bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Phase Diversity of Nickel Phosphides in Oxygen Reduction Catalysis
Authors: Razmjooei Fatemeh , Pak Chanho , Yu Jong‐Sung
Published: April 2018

Motivated by the challenge to find a low‐cost catalyst with high activity for the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR), transition metal phosphides (TMPs) appear to be one of the most burgeoning alternatives to noble metal based electrocatalysts. In addition to the low cost, TMPs have numerous interesting features such as high conductivity and chemical stability. Since, the catalytic activity of TMPs is highly dependent on the metal/phosphorous ratio, herein, we report the investigation of nickel‐phosphide/carbon composites of different stoichiometries (NixPy/C) with tractable nickel phosphide phases as promising electrocatalyst for ORR under alkaline and acidic conditions. The NixPy/C composites are obtained by carbonization of a Ni‐struvite (NiNH4PO4 ⋅ H2O) coated phenol‐formaldehyde resin at different temperatures, resulting in variations of the formed NixPy phases. As expected, it is found that the electrocatalytic ORR performance of the NixPy/C composites highly depends on the predominant phase of nickel phosphide formed. The highest catalytic activity for ORR in alkaline as well as acidic media was found for the NixPy/C composite with the highest proportion of Ni2P as a predominant phase, obtained at 800 °C. For composites with NiP2 and Ni12P5 as the predominant phase, obtained at lower and higher temperatures, respectively, a lower catalytic activity was found.
Supramolecular Assembly of Peptide and Metallopeptide Gelators and Their Stimuli‐Responsive Properties in Biomedical Applications
Authors: Falcone Natashya , Kraatz Heinz‐Bernhard
Published: April 2018

Supramolecular gels are a fascinating class of soft materials that have attracted significant attention in recent years. They are composed of small molecule gelators that assemble into supramolecular network structures. The resulting space is filled with solvent. Some gel materials are able to respond to various stimuli making them attractive drug delivery vehicles and as matrices for tissue regeneration. Peptide‐based gel materials are particularly attractive as they possess numerous advantages including biocompatibility and biodegradability. Stimuli‐responsive peptides that alter properties as a function of pH, redox, temperature, and enzymes offer the potential to create materials with tunable characteristics. In addition, the ability of metal ions to improve the strength of gelation or act as a scaffold has become an interesting approach to develop dynamic peptide gel materials. In this review, the stimuli‐responsive properties (pH, redox, temperature, and enzyme responsive properties), as well as the biocompatible/‐degradable nature of the peptide gelators are highlighted. In addition, metal ions are discussed as a stimulus to enhance peptide gelation and a number of potential applications of these peptide gelators are provided with an outlook on future directions.
DNA Oxidation Photoinduced by Norharmane Rhenium(I) Polypyridyl Complexes: Effect of the Bidentate N,N′‐Ligands on the Damage Profile
Authors: Maisuls Iván , Cabrerizo Franco M. , David‐Gara Pedro M. , Epe Bernd , Ruiz Gustavo T.
Published: April 2018

ReI‐polypyridyl complexes have interesting and distinctive photochemical and photosensitizing properties. This work describes the capability to induce (or photoinduce) DNA damage of three ReI‐complexes with a naturally occurring alkaloid called norharmane (nHo) as ligand: [Re(CO)3(nHo)(L)]CF3SO3 where L=2,2′‐bipyridine (ReBpy), phenanthroline (RePhen) or dipyrido[3,2‐a:2′,3′‐c]phenazine (ReDppz). The interaction of the complexes with DNA was investigated by steady‐state and time‐resolved spectroscopy. Data show that the mode and strength of interaction depend on the chemical structure of the bidentate ligand. The complexes show a major static contribution to the overall interaction, giving rise to the formation of noncovalent adducts with DNA, and the particular trend observed was RePhen>ReDppz>ReBpy. Photo‐oxidation at the purine bases represents the major DNA damaging mechanism. RePhen also induces single‐strand breaks in a yield similar to that of base damage, suggesting an additional photosensitizing pathway. We also performed the Ames test to evaluate the cytotoxic and mutagenic properties of both non‐irradiated and photoexcited complexes. RePhen, but not the other complexes, turned out to be both toxic and phototoxic for the bacteria.
Ultrafast Adiabatic Photodehydration of 2‐Hydroxymethylphenol and the Formation of Quinone Methide
Authors: Škalamera Đani , Antol Ivana , Mlinarić‐Majerski Kata , Vančik Hrvoj , Phillips David Lee , Ma Jiani , Basarić Nikola
Published: April 2018

The photochemical reactivity of 2‐hydroxymethylphenol (1) was investigated experimentally by photochemistry under cryogenic conditions, by detecting reactive intermediates by IR spectroscopy, and by using nanosecond and femtosecond transient absorption spectroscopic methods in solution at room temperature. In addition, theoretical studies were performed to facilitate the interpretation of the experimental results and also to simulate the reaction pathway to obtain a better understanding of the reaction mechanism. The main finding of this work is that photodehydration of 1 takes place in an ultrafast adiabatic photochemical reaction without any clear intermediate, delivering quinone methide (QM) in the excited state. Upon photoexcitation to a higher vibrational level of the singlet excited state, 1 undergoes vibrational relaxation leading to two photochemical pathways, one by which synchronous elimination of H2O gives QM 2 in its S1 state and the other by which homolytic cleavage of the phenolic O−H bond produces a phenoxyl radical (S0). Both are ultrafast processes that occur within a picosecond. The excited state of QM 2 (S1) probably deactivates to S0 through a conical intersection to give QM 2 (S0), which subsequently delivers benzoxete 4. Elucidation of the reaction mechanisms for the photodehydration of phenols by which QMs are formed is important to tune the reactivity of QMs with DNA and proteins for the potential application of QMs in medicine as therapeutic agents.
Unraveling the Mechanism of 1,3‐Diyne Cross‐Metathesis Catalyzed by Silanolate‐Supported Tungsten Alkylidyne Complexes
Authors: Schnabel Tobias M. , Melcher Daniel , Brandhorst Kai , Bockfeld Dirk , Tamm Matthias
Published: April 2018

The benzylidyne complex [PhC≡W{OSi(OtBu)3}3] (1) catalyzed the cross‐metathesis between 1,4‐bis(trimethylsilyl)‐1,3‐butadiyne (2) and symmetrical 1,3‐diynes (3) efficiently, which gave access to TMS‐capped 1,3‐diynes RC≡C−C≡CSiMe3 (4). Diyne cross‐metathesis (DYCM) studies with 13C‐labeled diyne PhC≡13C−13C≡CPh (3*) revealed that this reaction proceeds through reversible carbon–carbon triple‐bond cleavage and formation according to the conventional mechanism of alkyne metathesis. The reaction between 1 and 3* afforded the 3‐phenylpropynylidyne complex PhC≡13C−13C≡W{OSi(OtBu)3}3] (5*), indicating that alkynylalkylidyne complexes are likely to act as catalytically active species. Attempts to isolate 5* from mixtures of 1 and 3* afforded crystals of the ditungsten 2‐butyne‐1,4‐diylidyne complex [(tBuO)3SiO}3W≡13C−13C≡13C−13C≡W{OSi(OtBu)3}3] (6*), which was additionally characterized by X‐ray diffraction analysis. Depolymerization‐macrocyclization of a carbazole‐butadiyne polymer, obtained from 3,6‐diethynyl‐9‐dodecylcarbazole (7) under copper‐catalyzed Hay coupling conditions, was also efficiently catalyzed by 1 and afforded a mixture of mono‐, diyne‐ and triyne‐containing tetrameric macrocycles, revealing that diyne disproportionation into monoynes and triynes occurs as a slow side reaction that interferes with a high diyne metathesis selectivity. Potential catalytic pathways were studied by means of quantum‐chemical calculations, and kinetic studies were performed to substantiate an α,α‐mechanism for the catalytic diyne metathesis reaction, which involves intermediate alkynylalkylidyne and α,α′‐dialkynylmetallacyclobutadiene intermediates.
Treatment in a preventive cardiology clinic utilizing advanced practice providers effectively closes atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease risk‐management gaps among a primary‐prevention population compared with a propensity‐matched primary‐care cohort: A team‐based care model and its impact on lipid and blood pressure management
Authors: Fentanes Emilio , Vande Hei Anthony G. , Holuby R. Scott , Suarez Norma , Slim Yousif , Slim Jennifer N. , Slim Ahmad M. , Thomas Dustin
Published: April 2018

Background

Advanced practice providers (APPs) can fill care gaps created by physician shortages and improve adherence/compliance with preventive ASCVD interventions.

Hypothesis

APPs utilizing guideline‐based algorithms will more frequently escalate ASCVD risk factor therapies.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed data on 595 patients enrolled in a preventive cardiology clinic (PCC) utilizing APPs compared with a propensity‐matched cohort (PMC) of 595 patients enrolled in primary‐care clinics alone. PCC patients were risk‐stratified using Framingham Risk Score (FRS) and coronary artery calcium scoring (CACS).

Results

Baseline demographics were balanced between the groups. CACS was more commonly obtained in PCC patients (P < 0.001), resulting in reclassification of 30.6% patients to a higher risk category, including statin therapy in 26.6% of low‐FRS PCC patients with CACS ≥75th MESA percentile. Aspirin initiation was higher for high and intermediate FRS patients in the PCC (P < 0.001). Post‐intervention mean LDL‐C, non–HDL‐C, and triglycerides (all P < 0.05) were lower in the PCC group. Compliance with appropriate lipid treatment was higher in intermediate to high FRS patients (P = 0.004) in the PCC group. Aggressive LDL‐C and non–HDL‐C treatment goals (<70 mg/dL, P = 0.005 and < 130 mg/dL, P < 0.001, respectively), were more commonly achieved in high‐FRS PCC patients. Median post‐intervention SBP was lower among intermediate and low FRS patients (P = 0.001 and P < 0.001, respectively). Cumulatively, this resulted in a reduction in median post‐intervention PCC FRS across all initial FRS risk categories (P < 0.001 for all).

Conclusions

APPs within a PCC effectively risk‐stratify and aggressively manage ASCVD risk factors, resulting in a reduction in post‐intervention FRS.
Genetic testing for hereditary prostate cancer: Current status and limitations
Authors: Zhen Jun Tu , Syed Jamil , Nguyen Kevin Anh , Leapman Michael S. , Agarwal Neeraj , Brierley Karina , Llor Xavier , Hofstatter Erin , Shuch Brian
Published: April 2018

A significant proportion of prostate cancer diagnoses may be associated with a strong hereditary component. Men who have multiple single‐gene polymorphisms and a family history of prostate cancer have a significantly greater risk of developing prostate cancer. Numerous single‐gene alterations have been confirmed to increase the risk of prostate cancer. These include breast cancer genes 1 and 2 (BRCA1 and BRCA2, respectively), mutL homolog 1 (MLH1), mutS homologs 2 and 6 (MSH2 and MSH6, respectively), postmeiotic segregation increased 2 (PMS2), homeobox B13 (HOXB13), checkpoint kinase 2 (CHEK2), nibrin (NBN), BRCA1‐interacting protein C‐terminal helicase 1 (BRIP1), and ataxia telangiectasia mutated (ATM). Currently, there are no uniform guidelines on the definition of hereditary prostate cancer and genetic testing. With the advent of next‐generation sequencing, which is capable of testing multiple genes simultaneously, and the approval of olaparib for BRCA1/BRCA2 or ATM‐mutated, metastatic, castrate‐resistant prostate cancer, it is being recognized that the results of genetic testing have an impact on therapeutic strategies. In this review, the authors examine the role of genetic counseling and testing, the challenges of insurance coverage for testing, the available germline and somatic testing panels, and the complexity of each testing method and its implications. Cancer 2018. © 2018 American Cancer Society.
Patient views and correlates of radiotherapy omission in a population‐based sample of older women with favorable‐prognosis breast cancer
Authors: Shumway Dean A. , Griffith Kent A. , Hawley Sarah T. , Wallner Lauren P. , Ward Kevin C. , Hamilton Ann S. , Morrow Monica , Katz Steven J. , Jagsi Reshma
Published: April 2018

BACKGROUND

The omission of radiotherapy (RT) after lumpectomy is a reasonable option for many older women with favorable‐prognosis breast cancer. In the current study, we sought to evaluate patient perspectives regarding decision making about RT.

METHODS

Women aged 65 to 79 years with AJCC 7th edition stage I and II breast cancer who were reported to the Georgia and Los Angeles County Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results registries were surveyed (response rate, 70%) regarding RT decisions, the rationale for omitting RT, decision‐making values, and understanding of disease recurrence risk. We also surveyed their corresponding surgeons (response rate, 77%). Patient characteristics associated with the omission of RT were evaluated using multilevel, multivariable logistic regression, accounting for patient clustering within surgeons.

RESULTS

Of 999 patients, 135 omitted RT (14%). Older age, lower tumor grade, and having estrogen receptor‐positive disease each were found to be strongly associated with omission of RT in multivariable analyses, whereas the number of comorbidities was not. Non‐English speakers were more likely to omit RT (adjusted odds ratio, 5.9; 95% confidence interval, 1.4‐24.5). The most commonly reported reasons for RT omission were that a physician advised the patient that it was not needed (54% of patients who omitted RT) and patient choice (41%). Risk of local disease recurrence was overestimated by all patients: by approximately 2‐fold among those who omitted RT and by approximately 8‐fold among those who received RT. The risk of distant disease recurrence was overestimated by approximately 3‐fold on average.

CONCLUSIONS

To some extent, decisions regarding RT omission are appropriately influenced by patient age, tumor grade, and estrogen receptor status, but do not appear to be optimally tailored according to competing comorbidities. Many women who are candidates for RT omission overestimate their risk of disease recurrence. Cancer 2018;124:2714‐2723. © 2018 American Cancer Society
Retracted: Development and validation of algorithms to differentiate ductal carcinoma in situ from invasive breast cancer within administrative claims data
Authors: Hirth Jacqueline M. , Hatch Sandra S. , Lin Yu‐Li , Giordano Sharon H. , Silva H. Colleen , Kuo Yong‐Fang
Published: April 2018

Background

Overtreatment is a common concern for patients with ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS), but this entity is difficult to distinguish from invasive breast cancers in administrative claims data sets because DCIS often is coded as invasive breast cancer. Therefore, the authors developed and validated algorithms to select DCIS cases from administrative claims data to enable outcomes research in this type of data.

Methods

This retrospective cohort using invasive breast cancer and DCIS cases included women aged 66 to 70 years in the 2004 through 2011 Texas Cancer Registry (TCR) data linked to Medicare administrative claims data. TCR records were used as “gold” standards to evaluate the sensitivity, specificity, and positive predictive value (PPV) of 2 algorithms. Women with a biopsy enrolled in Medicare parts A and B at 12 months before and 6 months after their first biopsy without a second incident diagnosis of DCIS or invasive breast cancer within 12 months in the TCR were included. Women in 2010 Medicare data were selected to test the algorithms in a general sample.

Results

In the TCR data set, a total of 6907 cases met inclusion criteria, with 1244 DCIS cases. The first algorithm had a sensitivity of 79%, a specificity of 89%, and a PPV of 62%. The second algorithm had a sensitivity of 50%, a specificity of 97%. and a PPV of 77%. Among women in the general sample, the specificity was high and the sensitivity was similar for both algorithms. However, the PPV was approximately 6% to 7% lower.

Conclusions

DCIS frequently is miscoded as invasive breast cancer, and thus the proposed algorithms are useful to examine DCIS outcomes using data sets not linked to cancer registries. Cancer 2018;124:2815‐2823. © 2018 American Cancer Society
Risk factors for hepatocellular carcinoma by age, sex, and liver disorder status: A prospective cohort study in Korea
Authors: Yi Sang‐Wook , Choi Ja‐Sung , Yi Jee‐Jeon , Lee Yong‐ho , Han Ki Jun
Published: April 2018

BACKGROUND

To the authors' knowledge, relatively little is known regarding the interaction of risk factors for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) with age, sex, and liver disorder status.

METHODS

The authors followed 504,646 Korean patients aged 40 to 80 years who underwent routine health checkups between 2002 and 2003 until 2013 via linkage to national hospital discharge records.

RESULTS

HCC occurred in 2744 individuals. In the sex‐adjusted and age‐adjusted analysis, cirrhosis increased the incidence of HCC by 42‐fold, followed by hepatitis B virus (21‐fold), hepatitis C virus (HCV; 19‐fold), male sex (4.3‐fold), and each 5‐year age increment (1.24‐fold). In the multivariable adjusted analysis, diabetes increased the risk of HCC by 80%, alcohol consumption ≥80 g/day increased the risk by 75%, alcohol consumption of 40 to 79 g/day increased the risk by 37%, and being a current smoker increased the risk by 25%. The multivariable adjusted hazard ratios of male sex and HCV were 6.27 and 5.72, respectively, at age <50 years, but were 2.09 and 22.51, respectively, at age ≥70 years. Each 20 g/day of alcohol consumption increased the risk of HCC by 6% (P = .11), 8% (P = .02), 16% (P<.001), and 30% (P<.001), respectively, in individuals aged <50 years, 50 to 59 years, 60 to 69 years, and 70 to 80 years. In individuals without a liver disorder, body mass index was found to be positively associated with HCC, whereas patients with a liver disorder demonstrated an inverse association. Women had higher adjusted hazard ratios associated with age and cirrhosis compared with men.

CONCLUSIONS

With advancing age, the effects of alcohol use and HCV on the development of HCC become stronger, whereas the effect of male sex weakens. Lifetime moderate alcohol consumption may cause HCC in the elderly. Smoking increases the risk of HCC irrespective of viral hepatitis, and diabetes increases the risk of HCC independent of cirrhosis. Cancer 2018;124:2748‐2757. © 2018 American Cancer Society
A soft cooperative spectrum sensing in the presence of most destructive smart PUEA using energy detector
Authors: Emami Mohammad , Zarrabi Houman , Jabbarpour Mohammad Reza , Sadat Taheri Masumeh , Jung Jason J.
Published: April 2018

Recently, the growth of Internet of Things (IoT) and its remarkable impacts on human well‐being life style are deniable. On the connectivity side, IoT is highly related to Wireless Sensor Network (WSN) concept. The key elements include the data, which is machine‐produced, specifically by sensors, and the data communication through connectivity technologies. On the security side, primary user emulation attack (PUE) is one of the well‐defined attacks in cognitive radio (CR)–based WSN. Here, we investigate a smart primary user emulation attacker that has the most destructive effect on the spectrum sensing unit of cognitive radio users. To deal with this attack, a soft cooperative spectrum sensing using an energy detector is proposed. In the proposed method, the values of sensing information of each secondary user are sent to a fusion center. Once the values are received, they will be combined with some appropriate coefficients in order to minimize spectrum sensing probability of error for a given probability of false alarm. The coefficients are the variables of a constrained optimization problem. Based on simulation results, our method has a lower error probability in spectrum sensing in comparison to hard combination schemes (eg, OR rule) and soft combination schemes (eg, CSINR method).
Molecular Dynamics Analysis of Charge Transport in Ionic‐Liquid Electrolytes Containing Added Salt with Mono, Di, and Trivalent Metal Cations
Authors: Vicent‐Luna José Manuel , Azaceta Eneko , Hamad Said , Ortiz‐Roldán José Manuel , Tena‐Zaera Ramón , Calero Sofía , Anta Juan Antonio
Published: April 2018

Among many other applications, room‐temperature ionic liquids (ILs) are used as electrolytes for storage and energy‐conversion devices. In this work, we investigate, at the microscopic level, the structural and dynamical properties of 1‐methyl‐1‐butyl‐pyrrolidinium bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl) imide [C4PYR]+[Tf2N]− IL‐based electrolytes for metal‐ion batteries. We carried out molecular dynamics simulations of electrolytes mainly composed of [C4PYR]+[Tf2N]− IL with the addition of Mn+‐[Tf2N]− metal salts (M=Li+, Na+, Ni2+, Zn2+, Co2+, Cd2+, and Al3+, n=1, 2, and 3) dissolved in the IL. The addition of low salt concentrations lowers the charge transport and conductivity of the electrolytes. This effect is due to the strong interaction of the metal cations with the [Tf2N]− anions, which allows for molecular aggregation between them. We analyze how the conformation of the [Tf2N]− anions surrounding the metal cations determine the charge‐transport properties of the electrolyte. We found two main conformations based on the size and charge of the metal cation: monodentate and bidentate (number of oxygen atoms of the anion pointing to the metal atoms). The microscopic local structure of the Mn+‐[Tf2N]− aggregates influences the microscopic charge transport as well as the macroscopic conductivity of the total electrolyte.
Dimensional measure of self and interpersonal functioning: Comparisons with treatment alliance and readiness for inpatient psychotherapy
Authors: Haggerty Greg , Stein Michelle , Siefert Caleb , Zodan Jennifer , Mehra Ashwin , Ogbuji Kelechi , Sangha Jaspreet , Habib Michael , Sinclair Samuel J. , Blais Mark A.
Published: April 2018

The social cognition and object relations scale‐global rating method is a clinical rating system assessing 8 domains of self and interpersonal functioning. It can be applied to score numerous forms of narrative data. In this study, we investigate the SCORS‐G relationship to measures of alliance and readiness for psychotherapy with an adolescent inpatient sample. Seventy‐two psychiatrically hospitalized adolescents were consented and subsequently rated by their individual and group therapist using the SCORS‐G. The unit psychiatrist also completed an assessment of patients' readiness for inpatient psychotherapy. The patients completed a self‐report of their alliance with the inpatient treatment team as a whole. SCORS‐G ratings were positively correlated with assessments of readiness for inpatient psychotherapy and patient‐reported alliance. This study further demonstrates the clinical utility of the SCORS‐G with adolescents.
Dynamic model development and control for multiple‐output flyback converters in DCM and CCM
Authors: Delavaripour Hossein , Mirzaeian Dehkordi Behzad , Adib Ehsan , Abootorabi Zarchi Hossein
Published: April 2018

Multiple‐output flyback converters are widely used in switching power supplies due to their low component count and cost‐effective structure. The main problem of this structure is how to balance output voltages in different load conditions. This paper proposes a new approach for single‐input multiple‐output flyback converters operating in DCM and CCM by a small‐signal averaged model. The averaged model is derived by presenting the piecewise‐linear waveform for the inductor currents inside the converter. In DCM, the magnetizing current and currents through the output windings reach zero when the switch is turned off. In CCM, the magnetizing current of the converter is continuous over a switching interval and this possibility exists that only some of the output diodes completely conduct when the switch is off. The proposed model of the converter can be used in a wide range of operations within identical and non‐identical loading conditions. Using a laboratory prototype, several case studies and input‐to‐output transfer functions are considered to verify the proposed model. The controller design is performed for the both CCM and DCM, and then dynamic characteristics of the overall system are evaluated.
Beta cell stress in a 4‐year follow‐up of patients with type 2 diabetes: A longitudinal analysis of the BetaDecline Study
Authors: Russo Giuseppina T. , Giorda Carlo B. , Cercone Stefania , De Cosmo Salvatore , Nicolucci Antonio , Cucinotta Domenico ,   the BetaDecline Study Group
Published: April 2018

Background

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is associated with a progressive deterioration in beta cell function and loss of glycaemic control. Clinical predictors of beta cell failure are needed to guide appropriate therapy.

Methods

A prospective evaluation of a large set of potential predictors of beta cell stress, measured as change in the proinsulin/insulin (PI/I) ratio, was conducted in a cohort of 235 outpatients with T2DM on stable treatment with oral hypoglycaemic agents or diet followed up for ~4 years (median value 3.9 years; interquartile range 3.8‐4.1 years).

Results

Overall, metabolic control deteriorated over time, with a significant increase in glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c; P < .0001), proinsulin (P < .0001), and PI/I ratio (P = .001), without significant changes in the homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance. Multivariate regression analysis showed that for each 1% (10.9 mmol/mol) increase from baseline in HbA1c, the risk of beta cell stress increased by 3.8 times; for each 1% (10.9 mmol/mol) incremental increase in HbA1c during the study, risk of beta cell stress increased by 2.25 times that at baseline. By contrast, baseline anthropometric and clinical variables, lipid profile, inflammatory markers (PCR, IL‐6), non‐esterified fatty acids, and current therapies did not independently influence PI/I ratio variation during follow‐up.

Conclusions

In this cohort of patients with T2DM, beta cell function progressively deteriorated despite current therapies. Among a large set of clinical and biochemical predictors, only baseline HbA1c levels and their deterioration overtime were associated with higher beta cell stress over time.
Intracranial administration of the G‐protein coupled estrogen receptor 1 antagonist, G‐15, selectively affects dimorphic characteristics of the song system in zebra finches (Taeniopygia guttata)
Authors: Tehrani Mahtab Attarhaie , Veney Sean L.
Published: April 2018

In zebra finches (Taeniopygia guttata), estradiol contributes to sexual differentiation of the song system but the receptor(s) underlying its action are not exactly known. Whereas mRNA and/or protein for nuclear estrogen receptors ERα and ERβ are minimally expressed, G‐protein coupled estrogen receptor 1 (GPER1) has a much greater distribution within neural song regions and the syrinx. At present, however, it is unclear if this receptor contributes to dimorphic development of the song system. To test this, the specific GPER1 antagonist, G‐15, was intracranially administered to zebra finches for 25 days beginning on the day of hatching. In males, G‐15 significantly decreased nuclear volumes of HVC and Area X. It also decreased the muscle fiber sizes of ventralis and dorsalis in the syrinx. In females, G‐15 had no effect on measures within the brain, but did increase fiber sizes of both muscle groups. In sum, these data suggest that GPER1 can have selective and opposing influences on dimorphisms within the song system, but since not all features were affected additional factors are likely involved. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Develop Neurobiol, 2018
Moderate patchiness optimizes heterogeneity, stability, and beta diversity in mesic grassland
Authors: McGranahan Devan Allen , Hovick Torre J. , Elmore Robert Dwayne , Engle David M. , Fuhlendorf Samuel D.
Published: April 2018

Heterogeneous disturbance patterns are fundamental to rangeland conservation and management because heterogeneity creates patchy vegetation, broadens niche availability, increases compositional dissimilarity, and enhances temporal stability of aboveground biomass production. Pyrodiversity is a popular concept for how variability in fire as an ecological disturbance can enhance heterogeneity, but mechanistic understanding of factors that drive heterogeneity is lacking. Mesic grasslands are examples of ecosystems in which pyrodiversity is linked strongly to broad ecological processes such as trophic interactions because grazers are attracted to recently burned areas, creating a unique ecological disturbance referred to as the fire–grazing interaction, or pyric herbivory. But several questions about the application of pyric herbivory remain: What proportion of a grazed landscape must burn, or how many patches are required, to create sufficient spatial heterogeneity and reduce temporal variability? How frequently should patches burn? Does season of fire matter? To bring theory into applied practice, we studied a gradient of grazed tallgrass prairie landscapes created by different sizes, seasons, and frequencies of fire, and used analyses sensitive to nonlinear trends. The greatest spatial heterogeneity and lowest temporal variability in aboveground plant biomass, and greatest plant functional group beta diversity, occurred in landscapes with three to four patches (25%–33% of area burned) and three‐ to four‐year fire return intervals. Beta diversity had a positive association with spatial heterogeneity and negative relationship with temporal variability. Rather than prescribing that these results constitute best management practices, we emphasize the flexibility offered by interactions between patch number and fire frequency for matching rangeland productivity and offtake to specific management goals. As we observed no differences across season of fire, we recommend future research focus on fire frequency within a moderate proportion of the landscape burned, and consider a wider seasonal burn window.
Excitation of Ferromagnetic Resonance Using Surface Acoustic Waves
Authors: NOZAKI YUKIO , YANAGISAWA SHOGO
Published: April 2018

Mechanical rotation of a crystal lattice in ferromagnetic materials can be energetically coupled with its magnetization via magnetoelastic coupling or spin rotation coupling. Surface acoustic wave (SAW) in piezoelectric materials is one of the promising candidates to realize the mechanical excitation of magnetization dynamics. In order to understand the mechanical rotation induced magnetization dynamics quantitatively, we examined the ferromagnetic resonance in an Ni film using a SAW in a LiNbO3 substrate. By decreasing a period of interdigital transducer as short as 4 μm which is one‐fifth of the previous work by Weiler [M. Weiler and co‐workers, Elastically driven ferromagnetic resonance in Nickel thin films. Phys Rev Lett 106, 117601 (2011)], the fundamental frequency of SAW could be higher than 800 MHz. From the dependence of microwave absorption on the angle between the magnetization and the wave vector of SAW, it was confirmed that the Rayleigh type SAW, which was significant to obtain a large mechanical coupling with the magnetization, was dominantly excited in the 800‐MHz‐SAW device.
Incidence, predictors and clinical management of hyperkalaemia in new users of mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists
Authors: Trevisan Marco , de Deco Pietro , Xu Hairong , Evans Marie , Lindholm Bengt , Bellocco Rino , Barany Peter , Jernberg Tomas , Lund Lars H. , Carrero Juan J.
Published: April 2018

Background

Concerns for hyperkalaemia limit the use of mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists (MRAs). The frequency of MRA‐associated hyperkalaemia in real‐world settings and the extent of subsequent MRA discontinuation are poorly quantified.

Methods and results

Observational study including all Stockholm citizens initiating MRA therapy during 2007–2010. Hyperkalaemias were identified from all potassium (K+) measurements in healthcare. MRA treatment lengths and dosages were obtained from complete collection of pharmacy dispensations. We assessed the 1‐year incidence and clinical hyperkalaemia predictors, and quantified drug prescription changes after an episode of hyperkalaemia. Overall, 13 726 new users of MRA were included, with median age of 73 years, 53% women and median plasma K+ of 3.9 mmol/L. Within a year, 18.5% experienced at least one detected hyperkalaemia (K+ > 5.0 mmol/L), the majority within the first 3 months of therapy. As a comparison, hyperkalaemia was detected in 6.4% of propensity‐matched new beta‐blocker users. Chronic kidney disease (CKD), older age, male sex, heart failure, peripheral vascular disease, diabetes and concomitant use of angiotensin‐converting enzyme inhibitors, angiotensin receptor blockers, beta‐blockers and diuretics were associated with increased hyperkalaemia risk. After hyperkalaemia, 47% discontinued MRA and only 10% reduced the prescribed dose. Discontinuation rates were higher after moderate/severe (K+ > 5.5 mmol/L) and early in therapy (<3 months from initiation) hyperkalaemias. CKD participants carried the highest risk of MRA discontinuation in adjusted analyses. When MRA was discontinued, most patients (76%) were not reintroduced to therapy during the subsequent year.

Conclusion

Among real‐world adults initiating MRA therapy, hyperkalaemia was very common and frequently followed by therapy interruption, especially among participants with CKD.
IL13Rα2 expression identifies tissue‐resident IL‐22‐producing PLZF+ innate T cells in the human liver
Authors: Paquin‐Proulx Dominic , Greenspun Benjamin C. , Pasquet Lise , Strunz Benedikt , Aleman Soo , Falconer Karolin , Terabe Masaki , Berzofsky Jay A. , Sandberg Johan K. , Melum Espen , Nixon Douglas F. , Björkström Niklas K.
Published: April 2018

Innate lymphocytes are selectively enriched in the liver where they have important roles in liver immunology. Murine studies have shown that type I NKT cells can promote liver inflammation, whereas type II NKT cells have an anti‐inflammatory role. In humans, type II NKT cells were found to accumulate in the gut during inflammation and IL13Rα2 was proposed as a marker for these cells. In the human liver, less is known about type I and II NKT cells. Here, we studied the phenotype and function of human liver T cells expressing IL13Rα2. We found that IL13Rα2 was expressed by around 1% of liver‐resident memory T cells but not on circulating T cells. In support of their innate‐like T‐cell character, the IL13Rα2+ T cells had higher expression of promyelocytic leukaemia zinc finger (PLZF) compared to IL13Rα2− T cells and possessed the capacity to produce IL‐22. However, only a minority of human liver sulfatide‐reactive type II NKT cells expressed IL13Rα2. Collectively, these findings suggest that IL13Rα2 identifies tissue‐resident intrahepatic T cells with innate characteristics and the capacity to produce IL‐22.
Catalytic Oxidation of Methane: Pd and Beyond
Authors: Monai Matteo , Montini Tiziano , Gorte Raymond J. , Fornasiero Paolo
Published: April 2018

This brief review is focused on recent advancements in methane catalytic oxidation, an important reaction for environmental remediation and clean power generation. Particular attention is given to Pd‐based catalysts and novel strategies to gain a fundamental understanding of the reaction mechanism and to improve the catalytic activity and stability of Pd catalysts. The power of combined approaches exploiting nanostructured catalysts, operando spectroscopic and microscopic measurements and computational methods is demonstrated.
1,4‐Dithiane‐2,5‐diol: An Attractive Platform for the Synthesis of Sulfur‐Containing Functionalized Heterocycles
Authors: Zamberlan Francesco , Fantinati Anna , Trapella Claudio
Published: April 2018

This microreview highlights the utility of 1,4‐dithiane‐2,5‐diol (1) as a source for the in situ generation of 2‐mercaptoacetaldehyde (2), a versatile two‐carbon synthon featuring both electrophilic and nucleophilic reaction centres and widely utilized as an attractive platform for the preparation of sulfur‐containing molecules. We discuss the chemistry involved, mainly focusing on its applications to the construction of sulfur‐containing heterocyclic compounds including the thiophene and 1,3‐thiazole families and other different sulfur–nitrogen and sulfur–oxygen heterocycles that continue to be a pillar of organic synthesis as a result of their broad application in organic and medicinal chemistry.
One‐Pot SNAr/Direct Pd‐Catalyzed CH Arylation Functionalization of Pyrazolo[1,5‐a]pyrimidine at the C3 and C7 Positions
Authors: Loubidi Mohammed , Manga Catherine , Tber Zahira , Bassoude Ibtissam , Essassi El Mokhtar , Berteina‐Raboin Sabine
Published: April 2018

An efficient and original synthesis of various 3,7‐substituted pyrazolo[1,5‐a]pyrimidines is reported. First, a two‐step process by an SNAr amination followed by a Pd‐catalyzed direct CH‐arylation was developed, then a parallel single‐pot SNAr amination/CH arylation sequence was performed starting from 7‐chloro‐5‐methyl‐2‐phenylpyrazolo[1,5‐a]pyrimidine to obtain highly functionalized products with good yields.
Analgesic consumption trajectories in 8975 patients 1 year after fast‐track total hip or knee arthroplasty
Authors: Jørgensen C.C. , Petersen M. , Kehlet H. , Aasvang E.K.
Published: April 2018

Background

Persistent or increased long‐term opioid consumption has previously been described following total hip‐ (THA) and knee arthroplasty (TKA). However, detailed information on postoperative analgesic consumption trajectories and risk factors associated with continued need of analgesics in fast‐track THA and TKA is sparse.

Methods

This is a descriptive multicentre study in primary unilateral fast‐track THA or TKA with prospective data on patient characteristics and information on reimbursement entitled dispensed prescriptions of paracetamol, non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs, opioids, anticonvulsants and antidepressants 1 month preoperatively and 1 year postoperatively. Patients were stratified according to preoperative opioid use. Postoperative analgesic consumption trajectories were stratified as increased, decreased or no use compared to the preoperative period.

Results

Of 8975 patients (4849 THA/4126 TKA), 33.9% had relevant reimbursed prescriptions 9–12 months postoperatively. Of 2136 (23.8%) patients with preoperative opioid use, 3.4% had unchanged opioid consumption at 9–12 months postoperatively. However, increased opioid consumption after 9–12 months occurred in 17.6 (TKA) and 10.2% (THA) compared to 9.9 and 6.3% in opioid‐naive TKA and THA patients, respectively. Increased NSAID and paracetamol use was seen in 11.5 and 12.4% of all patients. Preoperative analgesic use (any), TKA, psychiatric disorder, tobacco abuse, cardiac disease and use of walking aids were associated with increased opioid consumption.

Conclusion

Continued and increased opioid and other analgesic use occur in a clinically significant proportion of fast‐track TKA and THA patients 9–12 months postoperatively, suggesting treatment failure and need for early intervention. Preoperative risk assessment may allow identification of patients in risk of increased postoperative opioid consumption.

Significance

We found a considerable fraction of patients with continued or increased opioid consumption 9–12 months after fast‐track THA and TKA. Increase in opioid consumption was more frequent in preoperative opioid users than opioid‐naive patients, but a pattern of increased analgesic consumption was present across all analgesics. Our data demonstrate a need for increased focus on long‐term analgesic strategies and postoperative follow‐up after THA and TKA, especially in preoperative opioid users.
Collective narcissism and the growth of conspiracy thinking over the course of the 2016 United States presidential election: A longitudinal analysis
Authors: Golec de Zavala Agnieszka , Federico Christopher M.
Published: April 2018

Using data from a longitudinal study of American adults collected between July and November 2016, we examine the hypothesis that American collective narcissism (CN) would uniquely predict increases in conspiracy thinking during the 2016 presidential campaign. Going beyond previous findings, our results indicate that CN (but not in‐group identification) predicted growth in general conspiracy thinking—that is, a tendency to view political events in terms of group‐based conspiracies—over the course of the 2016 US presidential campaign. This relationship is found even after accounting for other predictors such as demographics, political knowledge, social trust, authoritarianism, and need for cognitive closure.
Selective cooperation with untrusted relays for physical‐layer security in wireless multipair two‐way relaying networks
Authors: Zhao Tantan , Li Guobing , Lyu Gangming , Zhang Guomei
Published: April 2018

In this paper, the selective cooperation with untrusted relays is studied for wireless multipair two‐way relay networks. We first investigate the feasibility of secure transmission in the presence of cooperative but untrusted relays and then formulate a general optimization problem of secrecy sum‐rate maximization under the constraints of relay selection. By decomposing the original problem into solvable subproblems, we develop a low‐complexity greedy algorithm for selective cooperation, in which the untrusted relays are selected as cooperators or the potential eavesdroppers according to the overall contributions to the secrecy sum rate. Simulation results reveal that the proposed greedy algorithm for selective cooperation with untrusted relays achieves performance gain both in instantaneous and average secrecy sum rate and that the algorithm can converge quickly with the iterations.
3D heat transfer modeling and parametric study of a human body wearing thermal protective clothing exposed to flash fire
Authors: Tian Miao , Li Jun
Published: April 2018

Understanding the heat transfer mechanism through a clothed man system in extreme environments is of great significance for human thermal protection. Three‐dimensional heat transfer models were developed based on the computational fluid dynamics considering a real‐shape human body in this study. The influences of air gap width, clothing thickness, and emissivity on the heat transfer within a dressed manikin exposed to flash fire were investigated. Simulated results indicated that the heat transfer in the air space was more complicated on the garment level than the fabric, because of the varying relative positions between different body segments and the heat source, as well as the ventilation openings. Increasing the fabric thickness was an effective method to reduce the transferred energy, which could remarkably lower the skin temperature. Decreasing both of the surface and backside emissivity from 0.9 to 0.3 could increase the protective performance, where surface emissivity reduction was recommended since the decrease of clothing temperature could minimize the risks of fabric degradation. The purpose of assuming the uniform air gap was to perform the parametric study, which was unrealistic indeed. The model with real clothing shape will be developed and investigated in the near future.
Advanced MR diffusion imaging and chemotherapy‐related changes in cerebral white matter microstructure of survivors of childhood bone and soft tissue sarcoma?
Authors: Sleurs Charlotte , Lemiere Jurgen , Christiaens Daan , Billiet Thibo , Peeters Ronald , Sunaert Stefan , Uyttebroeck Anne , Deprez Sabine
Published: April 2018

With the increase of survival rates of pediatric cancer patients, the number of children facing potential cognitive sequelae has grown. Previous adult studies suggest that white matter (WM) microstructural changes may contribute to cognitive impairment. This study aims to investigate WM microstructure in childhood bone and soft tissue sarcoma. Differences in (micro‐)structure can be investigated using diffusion MRI (dMRI). The typically used diffusion tensor model (DTI) assumes Gaussian diffusion, and lacks information about fiber populations. In this study, we compare WM structure of childhood bone and soft tissue sarcoma survivors (n = 34) and matched controls (n = 34), combining typical and advanced voxel‐based models (DTI and NODDI model, respectively), as well as recently developed fixel‐based models (for estimations of intra‐voxel differences, apparent fiber density [AFD] and fiber cross‐section [FC]). Parameters with significant findings were compared between treatments, and correlated with subscales of the WAIS‐IV intelligence test, age at diagnosis, age at assessment and time since diagnosis. We encountered extensive regions showing lower fractional anisotropy, overlapping with both significant NODDI parameters and fixel‐based parameters. In contrast to these diffuse differences, the fixel‐based measure of AFD was reduced in the cingulum and corpus callosum only. Furthermore, AFD of the corpus callosum was significantly predicted by chemotherapy treatment and correlated positively with time since diagnosis, visual puzzles and similarities task scores. This study suggests altered WM structure of childhood bone and soft tissue sarcoma survivors. We conclude global chemotherapy‐related changes, with particular vulnerability of centrally located WM bundles. Finally, such differences could potentially recover after treatment.
The development of funding recommendations for health technologies at the state level: A South Australian case study
Authors: Lambert Robyn , Carter Drew , Burgess Naomi , Haji Ali Afzali Hossein
Published: April 2018

Objectives

State governments often face capped budgets that can restrict expenditure on health technologies and their evaluation, yet many technologies are introduced to practice through state‐funded institutions such as hospitals, rather than through national evaluation mechanisms. This research aimed to identify the criteria, evidence, and standards used by South Australian committee members to recommend funding for high‐cost health technologies.

Methods

We undertook 8 semi‐structured interviews and 2 meeting observations with members of state‐wide committees that have a mandate to consider the safety, effectiveness, and cost‐effectiveness of high‐cost health technologies.

Results

Safety and effectiveness were fundamental criteria for decision makers, who were also concerned with increasing consistency in care and equitable access to technologies. Committee members often consider evidence that is limited in quantity and quality; however, they perceive evaluations to be rigorous and sufficient for decision making. Precise standards for safety, effective, and cost‐effectiveness could not be identified.

Conclusions

Consideration of new technologies at the state level is grounded in the desire to improve health outcomes and equity of access for patients. High quality evidence is often limited. The impact funding decisions have on population health is unclear due to limited use of cost‐effectiveness analysis and unclear cost‐effectiveness standards.