polymer with a wider and stronger absorption, more ordered molecular structure, more planar and larger molecular configuration, and thus higher hole mobility in spite of raised highest occupied molecular orbital (HOMO) energy level. The best photovoltaic devices exhibited that PBDT‐DTBTT/PC71BM showed the power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 2.73% with an open‐circuit voltage (VOC) of 0.82 V, short‐circuit current density (JSC) of 6.29 mA cm−2, and fill factor (FF) of 52.45%, whereas control PBDT‐BTT/PC71BM exhibited a PCE of 1.98% under the same experimental conditions. The 38% enhanced PCE was mainly benefited from improved absorption, and enhanced hole mobility after the conjugated system was extended from BTT to DTBTT. Therefore, our results demonstrated that extending the π‐conjugated system of donor polymer backbone was an effective strategy of tuning optical electronic property and promoting the photovoltaic property in design of WBG donor materials.
Quantitative Proteome Analysis of Brain Subregions and Spinal Cord from Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis Mice by TMT‐Based Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Hasan Mahbub , Min Hophil , Rahaman Khandoker Asiqur , Muresan Anca Raluca , Kim Hyeyoon , Han Dohyun , Kwon Oh‐Seung
Published: February 2019

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune disease of the central nervous system (CNS); its cause is unknown. To understand the pathogenesis of MS, researchers often use the experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) mouse model. Here, the aim is to build a proteome map of the biological changes that occur during MS at the major onset sites—the brain and the spinal cord. Quantitative proteome profiling is performed in five specific brain regions and the spinal cord of EAE and healthy mice with high‐resolution mass spectrometry based on tandem mass tags. On average, 7400 proteins per region are quantified, with the most differentially expressed proteins in the spinal cord (1691), hippocampus (104), frontal cortex (83), cerebellum (63), brainstem (50), and caudate nucleus (41). Moreover, region‐specific and commonly expressed proteins in each region are identified and bioinformatics analysis is performed. Pathway analysis reveals that protein clusters resemble their functions in disease pathogenesis (i.e., by inducing inflammatory responses, immune activation, and cell–cell adhesion). In conclusion, the study provides an understanding of the pathogenesis of MS in the EAE animal model. It is expected that the comprehensive proteome map of the brain and spinal cord can be used to identify biomarkers for the pathogenesis of MS.
Ultrasound‐Guided Incisionless Carpal Tunnel Release Using a Hook Knife: A Cadaveric Study
Authors: Mittal Nimish , Sangha Harpreet , Flannery John , Robinson Lawrence R. , Agur Ann
Published: February 2019

Background

Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is the most common entrapment mononeuropathy of the median nerve. In comparison to open surgical and endoscopic carpal tunnel release, a new ultrasound‐guided hook knife carpal tunnel release (CTR) procedure was reported to have superior results in terms of reduced morbidity and early return to work.

Objective

To evaluate the reproducibility of the hook knife CTR procedure when performed by musculoskeletal ultrasound trained physicians without prior experience in this technique.

Design

Cadaveric study.

Setting

Tertiary‐level academic institute.

Participants

Sixteen lightly embalmed forearm and hand specimens.

Methods

The ultrasound‐guided CTR was done using a 1‐mm proximal wrist puncture, creation of a tunnel, followed by the retrograde percutaneous release of the transverse carpal ligament (TCL) using a 3‐mm hook knife.

Main Outcome Measurements

Assessment of the completeness of TCL release, the integrity of the surrounding neurovascular structures, and the technical and subjective procedural difficulty encountered during the procedure.

Results

In 14 of 16 specimens, complete release of the TCL was achieved. In two specimens with an incomplete release, the TCL resection was 52% and 55%, respectively. The integrity of the surrounding neurovascular structures and superficial anatomy volar to the dissection path was maintained in all specimens. The mean level of procedural difficulty was 2.6 (range 2‐4) on a Likert 5‐point rating scale.

Conclusions

In cadavers, the ultrasound‐guided hook knife CTR procedure was found to be reproducible when performed by ultrasound‐trained physicians with no experience in this technique. Further in vivo investigations are required.
Reliability analysis using exponentiated Weibull distribution and inverse power law
Authors: Méndez‐González Luis Carlos , Rodríguez‐Picón Luis Alberto , Valles‐Rosales Delia Julieta , Alvarado Iniesta Alejandro , Carreón Abel Eduardo Quezada
Published: February 2019

Today in reliability analysis, the most used distribution to describe the behavior of devices is the Weibull distribution. Nonetheless, the Weibull distribution does not provide an excellent fit to lifetime datasets that exhibit bathtub shaped or upside‐down bathtub shaped (unimodal) failure rates, which are often encountered in the performance of products such as electronic devices (ED). In this paper, a reliability model based on the exponentiated Weibull distribution and the inverse power law model is proposed, this new model provides a better approach to model the performance and fit of the lifetimes of electronic devices. A case study based on the lifetime of a surface‐mounted electrolytic capacitor is presented in this paper. Besides, it was found that the estimation of the proposed model differs from the Weibull classical model and that affects the mean time to failure (MTTF) of the capacitor under analysis.
Fuzzy ridgelet neural network prediction model trained by improved particle swarm algorithm for maintenance decision of polypropylene plant
Authors: Zhao Bin , Ren Yi , Gao Diankui , Xu Lizhi , Zhang Yuanyuan
Published: February 2019

The proper maintenance plan should be made for ensuring the safety and reliability of polypropylene plant and improve economic benefits of petrochemical enterprise. To meet the requirement, a novel maintenance prediction model of polypropylene plant based on fuzzy theory, ridgelet an artificial neural network is constructed. The economy and reliability models of polypropylene plant maintenance are established through comprehensively considering the reliability and economy. The basic structure of fuzzy ridgelet neural network is designed, and the training algorithm is improved through combining the traditional particle swarm algorithm and bacterial foraging algorithm, and the corresponding algorithm flow is confirmed. Finally, prediction simulation analysis is carried out using a polypropylene plant as research object, and analysis results show that the fuzzy ridgelet neural network has best prediction effect, and the optimal maintenance plan can be confirmed to ensure security and reduce maintenance cost of polypropylene plant.
Galvanic Replacement–Mediated Synthesis of Ni‐Supported Pd Nanoparticles with Strong Metal–Support Interaction for Methanol Electro‐oxidation
Authors: Lei Hao , Li Xiaotong , Sun Changbin , Zeng Junrong , Siwal Samarjeet Singh , Zhang Qibo
Published: February 2019

Herein, well‐defined Pd nanoparticles (NPs) developed on Ni substrate (Pd NPs/Ni) are synthesized via a facile galvanic replacement reaction (GRR) route performed in ethaline‐based deep eutectic solvent (DES). For comparison, a Pd NPs/Ni composite is also prepared by the GRR method conducted in an aqueous solution. The Pd NPs/Ni obtained from the ethaline‐DES is catalytically more active and durable for the methanol electro‐oxidation reaction (MOR) than those of the counterpart derived from conventional aqueous solution and commercial Pd/C under alkaline media. Detailed kinetic analysis indicates that the unique solvent environment offered by ethaline plays vital roles in adjusting the reactivity of the active species and their mass transport properties to control over the genesis of the Pd NPs/Ni nanocomposite. The resulting Pd NPs/Ni catalyst possesses a homogeneous dispersion of Pd NPs with a strong Pd (metal)–Ni (support) interaction. This structure enhances the charge transfer between the support and the active phases, and optimizes the adsorption energy of OH− and CO on the surface, leading to superior electrocatalytic performance. This work provides a novel GRR strategy performed in ethaline‐DES to the rational design and construction of advanced metal/support catalysts with strong interaction for improving the activity and durability for MOR.
Aluminum‐Tailored Energy Level and Morphology of Co3−xAlxO4 Porous Nanosheets toward Highly Efficient Electrocatalysts for Water Oxidation
Authors: Wang Xianfu , Sun Pengfei , Lu Haoliang , Tang Kai , Li Qun , Wang Chao , Mao Zeyang , Ali Tariq , Yan Chenglin
Published: February 2019

Tuning energy levels plays a crucial role in developing cost‐effective, earth‐abundant, and highly active oxygen evolution catalysts. However, to date, little attention has been paid to the effect of using heteroatom‐occupied lattice sites on the energy level to engineer electrocatalytic activity. In order to explore heteroatom‐engineered energy levels of spinel Co3O4 for highly‐effective oxygen electrocatalysts, herein Al atoms are directly introduced into the crystal lattice by occupying the Co2+ ions in the tetrahedral sites and Co3+ ions in the octahedral sites (denoted as Co2+Td and Co3+Oh, respectively). Experimental and theoretical simulations demonstrate that Al3+ ions substituting Co2+Td and Co3+Oh active sites, especially Al3+ ions occupying the Co2+Td sites, optimizes the adsorption, activation, and desorption features of intermediate species during oxygen evolution reaction (OER) processes. As a result, the optimized Co1.75Al1.25O4 nanosheet exhibit unprecedented OER activity with an ultralow overpotential of 248 mV to deliver a current of 10 mA cm–2, among the best Co‐based OER electrocatalysts. This work should not only provide fundamental understanding of the effect of Al‐occupied different Co sites in Co3–xAlxO4 composites on OER performance, but also inspire the design of low‐cost, earth‐abundant, and high‐active electrocatalysts toward water oxidation.
Insights into Single‐Atom Metal–Support Interactions in Electrocatalytic Water Splitting
Authors: Zhang Jingfang , Liu Cuibo , Zhang Bin
Published: February 2019

Electrochemical water splitting is a promising approach for energy conversion and storage. The exploration of low‐cost, efficient, and durable electrocatalysts is of great significance for realizing a large‐scale application and forming a sustainable chemistry. Recently single‐atom catalysts (SACs), with isolated metal atoms anchored on supports, exhibit distinctive performances for electrocatalytic water splitting. Single‐atom catalysis is emerging as a new frontier for bridging the homogeneous and heterogeneous catalyses. Therefore, the synthesis of SACs with excellent durability is highly desirable but challenging. Here, recent progress of SACs in supports and synthetic strategies, characterization techniques, and the electrochemical application toward water splitting is summarized. Fully understanding the interactions between the single‐atom metal and the support is extremely important for the design and preparation of highly stable SACs as well as the improvement of electrocatalytic activity, which are particularly discussed in this context. Finally, the current challenges and future opportunities for the development of this field are discussed.
Efficient Production of Phosphorene Nanosheets via Shear Stress Mediated Exfoliation for Low‐Temperature Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Batmunkh Munkhbayar , Vimalanathan Kasturi , Wu Congcong , Bati Abdulaziz S. R. , Yu LePing , Tawfik Sherif Abdulkader , Ford Michael J. , Macdonald Thomas J. , Raston Colin L. , Priya Shashank , Gibson Christopher T. , Shapter Joseph G.
Published: February 2019

A simple and fast “top‐down” protocol is introduced herein to prepare solution processable few‐layer phosphorene nanosheets using vortex fluidic mediated exfoliation under near‐infrared (NIR) pulsed laser irradiation. This novel shear‐exfoliation method requires short processing times and produces highly crystalline, atomically thin phosphorene nanosheets (4.3 ± 0.4 nm). The as‐prepared phosphorene nanosheets are used as an effective electron transporting material (ETM) for low‐temperature processed, planar n‐i‐p perovskite solar cells (PSCs). With the addition of phosphorene, the average power conversion efficiency (PCE) increases from 14.32% to 16.53% with a maximum PCE of 17.85% observed for the phosphorene incorporated PSCs which is comparable to the devices made using the traditional high‐temperature protocol. Experimental and theoretical (density‐functional theory) investigations reveal the PCE improvements are due to the high carrier mobility and suitable band energy alignment of the phosphorene. The work not only paves the way for novel synthesis of 2D materials, but also opens a new avenue in using phosphorene as an efficient ETM in photovoltaic devices.
Cyphonanthus, a new genus segregated from Panicum (Poaceae: Panicoideae: Paniceae) based on morphological, anatomical and molecular data
Authors: Morrone Osvaldo , Scataglini M. Amalia , Zuloaga Fernando O.
Published: February 2019

Taxonomic features of Panicum discrepans, previously classified in subg. Agrostoides, sect. Discrepantia of Panicum, are reviewed and compared with other taxa in Paniceae. The new genus Cyphonanthus is proposed on the basis of morphological and molecular characters to include a species distributed from the Caribbean and Mesoamerica to Brazil and Bolivia. Affinities of the new genus with other genera of Paniceae are also discussed.
Phylogenetic relationships and taxonomy of the Leptogium lichenoides group (Collemataceae, Ascomycota) in Europe
Authors: Otálora Mónica A.G. , Martínez Isabel , Molina Carmen M. , Aragón Gregorio , Lutzoni François
Published: February 2019

The taxonomy of the Leptogium lichenoides complex is revised here based on a morphological, ecological and molecular phylogenetic study. A phylogenetic analysis of phenotypic characters was compared to a phylogeny based on nrITS and β‐tubulin data. Using these phylogenies, we concluded that what was commonly recognized as Leptogium lichenoides s.l. encompasses three distinct species. Leptogium lichenoides var. pulvinatum is now recognized as a separate species L. pulvinatum comb. nov. Leptogium aragonii sp. nov., a non‐isidiate species with large thalli, is the second species part of this complex, and L. lichenoides s.str., as redefined here, is the only species of this group with isidia. We also found that Leptogium lichenoides s.l. is polyphyletic. Leptogium pulvinatum and L. lichenoides s.str. are more closely related to L. gelatinosum than to L. aragonii. The taxonomic status of L. quercicola is reduced to a variety of L. pulvinatum. Identification key, descriptions and distribution maps are presented for Leptogium aragonii, L. gelatinosum, L. intermedium, L. lichenoides s.str., L. pulvinatum, and L. pulvinatum var. quercicola.
Taxonomic and nomenclatural puzzles in Indian Curcuma: the identity and nomenclatural history of C. zedoaria (Christm.) Roscoe and C. zerumbet Roxb. (Zingiberaceae)
Authors: Leong-Škorničková Jana , Šída Otakar , Sabu Mamyil , Marhold Karol
Published: February 2019

The identity of Curcuma zedoaria (Christm.) Roscoe and its nomenclatural history are explained. Roscoe wrongly interpreted the basionym of this name and applied his combination to a different taxon, which is not even involved in Christmann's protologue. The first lectotypification applied the name to the species upon which Rheede's description of Kua was based. Study of living material reveals that the name C. zedoaria (Christm.) Roscoe is currently applied to several superficially similar taxa in different parts of India and SE Asia and there are no grounds to propose conservation of the name with a different type. To avoid more confusion, the identity of the plant representing C. zedoaria in the sense lectotypified by Burtt (1977) is explained here and a colour plate depicting its morphology is provided. The plant described and depicted by Roxburgh as Curcuma zerumbet Roxb., a name usually cited among synonyms of C. zedoaria (Christm.) Roscoe, is found to represent the taxon that Roscoe had in mind while publishing his combination C. zedoaria (Christm.) Roscoe. Curcuma zerumbet Roxb. is illegitimate, however, and as there is no other name available for this taxon it is described here as Curcuma picta. The nomenclatural history of Amomum zerumbet J. König nom. illeg. and Erndlia subpersonata Giseke, names which are involved in the illegitimacy of C. zerumbet Roxb., is explained.
Typification of names of selected taxa described by Acharius and now placed in Caloplaca
Authors: Vondrák Jan , Vitikainen Orvo
Published: February 2019

Typification of names of lichen‐forming fungi referring to taxa currently placed in the genus Caloplaca was undertaken by examination of material from the Acharius herbaria (BM‐ACH, H‐ACH, UPS‐ACH). Lectotypes are selected for Lecanora inalpina, Lecanora teicholyta, Lecidea aurantiaca var. rubescens, Lecidea caesiorufa, Lecidea turneriana, Lichen erythrellus and Parmelia microthelia and the holotype identified for Lecidea viridirufa. Lecidea caesiorufa var. festiva and Lichen craspedius are illegitimate names and both are automatically typified by the type of Lichen arenarius.
A molecular phylogeny and a revised classification of Ornithogaloideae (Hyacinthaceae) based on an analysis of four plastid DNA regions
Authors: Manning John C. , Forest Félix , Devey Dion S. , Fay Michael F. , Goldblatt Peter
Published: February 2019

The most recent classification of Hyacinthaceae subsumes all members of Ornithogaloideae into the single large genus Ornithogalum comprising 250–300 spp. A combined molecular phylogenetic analysis of matK, trnL intron, trnL‐F spacer and rbcL plastid DNA sequence data was carried out to assess possible alternative treatments. The study includes 70 taxa, representing all segregate genera that have been recognised in the subfamily and over 20% of the species. The resulting phylogeny identifies three, well‐supported primary clades. Clade A comprises a grade constituting the majority of species of Stellarioides plus the Madagascan Igidia, in which is nested a strongly supported clade comprising Albuca and Coilonox; Clade B comprises Dipcadi sister to Pseudogaltonia; and Clade C comprises Eliokarmos, Cathissa, Galtonia, Honorius, Loncomelos, Melomphis, Neopatersonia, Ornithogalum, Zahariadia and two species of Stellarioides. The Madagascan Avonsera convallarioides is weakly supported as sister to the rest of clade C. Several of the segregate genera of Ornithogalum are shown not to be monophyletic although many of the lineages identified by the analysis correspond to lower level taxa that have been recognised in the group. Each of the three primary clades has morphological integrity and could be recognised taxonomically, either at the level of tribe or genus. Within these clades, however, many lineages are poorly defined morphologically and thus their recognition at the level of genus is problematical. Alternative taxonomic treatments are assessed but considerations of nomenclatural stability and taxonomic utility predicate that these lineages are best recognised at infrageneric level. We accordingly prefer to define the genera more broadly. Clade A is recognised as genus Albuca, clade B as comprising the genera Dipcadi and Pseudogaltonia, and clade C as the genus Ornithogalum. Monophyletic, morphologically diagnosable lineages within the genera Albuca and Ornithogalum are treated as subgenera and sections. A revised classification is presented, with necessary new combinations and complete listings of all currently accepted sub‐Saharan species.
The flora of Angola: first record of diversity and endemism
Authors: Figueiredo Estrela , Smith Gideon F. , César Joaquim
Published: February 2019

Angola is the only southern African country for which a plant inventory has not been produced to date. The lack of a country‐level floristic checklist has seriously hampered the estimation of levels of diversity and endemism, and other conservation‐driven initiatives. This deficiency was addressed in a collaborative initiative recently concluded among over 30 international project participants. This paper presents the results of the project that aimed, among other things, to survey the Angolan flora as part of producing a floristic checklist. The study revealed that Angola has a total number of 6,735 indigenous species, and a total vascular flora of 7,296 taxa (including naturalised taxa), of which 1,069 taxa (997 species and 72 infraspecific taxa) are endemic.
Troublesome tropical mints: re‐examining generic limits of Vitex and relations (Lamiaceae) in South East Asia
Authors: Bramley Gemma L.C. , Forest Félix , de Kok Rogier P.J.
Published: February 2019

The relationships of Vitex and genera historically placed in Lamiaceae subfamily Viticoideae were investigated. Particular focus was given to some South East Asian genera traditionally allied to Vitex (Paravitex, Tsoongia, Viticipremna, Teijsmanniodendron) since progress with South East Asian Floras is being hampered by a lack of clarity in current generic delimitation. On the basis of maximum parsimony and Bayesian phylogenetic analyses of ITS and ndhF sequence data we provide evidence that the Viticoideae is not monophyletic, its members being spread between a number of clades which include genera currently recognised as incertae sedis (Peronema, Hymenopyramis, Petraeovitex, Tectona). The most well supported clade, the Vitex group, contains Vitex, Paravitex, Tsoongia, Viticipremna, Petitia and Teijsmanniodendron. Morphological similarities of the genera included in this group are also discussed. In light of this evidence Paravitex, Viticipremna and Tsoongia are reduced to synonymy with Vitex, the new combinations being made here. The position of Teijsmanniodendron is not resolved and its generic status is therefore upheld. Similarly, Petitia is upheld due to a lack of neotropical taxa within the sample.
Phylogenetic relationships of the monotypic genera Halacsya and Paramoltkia and the origins of serpentine adaptation in circum‐mediterranean Lithospermeae (Boraginaceae): insights from ITS and matK DNA sequences
Authors: Cecchi Lorenzo , Selvi Federico
Published: February 2019

Halacsya and Paramoltkia are monotypic and partially sympatric genera in the Balkans, with no clear relationships among extant Lithospermeae due to striking morphological autapomorphies and scarcity of phylogenetic analyses in this group. The two species H. sendtneri and P. doerfleri show a strict selectivity for serpentine soils, posing the question whether this edaphic specialization reflects a common ancestry or a parallel process of adaptive evolution in unrelated lineages. DNA sequences from the nuclear ITS and chloroplast matK regions were generated from multiple accessions of Halacsya and Paramoltkia, and from representatives of 16 other genera of Mediterranean Lithospermeae. SEM analyses of pollen morphology were also conducted to test relationships indicated by molecular phylogenies. Parsimony analyses retrieved a clade of morphologically well differentiated monotypic Lithospermeae including Halacsya and Paramoltkia. ITS provided a better resolution of relationships and showed the two genera to be sistergroups close to Mairetis and Moltkiopsis, and no affinity to Moltkia as supposed by past authors. Pollen characters corroborated the phylogenetic link between the two Balkan genera. Five further monophyletic clades were recognised: Onosma‐Echium, Moltkia, Lithospermum s.l., Arnebia‐Macrotomia, and Alkanna‐Podonosma. Mapping the edaphic preferences of Lithospermeae onto molecular cladograms showed that serpentinophytism as an obligate condition originated separately in the clade of monotypic genera and in that of Onosma‐Echium. In Halacsya and Paramoltkia it represents an early ecological synapomorphy which probably originated in situ from non‐serpentine ancestors related to Moltkiopsis and Mairetis.