bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impact of post‐procedural minimal stent area on 2‐year clinical outcomes in the SYNTAX II trial
Authors: Katagiri Yuki , De Maria Giovanni Luigi , Kogame Norihiro , Chichareon Ply , Takahashi Kuniaki , Chang Chun Chin , Modolo Rodrigo , Walsh Simon , Sabate Manel , Davies Justin , Lesiak Maciej , Moreno Raul , Cruz‐Gonzalez Ignacio , West Nick E.J. , Piek Jan J. , Wykrzykowska Joanna J. , Farooq Vasim , Escaned Javier , Banning Adrian P. , Onuma Yoshinobu , Serruys Patrick W.
Published: January 2019

Objectives

To investigate the impact of minimal stent area (MSA) evaluated by post‐procedural intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) on clinical outcomes after contemporary PCI in patients with three‐vessel disease (TVD).

Background

The impact of post‐procedural MSA on clinical outcomes has not yet been extensively studied in patients with TVD.

Methods

The SYNTAX II study is a multicenter, all‐comers, open‐label, single arm study that investigated the impact of a state‐of‐the‐art PCI strategy on clinical outcomes in patients with TVD (454 patients with 1,559 lesions). The relationships between post‐procedural MSA and lesion‐level outcomes at 2 years were investigated. Clinical events adjudicated per patient by clinical event committee were assessed per lesion. Lesion‐oriented composite endpoint (LOCE) was defined as the composite of cardiac death, target‐vessel myocardial infarction, and ischemia‐driven target lesion revascularization.

Results

Eight hundred and nineteen lesions with post‐procedural MSA available in 367 patients were included in the analysis. The post‐procedural MSA per lesion was divided into terciles (smallest tercile: ≤5.0 mm2, intermediate tercile: 5.0–6.7 mm2, and largest tercile: >6.7 mm2). LOCE was observed in 16/288 (5.6%), 15/265 (5.7%), and 8/266 (3.0%) (P = 0.266). Target lesion revascularization (TLR) was observed in 16/288(5.6%), 12/265 (4.5%), and 4/266 (1.5%) (P = 0.042). The multivariate analysis demonstrated that smaller post‐procedural MSA, as well as creatinine clearance, history of previous stroke, chronic total occlusion, and lesion SYNTAX Score was an independent predictor of TLR.

Conclusions

In the SYNTAX II trial, larger post‐procedural MSA was independently associated with the lower rate of TLR at 2 years.
Design of Manganese Phenol Pi‐complexes as Shvo‐type Catalysts for Transfer Hydrogenation of Ketones
Authors: Shvydkiy Nikita V. , Vyhivskyi Oleksandr , Nelyubina Yulia V. , Perekalin Dmitry S.
Published: January 2019

Catalytic hydrogenation is one of the most important reactions both in academic research and industry. We explored ability of the manganese pi‐complexes to act as Shvo‐type catalysts for transfer hydrogenation of ketones. DFT calculations suggested that the transfer of hydrogen atoms from the hypothetical intermediate [(C6Me3H2OH)Mn(CO)2H] to acetone has low activation barrier of 10.9 kcal mol−1. Experimentally a number of ketones with various functional groups (OMe, NH2, Cl, CF3, pyridyl) were successfully reduced in isopropanol at 90 °C in the presence of the complex [(C6Me3H2OH)Mn(CO)3]BF4 (1 mol %) and tBuOK (75 mol %). However, further investigation revealed that the reduction was mainly promoted by base rather than the manganese complex.
Highly Efficient and Selective Co@ZIF‐8 Nanocatalyst for Hydrogen Release from Sodium Borohydride Hydrolysis
Authors: Luo Chun , Fu Fangyu , Yang Xiaojiao , Wei Jianyu , Wang Changlong , Zhu Jing , Huang Deshun , Astruc Didier , Zhao Pengxiang
Published: January 2019

Sodium borohydride hydrolysis catalyzed by composite nanomaterials has long been proposed as a viable possibility for hydrogen generation, but it required either expensive noble metals or sophisticated composites. Herein, the catalysis of NaBH4 hydrolysis is studied with single earth‐abundant Fe, Co, Ni, and Cu nanoparticles supported by a metal organic framework (MOF), ZIF‐8. It appears that CoNPs@ZIF‐8 is the most efficient and selective catalyst in this series. The turnover frequency (TOF) related to the total atoms number within the cobalt nanoparticles reaches 14000 mLH2 min−1 gCo−1 at 30 °C, and the TOF(s) related to the number of surface atoms of the cobalt nanoparticles 19400 mLH2 min−1 gCo−1 at 30 °C. Kinetic studies including a high kinetic isotope effect disclosed using D2O (kH/kD=6.85) and the favorable effect of NaOH lead to the suggestion of an oxidative addition of a O−H bond of water in the rate‐determining step.
Molten Salt Synthesis of Na‐Mn‐O Composites as Electrode Materials for High‐Performance Supercapacitors
Authors: Xuan Haicheng , Xu Yuekui , Liang Ting , Liang Xiaohong , Xie Zhigao , Han Peide , Du Youwei
Published: January 2019

Manganese (Mn) based oxide materials are regarded as one of the favorable electrode materials, exhibiting a high energy density, low‐cost and environmental benignity. In this work, we focus on synthesizing hollandite Na−Mn−O composites as potential supercapacitor electrode materials by a facile molten salt technique. The structure and the morphology of the Na−Mn−O system were significantly influenced by the synthesis temperature. The Na−Mn−O composite synthesized at 550 °C (Na−Mn−O 550) demonstrates a distinct structure and a mixed morphology of nanorods and nanoparticles. The Na−Mn−O 550 composite exhibits the best electrochemical performance with 306.0 F/g at 0.5 A/g and maintains 80.7 % capacity after 3000 charge‐discharge times at 5 A/g. The largest specific capacitance of 64.0 F/g (0.3 A/g) and high energy density of 20.0 Wh/kg (226.1 W/kg) were achieved in the assembled asymmetric supercapacitor device based on the Na−Mn−O 550 and active carbon. Moreover, a long‐cycling lifetime with 92.9 % retention after 10000 cycles was performed, which holds broad prospect for practical application in high performance energy storage devices.
Improved Electrochemiluminescence Behavior of Glassy Carbon Electrode Through In Situ Chemical Bonding Modification
Authors: Xu Yanxue , Zheng Baozhan , Gao Taotao , Meng Yan , Yuan Hongyan , Xiao Dan
Published: January 2019

An in situ chemical bonding method is developed for the electrochemiluminescence (ECL) modification of an oxidized glassy carbon electrode (GCEox). Bare GCE has been activated here via fierce oxidizing etching to form GCEox. GCEox with numerous cracks and oxygen‐containing groups exhibits a negatively charged surface, which tends to attract and react with the specific molecules to form chemical bonds. An ECL molecule, Ru‐L1, was synthesized and in situ bonded on the GCEox surface to fabricate Ru‐GCEox. The proposed chemical bonding modification eliminates the interface resistance to improve the electron transfer rate between Ru‐L1 and the surface of GCE, which has been demonstrated by the better reversibility of Ru‐GCEox compared to traditional modified GCEs. The improvement of the ECL behavior of Ru‐GCEox is also confirmed by its lower ECL potential than traditional modified GCEs. Ru‐GCEox is reusable to respond to α‐naphthol with an ultrahigh sensitivity, owing to its excellent ECL stability and scraping resistance, which decreases the consumption of Ru‐L1. The successful fabrication of Ru‐GCEox indicates that the method of in situ chemical modification for GCEox can be applied to fabricate various glassy carbon‐based sensors through coupling with various specific molecules.
Electrochemical Synthesis of [1,2,3]Triazolo[1,5‐a]pyridines through Dehydrogenative Cyclization
Authors: Xu Pin , Xu Hai‐Chao
Published: January 2019

The synthesis of [1,2,3]triazolo[1,5‐a]pyridines through electrochemical dehydrogenative cyclization of hydrazones of 2‐acylpyridines is presented. The reactions are carried out under mild conditions without oxidizing reagents or transition‐metal catalysts.
In defense of Louis Pasteur: Critique of Gerald Geison's deconstruction of Pasteur's discovery of molecular chirality
Authors: Gal Joseph
Published: January 2019

Louis Pasteur discovered the phenomenon of molecular chirality, based on his studies of tartrate crystals. His finding remains one of the most important discoveries in the history of chemistry and a fundamentally important chemical phenomenon, with essential implications in biology. In his 1995 bookThe Private Science of Louis Pasteur, the eminent historian of science Gerald L. Geison (1943‐2001) was highly critical of much of Pasteur's work including his discovery of molecular chirality. The in‐depth analysis provided in this article indicates, however, that the negative assessment of Pasteur's chirality work by Geison is entirely without scientific basis. Criticisms of Pasteur in the book for other “transgressions” in his chirality work, such as supposed influences of his personal biases and stubbornly held a priori notions, misrepresentation of his scientific work in his publications and lectures, and unethical and career‐minded conduct, are also not supported by the evidence. Other troubling features of the book include a broad failure to assure accuracy in a variety of fundamental and important information, including errors in names, dates, events, referencing, indexing, and French‐language text.
Green synthesis of enantiopure quinoxaline alcohols using Daucus carota
Authors: Meshram Sneha H. , Ramesh Tungana , Nanubolu Jagadeesh Babu , Srivastava Ajay Kumar , Adari Bhaskar Rao , Sahu Nivedita
Published: January 2019

Green chemistry comprises a new approach in the synthesis of biologically active compounds using biocatalysts, thus diminishing the hazards for human health and environmental pollution. Asymmetric bioreduction is one of the most widely employed strategies in chemoenzymatic synthesis to produce enantiomerically pure chiral alcohols. The present study highlights the use biocatalyst Daucus carota for selective bioreduction of quinoxaline ketones 1a‐6a to their corresponding optically pure alcohols 1b‐6b in high yields (up to 84%) and good enantioselectivity (up to 98%). The absolute configuration of the chiral product (R)‐1‐(3‐methyl 7‐nitroquinoxalin‐2‐yl) ethan‐1‐ol 2b was confirmed by X‐ray crystallography studies. The chiral R‐configuration of the products obtained was confirmed by absolute configuration studies and was assigned following anti‐Prelogs rule. Quinoxaline pharmacophores form a part of well‐known potent drug molecules; hence, the chiral products were studied for determination of their molecular properties using SwissADME property analyser. All the chiral products show no Lipinski rule violations and are expected to have good oral bioavailability. As per the molecular properties prediction studies, the compound 6b (R)‐1‐(6,7‐dichloro‐3‐ methylquinoxalin‐2‐yl) ethanol is observed to show the best physicochemical properties to be a good lead molecule. Thus, the sustainable methodology was developed, and it confirms the synthesis of novel quinoxaline chiral alcohols in a simple, inexpensive, and eco‐friendly condition using D carota.
A cross‐cultural clustering study of similarities and dissimilarities based on concept words cheap, reliable, and high quality and their corresponding color associations
Authors: Abdullah Ahsan
Published: January 2019

The world has undergone a techno‐cultural revolution during the last decades with the materialization of the “global village” and more; all having a profound impact on our culture. Quantitative analysis of these profound multidimensional changes needs cross‐cultural data, and scalable tools/techniques that can discover interesting nontrivial hidden relationships in large data sets. Subsequently, presenting these discovered relationships in an intuitive visual form to non‐IT domain experts. In this article, using proven data mining techniques, we perform cross‐cultural clustering of word‐color associations for 344 respondents from three cultures, that is, the United States, Pakistan, and Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. We consider the concept words cheap, reliable, and high quality along with colors liked and disliked for 10 colors. After statistical data validation one‐way cross‐cultural clustering was performed. High similarity of word‐based cluster association was discovered across the three cultures for negative and positive connotation words, and clear dissimilarity in clustering was discovered within each culture for color‐based cluster association; with possible explanations given. The universal consistent similarities in cross‐culture associations and the dissimilarities in local or intra‐culture associations could be useful for global brand decision making. In this article, we also do a technical comparison of the proposed technique with three traditional techniques used for such analysis, that is, hierarchical clustering, k‐means clustering and factor analysis; along with related comparison with principal component analysis and multidimensional scaling.
Thermodynamic Properties of Ammonia Production from Hydrogenation of Alkali and Alkaline Earth Metal Amides
Authors: Wang Qian‐Ru , Guan Ye‐Qin , Gao Wen‐Bo , Guo Jian‐Ping , Chen Ping
Published: January 2019

Thermodynamic properties of alkali and alkaline earth metal amides are critical for their performance in hydrogen storage as well as catalytic ammonia synthesis. In this work, the ammonia equilibrium concentrations of LiNH2, KNH2 and Ba(NH2)2 at ca.10 bar of hydrogen pressure and different temperatures were measured by using a high‐pressure gas‐solid reaction system equipped with a conductivity meter. Hydrogenation of KNH2 gives the highest ammonia equilibrium concentration, followed by Ba(NH2)2 and LiNH2. Based on these data, the entropy and enthalpy changes of the reaction of ANH2+H2→AH+NH3 (A=Li, K, and Ba) were obtained from the van't Hoff equation. These thermodynamic parameters provide important information on the understanding of metal amides in catalytic ammonia synthesis reaction.
Bis(1,2,4‐oxadiazolyl) Furoxan: A Promising Melt‐Castable Eutectic Material of Low Sensitivity
Authors: Johnson Eric C. , Bukowski Eric J. , Sabatini Jesse J. , Sausa Rosario C. , Byrd Edward F. C. , Garner Melissa A. , Chavez David E.
Published: January 2019

A scalable synthesis of bis(1,2,4‐oxadiazoyl) furoxan, C6H2N6O4, its physical properties, and its theoretical performance values are described. Previous attempts to synthesize this compound required expensive reagents, and/or time‐consuming synthesis processes and low overall yields. In addition to disclosing a streamlined synthesis of bis(1,2,4‐oxadiazolyl) furoxan, we report its molecular configuration and crystal structure, as well as its correct melting point. Bis(1,2,4‐oxadiazolyl) furoxan exhibits a very insensitive behavior to impact, friction, and electrostatic discharge, with a calculated detonation pressure 20 % higher than that of TNT. Given its physical properties and theoretical performance values, this material can be classified as a promising ingredient in the development of melt‐castable eutectic technology.
Ruthenium N‐Confused Porphyrins: Selective Reactivity for Ambident 2‐Heteroatom‐Substituted Pyridines Serving as Axial Ligands
Authors: Miyazaki Takaaki , Fukuyama Kazuki , Mashita Shunichi , Deguchi Yuya , Yamamoto Takaaki , Ishida Masatoshi , Mori Shigeki , Furuta Hiroyuki
Published: January 2019

Three types of ruthenium(II) N‐confused porphyrin (NCP) complexes bearing an axial 2‐thiopyridine, 2‐pyridone, and 2‐iminopyridine moiety at the inner carbon atom, respectively, were synthesized. The unique reactivity of the 2‐substituted pyridine derivatives (2‐X‐pyridine; X=SH, OH, NH2) toward the inner carbon atom of the NCP allows the formation of two types of coordinated products (i. e., pyridine donor versus 2‐heteroatom donors), as inferred from single‐crystal X‐ray structures. The selective reactivity was investigated by using density functional theory (DFT) calculations. Finally, the catalytic activity of these ruthenium complexes was demonstrated through the styrene oxidation reactions. As a result, the ruthenium(II) NCP complex bearing a 2‐thiopyridine moiety, together with aqueous H2O2 as an oxidant showed the highest selectivity for benzaldehyde (benzaldehyde/styrene oxide=20 : 1).
Fractionation of Lignocellulosic Biomass over Core–Shell Ni@Al2O3 Catalysts with Formic Acid as a Cocatalyst and Hydrogen Source
Authors: Park Jaeyong , Riaz Asim , Verma Deepak , Lee Hyun Jeong , Woo Han Min , Kim Jaehoon
Published: January 2019

Highly dispersed, core–shell Ni@Al2O3 on activated carbon (AC) catalysts were prepared to develop an effective, external‐hydrogen‐free fractionation process for various types of lignocellulosic biomass. In a mixture of formic acid, ethanol, and water at 190 °C, the conversion of oak wood produced 23.4 C% lignin‐derived phenolic monomers (LDPMs) and highly delignified pulp‐rich solid. At an early stage, formic acid acted as a cocatalyst to enhance the delignification by solvolysis, and at a later stage, it acted as a hydrogen source to stabilize the phenolic monomers by hydrodeoxygenation and hydrogenation. Based on the positive correlation between spillover hydrogen on the catalysts and LDPM yields, a new suite of catalyst design criteria was proposed to develop highly active, non‐noble‐metal based catalysts for realizing economically viable biorefineries. Enzymatic saccharification of the pulp‐rich solid indicated that the pulp‐rich solid is an excellent source of fermentable sugars.
Past tree influence and prescribed fire exert strong controls on reassembly of mountain grasslands after tree removal
Authors: Halpern Charles B. , Antos Joseph A. , Kothari Shan , Olson Annette M.
Published: January 2019

Woody‐plant encroachment represents a global threat to grasslands. Although the causes and consequences of this regime shift have received substantial attention, the processes that constrain reassembly of the grassland state remain poorly understood. We experimentally tested two potentially important controls on reassembly, the past influence of trees and the effects of fire, in conifer‐invaded grasslands (mountain meadows) of western Oregon. Previously, we had reconstructed the history of tree invasion at fine spatial and temporal resolution. Using small subplots (10 × 10 m) nested within larger (1‐ha) experimental plots, we characterized the fine‐scale mosaic of encroachment states, ranging from remnant meadow openings (minimally altered by trees) to century‐old forests (lacking meadow species). Subsequently, we removed trees from six plots, of which three were broadcast burned and three remained unburned (except for localized burn piles). Within each plot, subplots were sampled before and periodically after tree removal to quantify the individual and interactive effects of past tree influence and fire on grassland community reassembly. Adjacent, uninvaded meadows served as reference sites. “Past tree influence” was defined as the multivariate (structural or compositional) distance of subplots to reference meadows prior to tree removal. “Reassembly” was defined as the distance, or change in distance, to reference meadows at final sampling. Consistent with theory, we observed greater reassembly of plant community structure than of composition, as loss of meadow specialists was offset by establishment of disturbance‐adapted meadow generalists of similar growth form. Nevertheless, eight years after tree removal, most subplots remained structurally and compositionally distinct from reference meadows. Furthermore, fire had both destabilizing and inhibitory effects: it reduced survival of meadow specialists across the range of encroachment states and, where past tree influence was greater, it stalled reassembly by promoting expansion of a highly competitive native meadow sedge. The slow pace of reassembly, despite abundant open space, suggests strong seed limitation: a condition exacerbated by burning. We present a novel test of the importance of past tree influence and fire for restoration of tree‐invaded grasslands, offering insights into how constraints on community reassembly vary along a continuum of tree‐altered states.
Body image concern and treatment outcomes in adolescents with anorexia nervosa
Authors: Calugi Simona , Dalle Grave Riccardo
Published: January 2019

Objective

To ascertain the role of baseline measures of body‐image concern (BIC) in changes in body mass index (BMI) centile and psychopathological outcomes associated with intensive enhanced cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT‐E) in adolescents with anorexia nervosa (AN).

Method

The BMI centile of 62 adolescent patients with AN was recorded at four time‐points over 12 months, and Eating Disorder Examination interview (EDE) and Brief Symptom Inventory (BSI) scores, were recorded at admission and discharge from CBT‐E. Changes in three BIC components, namely “Preoccupation with shape/weight”, “Fear of weight gain” and “Feeling fat”, were assessed at admission and discharge.

Results

CBT‐E was associated with a significant improvement in outcome variables and BIC components. Among completers, 96.4% reached an end‐of treatment BMI centile corresponding to a BMI ≥ 18.5 at 18 years, which fell slightly to 78.7% and 80.4% at 6‐ and 12‐month follow‐ups, respectively. Baseline “Preoccupation with shape/weight” and “Feeling fat” predicted improvement in BMI centile over time, and all three baseline BIC components independently predicted end‐of‐treatment EDE Eating Concern subscale score. Baseline “Feeling fat” also predicted end‐of‐treatment EDE Dietary Restraint subscale and BSI scores.

Discussion

These findings highlight the importance of assessing and addressing body image when managing adolescent patients with AN.
A test of the DSM‐5 severity specifier for bulimia nervosa in adolescents: Can we anticipate clinical treatment outcomes?
Authors: Gorrell Sasha , Hail Lisa , Kinasz Kathryn , Bruett Lindsey , Forsberg Sarah , Delucchi Kevin , Lock James , Le Grange Daniel
Published: January 2019

Objective

This study tested clinical utility of the DSM‐5 severity specifier for bulimia nervosa (BN) in predicting treatment response among adolescents (N = 110) within a randomized clinical trial of two psychosocial treatments.

Method

Analyses grouped individuals meeting criteria for BN diagnosis by baseline severity, per DSM‐5. Associations among baseline severity classification and BN behavior (i.e., binge eating and compensatory behavior) and eating disorder examination (EDE) Global scores at end‐of‐treatment (EOT), 6‐ and 12‐month follow‐up were examined.

Results

Associations between severity categories with BN symptoms were not significant at EOT, or follow‐up. Test for linear trend in BN behavior was significant at EOT, F = 5.23, p = 0.02, without demonstrating a linear pattern. Relation between severity categories with EDE Global scores was significant at 6‐month follow‐up, F = 3.76, p = 0.01. Tests for linear trend in EDE Global scores were significant at EOT, F = 5.40, p = 0.02, and at 6 months, F = 10.73, p = 0.002, with the expected linear pattern.

Discussion

Findings suggest the DSM‐5 BN severity specifier holds questionable utility in anticipating outpatient treatment response in adolescents with BN. The specifier may have improved ability to predict attitudinal rather than behavioral treatment outcomes.
DNA barcoding of flowering plants in Sumatra, Indonesia
Authors: Amandita Fitri Y. , Rembold Katja , Vornam Barbara , Rahayu Sri , Siregar Iskandar Z. , Kreft Holger , Finkeldey Reiner
Published: January 2019

The rapid conversion of Southeast Asian lowland rainforests into monocultures calls for the development of rapid methods for species identification to support ecological research and sustainable land‐use management. Here, we investigated the utilization of DNA barcodes for identifying flowering plants from Sumatra, Indonesia. A total of 1,207 matK barcodes (441 species) and 2,376 rbcL barcodes (750 species) were successfully generated. The barcode effectiveness is assessed using four approaches: (a) comparison between morphological and molecular identification results, (b) best‐close match analysis with TaxonDNA, (c) barcoding gap analysis, and (d) formation of monophyletic groups. Results show that rbcL has a much higher level of sequence recoverability than matK (95% and 66%). The comparison between morphological and molecular identifications revealed that matK and rbcL worked best assigning a plant specimen to the genus level. Estimates of identification success using best‐close match analysis showed that >70% of the investigated species were correctly identified when using single barcode. The use of two‐loci barcodes was able to increase the identification success up to 80%. The barcoding gap analysis revealed that neither matK nor rbcL succeeded to create a clear gap between the intraspecific and interspecific divergences. However, these two barcodes were able to discriminate at least 70% of the species from each other. Fifteen genera and twenty‐one species were found to be nonmonophyletic with both markers. The two‐loci barcodes were sufficient to reconstruct evolutionary relationships among the plant taxa in the study area that are congruent with the broadly accepted APG III phylogeny.
Effects of photoperiod on life‐history and thermal stress resistance traits across populations of Drosophila subobscura
Authors: Moghadam Neda N. , Kurbalija Novicic Zorana , Pertoldi Cino , Kristensen Torsten N. , Bahrndorff Simon
Published: January 2019

Introduction

Organisms use environmental cues to match their phenotype with the future availability of resources and environmental conditions. Changes in the magnitude and frequency of environmental cues such as photoperiod and temperature along latitudes can be used by organisms to predict seasonal changes. While the role of temperature variation on the induction of plastic and seasonal responses is well established, the importance of photoperiod for predicting seasonal changes is less explored.

Materials and methods

Here we studied changes in life‐history and thermal stress resistance traits in Drosophila subobscura in response to variation in photoperiod (6:18, 12:12 and 18:6 light:dark cycles) mimicking seasonal variations in day length. The populations of D. subobscura were collected from five locations along a latitudinal gradient (from North Africa and Europe). These populations were exposed to different photoperiods for two generations, whereafter egg‐to‐adult viability, productivity, dry body weight, thermal tolerance, and starvation resistance were assessed.

Results

We found strong effects of photoperiod, origin of populations, and their interactions on life‐history and stress resistance traits. Thermal resistance varied between the populations and the effect of photoperiod depended on the trait and the method applied for the assessment of thermal resistance.

Perspectives

Our results show a strong effect of the origin of population and photoperiod on a range of fitness‐related traits and provide evidence for local adaptation to environmental cues (photoperiod by population interaction). The findings emphasize an important and often neglected role of photoperiod in studies on thermal resistance and suggest that cues induced by photoperiod may provide some buffer enabling populations to cope with a more variable and unpredictable future climate.
Responses of two desert riparian species to fluctuating groundwater depths in hyperarid areas of Northwest China
Authors: Li Engui , Tong Yaqin , Huang Yongmei , Li Xiaoyan , Wang Pei , Chen Huiying , Yang Chongyao
Published: January 2019

In the hyperarid region of Northwest China, frequent variations in hydrological environments present challenges to the persistence of riparian plants. The main objective of this study was to determine whether two desert riparian species (Populus euphratica and Tamarix ramosissima) differed in their water uptake patterns and ecophysiological responses to fluctuating groundwater depths (GWDs). This study was conducted in typical desert riparian ecosystems in the downstream Heihe River basin, Northwestern China, where the GWD continuously increases during growing season. Stable oxygen composition (δ18O) in xylem water, soil water, and groundwater, as well as leaf water potential and gas exchange were monitored. Results showed that P. euphratica used a higher ratio of soil water, whereas T. ramosissima relied more on groundwater and deep soil water. As the GWD increased during the growing season, both species modified their water use patterns, but they did so differently, P. euphratica extracted an increasing proportion of deep soil water and groundwater, whereas T. ramosissima took an increasing ratio of groundwater at critical growth stages. P. euphratica exhibited decreases in its daily maximum photosynthetic rate (Amax) and stomatal conductance (gmax) as the GWD increased, whereas those of T. ramosissima changed little. In summary, both species shift to use greater ratio of more reliable water sources with the increasing GWD, but the switching of water sources could not sufficiently compensate for the impact of drought stress on gas exchange for P. euphratica.
Understanding anomalous mobility of proteins on SDS‐PAGE with special reference to the highly acidic extracellular domains of human E‐ and N‐cadherins
Authors: Tiwari Prince , Kaila Pallavi , Guptasarma Purnananda
Published: January 2019

During SDS‐PAGE experiments, proteins generally display electrophoretic mobility in keeping with their molecular weights; however, some proteins display anomalies in mobility. Here, we focus attention on the anomalies displayed by the highly acidic ∼110 residues‐long, sequence‐homologous, structurally‐analogous, extracellular domains of human E‐ and N‐cadherin. We report that there is a strong correlation between the acidity of each domain and the degree of the anomaly that it displays. The anomaly is only seen if the ratio of the numbers of negatively‐charged and positively‐charged residues is equal to or greater than the value of 1.50. The degree of the anomaly rises in proportion with this NC:PC ratio. Greater‐than‐expected anomalies are observed for domains containing dense clusters of negatively charged residues. A simple explanation for these observations is that highly acidic domains electrostatically repel SDS. This results in insufficient SDS binding, insufficient electromotive incentive and (consequently) lowered electrophoretic mobility. This explanation is in consonance with the current view that initial stages of SDS‐protein engagement tend to be dominated by electrostatics. We discuss the current anomalies within the broader context of all conceivable explanations for such anomalies.
Electrophoresis of hydrophilic/hydrophobic rigid colloid with effects of relaxation and ion size
Authors: Kumar Binod , Gopmandal Partha P. , Sinha R. K. , Ohshima H.
Published: January 2019

This article deals with a semi‐analytical study on the electrophoresis of charged spherical rigid colloid by considering the effects of relaxation and ion size. The particle surface is taken to be either hydrophilic or hydrophobic in nature. In order to consider the ion size effect we have invoked the Carnahan and Starling model (J. Chem. Phys. 1969, 51, 635‐636). The mathematical model is based on Stokes equation for fluid flow, modified Boltzmann equation for spatial distribution of ionic species and Poisson equation for electric potential. We adopt a linear perturbation technique under a weak electric field assumption. An iterative numerical technique in employed to solve the coupled set of perturbed equations. We have validated the numerically obtained electrophoretic mobility with the corresponding analytical solution derived under low potential limit. Going beyond the widely employed Debye‐Hückel linearization, we have presented the results for a wide range of surface charge density, electrolyte concentration, and slip length to Debye length ratio. We have also identified several interesting features including occurrence of local maxima and minima in the mobility for critical choice of pertinent parameters.
Putting people on the map improves the prioritization of ecosystem services
Authors: Keeler Bonnie L , Dalzell Brent J , Gourevitch Jesse D , Hawthorne Peter L , Johnson Kris A , Noe Ryan R
Published: January 2019

With limited resources to improve the provision of multiple ecosystem services, conservation programs often rely on spatial tools to identify the best locations for restoration or protection. However, most programs still base prioritization on biophysical metrics that do not fully predict where interventions will deliver the greatest benefits to people. We argue that prioritization metrics need to consider not only biophysical data on the supply of ecosystem services but also socioeconomic data that highlight the value of those services. We use the example of prioritizing best management practices (BMPs) in an agricultural watershed in the US state of Iowa to evaluate how considering the location and preferences of beneficiaries affects the spatial prioritization of investments. We show that adopting metrics that incorporate endpoints of interest and value to people changes the spatial prioritization of BMPs, especially for air quality, lake recreation, and drinking water. Our work demonstrates how publicly available biophysical and social data can be integrated into spatial ecosystem services metrics to enhance the delivered benefits of conservation activities.
The Plants that Suck Up Metal
Authors: Krämer Ute
Published: January 2019

Contamination with heavy metals can threaten entire ecosystems. The plant Arabidopsis halleri has developed an amazing survival strategy. Scientists are now examining how the insights gained through this research can be applied in the biological remediation of soil and water.
Comparison of the efficacy of gesture‐verbal treatment and doll therapy for managing neuropsychiatric symptoms in older patients with dementia
Authors: Balzotti Angela , Filograsso Marianna , Altamura Claudia , Fairfield Beth , Bellomo Antonello , Daddato Fabio , Vacca Rosa Anna , Altamura Mario
Published: January 2019

Background

The prevalence of neuropsychiatric symptoms (NPS) diminishes the quality of life and increases the care burden in patients with dementia. Despite the clinical importance of dementia‐associated NPS, no protocols for treating NPS are already well established. Attention has turned to the effectiveness of nonpharmacological treatments for NPS since their potential safe alternative to pharmacotherapy.

Objective

This study is aimed to compare the effects in older individuals with dementia living in a residential care, of two intervention programs, the gesture‐verbal treatment (GVT), a treatment implemented by us on a previous method for word retrieval in individuals with aphasia, and the better‐known doll therapy (DT). The GVT would act on both receptive and expressive language skills, the DT on attachment and emotional connections.

Methods

We evaluated NPS by the neuropsychiatric inventory in a total of 30 patients divided into 3 groups, the GVT, the DT, and control groups, using a pre‐post design. The treatment groups completed 12‐week nonpharmacological interventions in addition to standard rehabilitative therapies, while the control group participated only in standard rehabilitative therapies.

Results

The DT group showed significant improvements in agitation, irritability, apathy, depression, and delusions relative to controls. The GVT group showed significant improvements in apathy and depression with respect to controls. The DT intervention ameliorated symptoms of agitation compared to the GVT intervention whereas the GVT intervention improved apathy compared to the DT intervention.

Conclusion

Improved understanding of the potential therapeutic benefits of different treatments for neuropsychiatric symptoms is crucial for establishing nonpharmacological interventions in dementia.
Randomized controlled single‐blinded clinical trial of functional voice outcome after vascular targeting KTP laser microsurgery of early laryngeal cancer
Authors: Strieth Sebastian , Ernst Benjamin P. , Both Ina , Hirth Daniel , Pfisterer Lara N. , Künzel Julian , Eder Katharina
Published: January 2019

Background

Local control rate (LCR) of early glottic cancer is high after radiation therapy or transoral laser microsurgery (TLM). The aim of this study was to investigate functional voice outcome after TLM using a microvessel‐ablative potassium‐titanyl‐phosphate (KTP) laser in comparison with a gold standard cutting CO2 laser.

Methods

The primary end point of this prospective, randomized, single‐blinded, clinical phase II study with control group was voice outcome during a follow‐up of 6 months assayed by Voice Handicap Index (VHI‐30)‐questionnaires in patients with unilateral high‐grade dysplasia, carcinoma in situ or early glottic cancer undergoing TLM‐KTP (n = 8) or TLM‐CO2 (n = 12). The secondary end point was LCR.

Results

Starting from the 9‐week‐follow‐up visit, TLM‐KTP yielded significantly reduced VHI scores compared to TLM‐CO2. No relapse occurred after TLM‐KTP in contrast to one recurrence after TLM‐CO2 within 6 months.

Conclusion

Multicenter phase II or III studies on voice outcome or local control rate after TLM‐KTP in early glottic cancer are warranted enrolling larger patient cohorts.
Correlation between plan quality improvements and reduced acute dysphagia and xerostomia in the definitive treatment of oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Cui Taoran , Ward Matthew C. , Joshi Nikhil P. , Woody Neil M. , Murray Eric J. , Potter John , Dorfmeyer Andrew A. , Greskovich John F. , Koyfman Shlomo A. , Xia Ping
Published: January 2019

Background

To evaluate plan quality using volumetric‐modulated arc therapy (VMAT) and step‐and‐shoot intensity‐modulated radiation therapy (SS‐IMRT) techniques and for patients treated for oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC).

Methods

Treatment plans for patients treated definitively for stages I‐IVb, OPSCC between December 2009 and August 2015 were retrospectively reviewed. Dosimetric endpoints of involved organs‐at‐risk (OARs) were retrieved from clinical plans. Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events scores of acute toxicities were compared.

Results

Two‐hundred twenty‐two patients were identified with 134 and 88 receiving SS‐IMRT and VMAT with median follow‐up time of 23.0 and 7.9 months, respectively. The dosimetric endpoints of the OARs were significantly improved in VMAT cohort, which translated into significantly lower rates of grade 2 or higher acute dysphagia and xerostomia.

Conclusion

Improvements in stages I‐IVb, oropharyngeal cancer plan quality are associated with reduced grade ≥ 2 acute dysphagia and xerostomia.
Prediagnostic serum organochlorine insecticide concentrations and primary liver cancer: A case–control study nested within two prospective cohorts
Authors: Engel Lawrence S. , Zabor Emily C. , Satagopan Jaya , Widell Anders , Rothman Nathaniel , O'Brien Thomas R. , Zhang Mingdong , Van Den Eeden Stephen K. , Grimsrud Tom K.
Published: January 2019

Although experimental evidence indicates that certain organochlorine insecticides are hepatocarcinogens, epidemiologic evidence for most of these chemicals is very limited. We estimated associations, using prospectively collected sera, between organochlorine insecticide concentrations and cancer registry‐identified primary liver cancer in two cohorts, one from the United States and one from Norway. In nested case–control studies, we used sera collected in the 1960s‐1980s from 136 cases and 408 matched controls from the Kaiser Permanente Northern California Multiphasic Health Checkup (MHC) cohort and 84 cases and 252 matched controls from the population‐based Norwegian Janus cohort. We measured concentrations of nine organochlorine insecticides/metabolites and markers of hepatitis B and C in sera. Adjusted odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for tertiles of lipid‐corrected organochlorines were calculated for each cohort using conditional logistic regression. Among MHC participants with sera from the 1960s, there was a suggestive exposure‐response trend for trans‐nonachlor (second and third tertile of analyte ORs = 1.63 and 1.95, respectively; p‐trend = 0.08) and a nonsignificantly elevated risk for the highest tertile of oxychlordane (OR = 1.87). Among Janus participants with sera from the 1970s, we observed an apparent trend for p,p’‐DDT (second and third tertile ORs = 1.70 and 2.14, respectively; p‐trend = 0.15). We observed little consistency in patterns of association between the cohorts. We found limited evidence that exposure to p,p’‐DDT and chlordane‐related oxychlordane and trans‐nonachlor may be associated with increased risk of primary liver cancer. However, the modest strength of these associations and their lack of concordance between cohorts necessitate caution in their interpretation.
Graphene quantum dot based charge‐reversal nanomaterial for nucleus‐targeted drug delivery and efficiency controllable photodynamic therapy
Authors: Ju Jian , Regmi Sagar , Fu Afu , Lim Sierin , Liu Quan
Published: January 2019

Graphene quantum dots (GQDs), the new zero‐dimensional carbon nanomaterial, have been demonstrated as a promising material for biomedical applications due to its good biocompatibility and low toxicity. However, the integration of multiple therapeutic approaches into a nanosized platform based on the GQD has not been explored yet to our best knowledge. In this report, we regulate the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) when using the GQD as a photosensitizer by varying the doping amount of nitrogen atoms to achieve efficiency controllable photodynamic therapy. On the other hand, charge‐reversal (3‐Aminopropyl) triethoxysilane (APTES) was used to conjugate on the surface of GQD for nucleus targeting drug delivery for the first time. The treatment outcome of produced ROS and nucleus‐targeting drug delivery was investigated by fluorescence imaging. The results demonstrated that the N‐GQD‐DOX‐APTES in dual roles as a drug carrier and photosensitizer could achieve nucleus‐targeting delivery and strong ROS production simultaneously. This approach provides a promising strategy for the development of multifunctional therapy in one nano platform for biomedical applications.
Improving the description of solvent pairwise interactions using local solute/solvent three‐body functions. The case of halides and carboxylates in aqueous environment
Authors: Réal Florent , Vallet Valérie , Masella Michel
Published: January 2019

We propose a general strategy to remediate force‐field artifacts in describing pairwise interactions among similar molecules M in the vicinity of another chemical species, C, like water molecules interacting at short distance from a monoatomic ion. This strategy is based on introducing a three‐body potential energy term that alters the pairwise interactions among M‐type molecules when they lie at short range from the species C. In other words the species C is the center of a space domain where the pairwise interactions among the molecules M is altered. Here, we apply it to improve the description of the water interactions provided by the polarizable water model TCPE/2013 in the vicinity of halides, from F− to At−, and of the prototypical carboxylate anion CH3COO−. We show the accuracy and the transferability of such an approach to investigate not only the hydration process of single anions but also of a salt solution in aqueous phase. This strategy can be used to remediate the drawbacks of any kind of force fields. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Restoration of microRNA‐30b expression alleviates vascular calcification through the mTOR signaling pathway and autophagy
Authors: Xu Tian‐Hua , Qiu Xiao‐Bo , Sheng Zi‐Tong , Han Yi‐Ran , Wang Jian , Tian Bin‐Yao , Yao Li
Published: January 2019

Pathological calcification represents an event that consequently leads to a distinct elevation in the morbidity and mortality of patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) in addition to strengthening its correlation with hyperphosphatemia. Epigenomic regulation by specific microRNAs (miRNAs) is reported to be involved in ectopic calcification. However, the finer molecular mechanisms governing this event remain unclear. Hence, this study aimed to identify the potential miRNAs involved in vascular calcification (VC) development and progression. Initially, mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), autophagy‐specific markers (LC3II/LC3I and Beclin1) and phenotype‐specific markers of osteoblasts (runt‐related transcription factor 2 and Msx2) were measured to evaluate autophagy and VC in β‐glycerophosphate‐induced vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) with either miR‐30b restoration or miR‐30b knockdown performed in vitro. The VC in vivo was represented by calcified nodule formation in the aorta of the rats undergoing 5/6 nephrectomy followed by a 1.2% phosphorus diet using Alizarin Red staining. SOX9 was verified as the target of miR‐30b according to luciferase activity determination. Restoration of miR‐30b was revealed to markedly diminish the expression of SOX9 while acting to inhibit activation of the mTOR signaling pathway. Knockdown of miR‐30b reduced MMP and autophagy, elevated VC, and suppressed the presence of rapamycin (an inhibitor of the mTOR signaling pathway). In addition, upregulated expression of miR‐30b attenuated VC in vivo. Taken together, the key findings of this study identified the inhibitory role of miR‐30b in VC, presenting an enhanced understanding of miRNA as a therapeutic target to curtail progressive VC in hyperphosphatemia of CKD.
Alginate/chitosan hydrogel containing olfactory ectomesenchymal stem cells for sciatic nerve tissue engineering
Authors:  Salehi Majid , Bagher Zohreh , Kamrava Seyed Kamran , Ehterami Arian , Alizadeh Rafieh , Farhadi Mohammad , Falah Masoumeh , Komeili Ali
Published: January 2019

Regeneration and functional recovery after peripheral nerve damage still remain a significant clinical problem. In this study, alginate/chitosan (alg/chit) hydrogel was used for the transplantation of olfactory ectomesenchymal stem cells (OE‐MSCs) to promote peripheral nerve regeneration. The OE‐MSCs were isolated from olfactory mucosa biopsies and evaluated by different cell surface markers and differentiation capacity. After creating sciatic nerve injury in a rat model, OE‐MSCs were transplanted to the injured area with alg/chit hydrogel which was prepared and well‐characterized. The prepared hydrogel had the porosity of 91.3 ± 1.27%, the swelling ratio of 379% after 240 min, weight loss percentages of 80 ± 5.56% after 14 days, and good blood compatibility. The 3‐(4,5‐dimethylthiazol‐2‐yl)‐2,5‐diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay, 4′,6‐diamidino‐2‐phenylindole, and LIVE/DEAD staining were done to assay the behavior of OE‐MSCs on alg/chit hydrogel and the results confirmed that the hydrogel can provide a suitable substrate for cell survival. For functional analysis, alg/chit hydrogel with and without OE‐ MSCs was injected into a 3‐mm sciatic nerve defect of Wistar rats. The results of the sciatic functional index, hot plate latency, electrophysiological assessment, weight‐loss percentage of wet gastrocnemius muscle, and histopathological examination using hematoxylin–eosin and Luxol fast blue staining showed that utilizing alg/chit hydrogel with OE‐MSCs to the sciatic nerve defect enhance regeneration compared to the control group and hydrogel without cells.