bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Immediate effects of EVA midsole resilience and upper shoe structure on running biomechanics: a machine learning approach
Authors: Onodera Andrea N. , Gavião Neto Wilson P. , Roveri Maria Isabel , Oliveira Wagner R. , Sacco Isabel CN
Published: February 2017

Background

Resilience of midsole material and the upper structure of the shoe are conceptual characteristics that can interfere in running biomechanics patterns. Artificial intelligence techniques can capture features from the entire waveform, adding new perspective for biomechanical analysis. This study tested the influence of shoe midsole resilience and upper structure on running kinematics and kinetics of non-professional runners by using feature selection, information gain, and artificial neural network analysis.

Methods

Twenty-seven experienced male runners (63 ± 44 km/week run) ran in four-shoe design that combined two resilience-cushioning materials (low and high) and two uppers (minimalist and structured). Kinematic data was acquired by six infrared cameras at 300 Hz, and ground reaction forces were acquired by two force plates at 1,200 Hz. We conducted a Machine Learning analysis to identify features from the complete kinematic and kinetic time series and from 42 discrete variables that had better discriminate the four shoes studied. For that analysis, we built an input data matrix of dimensions 1,080 (10 trials × 4 shoes × 27 subjects) × 1,254 (3 joints × 3 planes of movement × 101 data points + 3 vectors forces × 101 data points + 42 discrete calculated kinetic and kinematic features).

Results

The applied feature selection by information gain and artificial neural networks successfully differentiated the two resilience materials using 200(16%) biomechanical variables with an accuracy of 84.8% by detecting alterations of running biomechanics, and the two upper structures with an accuracy of 93.9%.

Discussion

The discrimination of midsole resilience resulted in lower accuracy levels than did the discrimination of the shoe uppers. In both cases, the ground reaction forces were among the 25 most relevant features. The resilience of the cushioning material caused significant effects on initial heel impact, while the effects of different uppers were distributed along the stance phase of running. Biomechanical changes due to shoe midsole resilience seemed to be subject-dependent, while those due to upper structure seemed to be subject-independent.
Meteorological influence on summertime baroclinic exchange in the Straits of Mackinac
Authors: Anderson Eric J. , Schwab David J.
Published: February 2017

Straits flows can impose a complex hydrodynamic environment with high seasonal variability and significant impacts to nearby water bodies. In the Straits of Mackinac, exchange flow between Lake Michigan and Lake Huron influences water quality and ecological processes, as well as the transport of any contaminants released in or near the straits. Although previous work has shown that a Helmholtz mode is responsible for the barotropic flow oscillations in the straits, baroclinic effects impose opposite surface and subsurface flows during the summer months. In this study, we use observations of currents and water temperatures from instruments deployed in the straits to validate a hydrodynamic model of the combined Lake Michigan‐Huron system and then use the model results to investigate the baroclinic flow and determine the forcing mechanisms that drive exchange flow in the Straits of Mackinac. Analysis shows that although the Helmholtz mode drives a 3 day oscillation throughout the year, thermal stratification in the summer establishes a bidirectional flow that is governed by a shift from regional‐scale to local‐scale meteorological conditions. These results detail the seasonal variability in the straits, including the barotropic and baroclinic contributions to exchange flow and the influence of local atmospheric forcing on transport through the Straits of Mackinac.
Concentrations and cycling of DMS, DMSP, and DMSO in coastal and offshore waters of the Subarctic Pacific during summer, 2010‐2011
Authors: Asher Elizabeth , Dacey John W. , Ianson Debby , Peña Angelica , Tortell Philippe D.
Published: February 2017

Concentrations of dimethylsulfide (DMS), measured in the Subarctic Pacific during summer 2010 and 2011, ranged from ∼1 to 40 nM, while dissolved dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO) concentrations (range 13‐23 nM) exceeded those of dissolved dimethyl sulfoniopropionate (DMSP) (range 1.3–8.8 nM). Particulate DMSP dominated the reduced sulfur pool, reaching maximum concentrations of 100 nM. Coastal and off shore waters exhibited similar overall DMS concentration ranges, but sea‐air DMS fluxes were lower in the oceanic waters due to lower wind speeds. Surface DMS concentrations showed statistically significant correlations with various hydrographic variables including the upwelling intensity (r2 = 0.52, p < 0.001) and the Chlorophyll a/mixed layer depth ratio (r2 = 0.52, p < 0.001), but these relationships provided little predictive power at small scales. Stable isotope tracer experiments indicated that the DMSP cleavage pathway always exceeded the DMSO reduction pathway as a DMS source, leading to at least 85% more DMS production in each experiment. Gross DMS production rates were positively correlated with the upwelling intensity, while net rates of DMS production were significantly correlated to surface water DMS concentrations. This latter result suggests that our measurements captured dominant processes driving surface DMS accumulation across a coastal‐oceanic gradient.
Hydrographic and fish larvae distribution during the “Godzilla El Niño 2015–2016” in the northern end of the shallow oxygen minimum zone of the Eastern Tropical Pacific Ocean
Authors: Sánchez‐Velasco L. , Beier E. , Godínez V. M. , Barton E. D. , Santamaría‐del‐Angel E. , Jiménez‐Rosemberg S. P. A. , Marinone S. G.
Published: February 2017

Based on hydrographic data and vertical distributions of tropical species of fish larvae (Diogenichthys laternatus, Vinciguerria lucetia, Bregmaceros bathymaster, and Auxis spp.), effects of “Godzilla El Niño 2015–2016” in the shallow oxygen minimum zone off Mexico were analyzed. Zooplankton samples were collected during four cruises, before (February 2010 and April 2012) and during (June 2015 and March 2016) the warm event. Temporal series of sea surface temperature revealed that June 2015 was the warmest June of the last years. Conservative temperature was >2°C higher than normal in the surface mixed layer, and the suboxic layer (4.4 µmol/kg) reached as shallow as 100 m depth. Unexpected results were that larval abundances were relatively high during the warm event, unlike zooplankton volumes, which declined. Before the warm event, V. lucetia and Auxis spp. were more abundant in the surface mixed layer, while B. bathymaster and D. laternatus dominated in the thermocline and shallow hypoxic layer (44 µmol/kg). However, during the event in June 2015, all species were most abundant in the surface mixed layer, which implied that the species adapted to hypoxia had inverted their normal pattern of distribution, possibly as consequence of the rise of the suboxic layer; however, further observations are required to confirm this generality. Results showed no dramatic change in the total larval abundance during the warm event. Nevertheless, a differential response in their vertical distribution was evident in association with changes in the depth of the shallow hypoxic and suboxic layers. This might indicate adaptability of tropical species to prolonged periods of warming in the oceans.
Land surface‐precipitation feedback analysis for a landfalling monsoon depression in the Indian region
Authors: Baisya Himadri , Pattnaik Sandeep , Rajesh P. V.
Published: February 2017

A series of numerical experiments are carried out to investigate the sensitivity of a landfalling monsoon depression to land surface conditions using the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) model. Results suggest that precipitation is largely modulated by moisture influx and precipitation efficiency. Three cloud microphysical schemes (WSM6, WDM6, and Morrison) are examined, and Morrison is chosen for assessing the land surface‐precipitation feedback analysis, owing to better precipitation forecast skills. It is found that increased soil moisture facilitates Moisture Flux Convergence (MFC) with reduced moisture influx, whereas a reduced soil moisture condition facilitates moisture influx but not MFC. A higher Moist Static Energy (MSE) is noted due to increased evapotranspiration in an elevated moisture scenario which enhances moist convection. As opposed to moist surface, sensible heat dominates in a reduced moisture scenario, ensued by an overall reduction in MSE throughout the Planetary Boundary Layer (PBL). Stability analysis shows that Convective Available Potential Energy (CAPE) is comparable in magnitude for both increased and decreased moisture scenarios, whereas Convective Inhibition (CIN) shows increased values for the reduced moisture scenario as a consequence of drier atmosphere leading to suppression of convection. Simulations carried out with various fixed soil moisture levels indicate that the overall precipitation features of the storm are characterized by initial soil moisture condition, but precipitation intensity at any instant is modulated by soil moisture availability. Overall results based on this case study suggest that antecedent soil moisture plays a crucial role in modulating precipitation distribution and intensity of a monsoon depression.
From Flatland to Spaceland: Higher Dimensional Patterning with Two‐Dimensional Materials
Authors: Chen Po‐Yen , Liu Muchun , Wang Zhongying , Hurt Robert H. , Wong Ian Y.
Published: February 2017

The creation of three‐dimensional (3D) structures from two‐dimensional (2D) nanomaterial building blocks enables novel chemical, mechanical or physical functionalities that cannot be realized with planar thin films or in bulk materials. Here, we review the use of emerging 2D materials to create complex out‐of‐plane surface topographies and 3D material architectures. We focus on recent approaches that yield periodic textures or patterns, and present four techniques as case studies: (i) wrinkling and crumpling of planar sheets, (ii) encapsulation by crumpled nanosheet shells, (iii) origami folding and kirigami cutting to create programmed curvature, and (iv) 3D printing of 2D material suspensions. Work to date in this field has primarily used graphene and graphene oxide as the 2D building blocks, and we consider how these unconventional approaches may be extended to alternative 2D materials and their heterostructures. Taken together, these emerging patterning and texturing techniques represent an intriguing alternative to conventional materials synthesis and processing methods, and are expected to contribute to the development of new composites, stretchable electronics, energy storage devices, chemical barriers, and biomaterials.
Asymmetric Supercapacitor Electrodes and Devices
Authors: Choudhary Nitin , Li Chao , Moore Julian , Nagaiah Narasimha , Zhai Lei , Jung Yeonwoong , Thomas Jayan
Published: February 2017

The world is recently witnessing an explosive development of novel electronic and optoelectronic devices that demand more‐reliable power sources that combine higher energy density and longer‐term durability. Supercapacitors have become one of the most promising energy‐storage systems, as they present multifold advantages of high power density, fast charging–discharging, and long cyclic stability. However, the intrinsically low energy density inherent to traditional supercapacitors severely limits their widespread applications, triggering researchers to explore new types of supercapacitors with improved performance. Asymmetric supercapacitors (ASCs) assembled using two dissimilar electrode materials offer a distinct advantage of wide operational voltage window, and thereby significantly enhance the energy density. Recent progress made in the field of ASCs is critically reviewed, with the main focus on an extensive survey of the materials developed for ASC electrodes, as well as covering the progress made in the fabrication of ASC devices over the last few decades. Current challenges and a future outlook of the field of ASCs are also discussed.
Mechanically Durable and Flexible Thermoelectric Films from PEDOT:PSS/PVA/Bi0.5Sb1.5Te3 Nanocomposites
Authors: Zhang Ting , Li Kaiwei , Li Chengchao , Ma Shaoyang , Hng Huey Hoon , Wei Lei
Published: February 2017

Advances in organic thermoelectric materials have focused on the enhancement of mechanical property to address the limitations and needs of forming flexible and free‐standing films for the application of flexible/wearable thermoelectric devices. Herein, thermoelectric nanocomposite films are fabricated based on conductive polymer poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene):poly(styrenesulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS), plastic reinforcer polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), and inorganic Bi0.5Sb1.5Te3 thermoelectric nanocrystals with various contents. The resulting PEDOT:PSS/PVA/Bi0.5Sb1.5Te3 nanocomposite films exhibit a power factor of 47.7 µW m−1 K−2 and a ZT value of 0.05 at 300 K. More importantly, they are mechanically tough, yet very flexible with a tensile strength of 79.3 MPa and a fracture strain of 32.4%, which is sufficient to meet the required mechanical properties of textile manufacturing and body movements for flexible thermoelectric films, thus providing a substantial impact on future developments of flexible/wearable energy generation devices.
Beta‐functions of non‐linear σ‐models for disordered and interacting electron systems
Authors: Dell'Anna Luca
Published: February 2017

We provide and study complete sets of one‐loop renormalization group equations of several Finkel'stein non‐linear σ models, the effective field theories describing the diffusive quantum fluctuations in correlated disordered systems. We consider different cases according to the presence of certain symmetries induced by the original random Hamiltonians, and we show that, for interacting systems, the Cartan's classification of symmetry classes is not enough to uniquely determine their scaling behaviors.

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Azahelicenes from the Oxidative Photocyclization of Boron Hydroxamate Complexes
Authors: Murase Takashi , Suto Toru , Suzuki Honoka
Published: February 2017

Aromatic hydroxamic acids (Ar–CO–NOH–Ar′) were used as bidentate chelating ligands to generate the corresponding boron hydroxamate complexes, which were subsequently transformed into nitrogen‐containing helicenes (azahelicenes) using an oxidative photocyclization method that is frequently used for stilbene‐type (Ar–CH=CH–Ar′) precursors of carbohelicenes. The nitrogen atom of the hydroxamate linker was thus directly embedded into the helicene core without using nitrogen‐containing aromatic rings in the stilbene‐type precursors. In a batch photoreaction, aza[4]helicenes were readily and efficiently prepared, but aza[6]helicenes underwent severe decomposition upon irradiation. Alternatively, a continuous flow photoreactor was employed to furnish an amide‐type aza[6]helicene.
Clinical presentation of patients with spontaneous coronary artery dissection
Authors: Luong Christina , Starovoytov Andrew , Heydari Milad , Sedlak Tara , Aymong Eve , Saw Jacqueline
Published: February 2017

Background

Spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD) is an infrequent but important cause of myocardial infarction (MI) especially in younger women. However, the clinical presentation and the acuity of symptoms prompting invasive management in SCAD patients have not been described. Understanding these presenting features may improve SCAD diagnosis and management.

Methods

We reviewed SCAD patients who were prospectively followed at the Vancouver General Hospital SCAD Clinic. Their presenting symptoms and unstable features were obtained from detailed clinical histories and hospital admission documentation. Baseline characteristics, predisposing and precipitating conditions, angiographic findings, management strategies, in‐hospital, and long‐term events were recorded prospectively.

Results

We included 196 SCAD patients who had complete documentation of their presenting symptoms. The majority were women (178/196; 90.8%) and all presented with MI (24.0% STEMI). The most frequent presenting symptom was chest discomfort, reported by 96%. Other symptoms included arm pain (49.5%), neck pain (22.1%), nausea or vomiting (23.4%), diaphoresis (20.9%), dyspnea (19.3%), and back pain (12.2%). Ventricular tachycardia/fibrillation occurred in 8.1% (16/196), with 1.0% having cardiac arrest. The time from symptom onset to hospital presentation was 1.1 ± 3.0 days. NSTEMI patients had longer delay for coronary angiography compared with STEMI (2.0 ± 2.5 days vs. 0.8 ± 1.7 days, P = 0.002). Overall, 34.2% had unstable symptoms upon arrival for coronary angiography. Those with unstable symptoms were more likely to undergo repeat angiography (65.7% vs. 50.4%, P = 0.049), and repeat or unplanned revascularization (14.9% vs. 5.4%, P = 0.033) during acute hospitalization.

Conclusion

Chest discomfort was the most frequent presenting symptom with SCAD and one‐third had unstable symptoms prompting urgent invasive angiography. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Fabrication of a Cu2O/g‐C3N4/WS2 Triple‐Layer Photocathode for Photoelectrochemical Hydrogen Evolution
Authors: Xu Xintian , Liu Yizhe , Zhu Yuanzhi , Fan Xiaobin , Li Yang , Zhang Fengbao , Zhang Guoliang , Peng Wenchao
Published: February 2017

A Cu2O/g‐C3N4/WS2 triple‐layer photocathode was fabricated by using a layer‐by‐layer assembly method for photoelectrochemical hydrogen evolution. Cu2O was electrodeposited on the FTO as the active layer for light harvesting. The chemically inert g‐C3N4 can protect the unstable Cu2O layer and form a p‐n junction with Cu2O to increase the light‐to‐electricity conversion efficiency. Mixed‐phase WS2 nanosheets were obtained through a lithium insertion method and used as an effective hydrogen evolution catalyst for photocurrent‐to‐hydrogen conversion. This photocathode is effective for photoelectrochemical hydrogen evolution, and a photocurrent of −9.5 mA cm−2 at −0.55 V versus RHE (pH 6.0) can be obtained under visible light (λ≥420 nm, 100 mW cm−2).
Photocascade Catalysis: A New Strategy for Cascade Reactions
Authors: Chen Jia‐Rong , Yan Dong‐Mei , Wei Qiang , Xiao Wen‐Jing
Published: February 2017

This Concept article highlights recent advances in the rapidly developing field of visible‐light‐driven, single‐photocatalyst‐promoted photocascade catalysis and its application in the discovery of novel reactivities suitable for cascade reactions. Examples of photocascade catalytic transformations are categorized by the activation modes of substrates and intermediates involved in these processes. It is hoped that this emerging catalysis strategy will enable chemists to develop many more useful, sustainable and sophisticated cascade synthetic transformations in the near future.
Asymmetric Chemoenzymatic Reductive Acylation of Ketones by a Combined Iron‐Catalyzed Hydrogenation–Racemization and Enzymatic Resolution Cascade
Authors: El‐Sepelgy Osama , Brzozowska Aleksandra , Rueping Magnus
Published: February 2017

A general and practical process for the conversion of prochiral ketones into the corresponding chiral acetates has been realized. An iron carbonyl complex is reported to catalyze the hydrogenation–dehydrogenation–hydrogenation of prochiral ketones. By merging the iron‐catalyzed redox reactions with enantioselective enzymatic acylations a wide range of benzylic, aliphatic and (hetero)aromatic ketones, as well as diketones, were reductively acylated. The corresponding products were isolated with high yields and enantioselectivities. The use of an iron catalyst together with molecular hydrogen as the hydrogen donor and readily available ethyl acetate as acyl donor make this cascade process highly interesting in terms of both economic value and environmental credentials.
Grazing increases evapotranspiration without the cost of lowering soil water storages in arid ecosystems
Authors: Pereyra Daniel A. , Bucci Sandra J. , Arias Nadia S. , Ciano Nicolás , Cristiano Piedad M. , Goldstein Guillermo , Scholz Fabián G.
Published: February 2017

Grazing is the predominant land use practice in arid environments; however, there are relatively few studies of grazing effects on ecosystem functioning. We assessed the impact of grazing on soil moisture, evapotranspiration (ET), canopy conductance (Gc), and root water uptake in the Patagonian steppe. Studies were done in 3 sites along a gradient of grazing intensity. High grazing intensity increased the soil water storage by 24% and decreased the amount of water extracted from deep layers compared to the low grazing intensity. Grazing affected ET and its partitioning into transpiration (T) and evaporation. High shrub cover and Gc increased ET and T or ET partitioning in the heavily grazed site. Annual ET increased from 78% to 92% of the annual precipitation from the lowest to the highest grazing intensity, respectively. Total T was 21% higher in the highest intensity site compared to the lowest intensity site. Changes in Gc suggest that grazing modified the canopy architecture, and thus the response of vegetation to environmental factors. At the beginning of the growing season when moisture was high, Gc exhibited the highest value in the heavily grazed site, but a strong regulation of water losses was observed under drier conditions. This study emphasizes the need to assess simultaneously multiple factors for understanding regulatory mechanisms of grazing effects on hydrological processes. From a sustainable management point of view, we suggest that increasing the number of water sources, and thus spreading the sheep in a paddock, can enhance the stocking rate while maintaining soil water storage.
Randomized controlled trial of abdominal binders for postoperative pain, distress, and blood loss after cesarean delivery
Authors: Ghana Samieh , Hakimi Sevil , Mirghafourvand Mojgan , Abbasalizadeh Fatemeh , Behnampour Nasser
Published: February 2017

Objective

To assess the effect of using abdominal binders on pain, distress, and postpartum hemorrhage after cesarean delivery.

Methods

The present prospective randomized controlled trial enrolled patients undergoing non‐emergency cesarean deliveries in Gonbad‐e Kavus, Golestan Province, Iran, between January 22 and October 23, 2015. Patients were randomized in a 1:1 ratio by blocks of four or six to a control group or to use an abdominal binder after delivery; all patients received routine care. The primary outcomes were visual analog scale‐assessed pain, symptom distress scale (SDS)‐assessed distress, and hemoglobin and hematocrit levels. Participants and researchers were masked to treatment assignments until after cesarean delivery, and data analysis was unmasked; intention‐to‐treat analyses were performed.

Results

There were 89 patients enrolled in each group, with no differences in baseline pain scores, SDS scores, and hemoglobin and hematocrit levels between the groups (all P>0.05). Pain and SDS scores were lower in the binder group at all post‐baseline time points compared with the control group (all P<0.001). Hemoglobin and hematocrit levels were higher among patients who received binders 36 hours after baseline (both P<0.001). There was one patient who experienced hemorrhage in the binders group and one patient requested removal of their binder.

Conclusion

Patients who received abdominal binders reported less pain, lower SDS scores, and higher hemoglobin and hematocrit levels following cesarean delivery.

Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials

IRCT2015042521917N2
Inflammatory Bowel Disease in a Rodent Model Alters Osteocyte Protein Levels Controlling Bone Turnover
Authors: Metzger Corinne E , Narayanan Anand , Zawieja David C , Bloomfield Susan A
Published: February 2017

Bone loss is a common comorbidity of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), leading to elevated fracture risk in these patients. Inflammatory factors associated with IBD cause increased bone resorption and decreased bone formation with multiple factors implicated as instigators of these alterations. In this project, we examined the influence of IBD on osteocyte proteins in male rats (2 months old) divided into two groups: induced gut inflammation via 2,4,6-trinitrobenzenesulfonic acid (TNBS) enema, and vehicle control. We examined the prevalence of two pro-inflammatory cytokines, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin-6 (IL-6), an anti-inflammatory cytokine, interleukin-10 (IL-10), the anabolic factor insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I), osteoclastogenesis regulators RANKL and OPG, and the bone formation inhibitor sclerostin in osteocytes in three bone compartments 4 weeks after initiation of gut inflammation. Histomorphometry of the proximal tibia and fourth lumbar vertebra revealed lower bone volume, lower bone formation rate (BFR), lower osteoid surface (OS), and higher osteoclast surface (Oc.S) with TNBS. Tibial mid-shaft periosteal BFR was also lower with TNBS. Immunohistochemical staining of the distal femur demonstrated that %TNF-α+, %IL-6+, %RANKL+, and %OPG+ osteocytes were elevated in cancellous bone in TNBS animals compared to vehicle. These changes were coincident with increased bone resorption. With regression analysis, %RANKL+ osteocytes statistically predicted the increase in cancellous Oc.S (R2 = 0.565). Increased %sclerostin+ osteocytes observed in the TNBS treatment predicted declines in cancellous OS (R2 = 0.581) as well as BFR in cancellous and cortical bone (R2 = 0.674, R2 = 0.908, respectively). Contrary to our hypothesis, %IGF-I+ osteocytes increased in TNBS animals. In conclusion, the IBD model produced a systemic inflammation that altered the regulatory protein profile in osteocytes that control bone resorption and bone formation, likely contributing to IBD-induced bone loss. These data highlight a potential mechanistic role of osteocytes in inflammatory bone loss associated with IBD and systemic inflammation. © 2017 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Spinal Loading Patterns From Biomechanical Modeling Explain the High Incidence of Vertebral Fractures in the Thoracolumbar Region
Authors: Bruno Alexander G , Burkhart Katelyn , Allaire Brett , Anderson Dennis E , Bouxsein Mary L
Published: February 2017

Vertebral fractures occur most frequently in the mid‐thoracic and thoracolumbar regions of the spine, yet the reasons for this site‐specific occurrence are not known. Our working hypothesis is that the locations of vertebral fracture may be explained by the pattern of spine loading, such that during daily activities the mid‐thoracic and thoracolumbar regions experience preferentially higher mechanical loading compared to other spine regions. To test this hypothesis, we used a female musculoskeletal model of the full thoracolumbar spine and rib cage to estimate the variation in vertebral compressive loads and associated factor‐of‐risk (load‐to‐strength ratio) throughout the spine for 119 activities of daily living, while also parametrically varying spine curvature (high, average, low, and zero thoracic kyphosis models). We found that nearly all activities produced loading peaks in the thoracolumbar and lower lumbar regions of the spine, but that the highest factor‐of‐risk values generally occurred in the thoracolumbar region of the spine because these vertebrae had lower compressive strength than vertebrae in the lumbar spine. The peaks in compressive loading and factor‐of‐risk in the thoracolumbar region were accentuated by increasing thoracic kyphosis. Activation of the multifidus muscle fascicles selectively in the thoracolumbar region appeared to be the main contributor to the relatively high vertebral compressive loading in the thoracolumbar spine. In summary, by using advanced musculoskeletal modeling to estimate vertebral loading throughout the spine, this study provides a biomechanical mechanism for the higher incidence of fractures in thoracolumbar vertebrae compared to other spinal regions. © 2017 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Alterations to the Gut Microbiome Impair Bone Strength and Tissue Material Properties
Authors: Guss Jason D , Horsfield Michael W , Fontenele Fernanda F , Sandoval Taylor N , Luna Marysol , Apoorva Fnu , Lima Svetlana F , Bicalho Rodrigo C , Singh Ankur , Ley Ruth E , van der Meulen Marjolein CH , Goldring Steven R , Hernandez Christopher J
Published: February 2017

Alterations in the gut microbiome have been associated with changes in bone mass and microstructure, but the effects of the microbiome on bone biomechanical properties are not known. Here we examined bone strength under two conditions of altered microbiota: (1) an inbred mouse strain known to develop an altered gut microbiome due to deficits in the immune system (the Toll‐like receptor 5–deficient mouse [TLR5KO]); and (2) disruption of the gut microbiota (ΔMicrobiota) through chronic treatment with selected antibiotics (ampicillin and neomycin). The bone phenotypes of TLR5KO and WT (C57Bl/6) mice were examined after disruption of the microbiota from 4 weeks to 16 weeks of age as well as without treatment (n = 7 to 16/group, 39 animals total). Femur bending strength was less in ΔMicrobiota mice than in untreated animals and the reduction in strength was not fully explained by differences in bone cross‐sectional geometry, implicating impaired bone tissue material properties. Small differences in whole‐bone bending strength were observed between WT and TLR5KO mice after accounting for differences in bone morphology. No differences in trabecular bone volume fraction were associated with genotype or disruption of gut microbiota. Treatment altered the gut microbiota by depleting organisms from the phyla Bacteroidetes and enriching for Proteobacteria, as determined from sequencing of fecal 16S rRNA genes. Differences in splenic immune cell populations were also observed; B and T cell populations were depleted in TLR5KO mice and in ΔMicrobiota mice (p < 0.001), suggesting an association between alterations in bone tissue material properties and immune cell populations. We conclude that alterations in the gut microbiota for extended periods during growth may lead to impaired whole‐bone mechanical properties in ways that are not explained by bone geometry. © 2017 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Effect of beta‐adrenergic blockade with carvedilol on cachexia in severe chronic heart failure: results from the COPERNICUS trial
Authors: Clark Andrew L. , Coats Andrew J.S. , Krum Henry , Katus Hugo A. , Mohacsi Paul , Salekin Damien , Schultz Melissa K. , Packer Milton , Anker Stefan D.
Published: February 2017

Background

Cardiac cachexia frequently accompanies the progression of heart failure despite the use of effective therapies for left ventricular dysfunction. Activation of the sympathetic nervous system has been implicated in the pathogenesis of weight loss, but the effects of sympathetic antagonism on cachexia are not well defined.

Methods

We prospectively evaluated changes in body weight in 2289 patients with heart failure who had dyspnoea at rest or on minimal exertion and a left ventricular ejection fraction <25%. Patients were randomly assigned (double‐blind) to receive either placebo (n = 1133) or carvedilol (n = 1156) and were followed for the occurrence of major clinical events for up to 29 months (COPERNICUS trial). Patients were not enrolled if they had signs of clinically significant fluid retention due to heart failure.

Results

Patients in the carvedilol group were 33% less likely than patients in the placebo group to experience a further significant loss of weight (>6%) (95% confidence interval: 14–48%, P = 0.002) and were 37% more likely to experience a significant gain in weight (≥5%) (95% confidence interval: 12–66%, P = 0.002). Carvedilol's ability to prevent weight loss was most marked in patients with increased body mass index at baseline, whereas its ability to promote weight gain was most marked in patients with decreased body mass index at baseline. Increases in weight were not accompanied by evidence of fluid retention. Baseline values for body mass index and change in body weight were significant predictors of survival regardless of treatment.

Conclusions

Carvedilol attenuated the development and promoted a partial reversal of cachexia in patients with severe chronic heart failure, supporting a role for prolonged sympathetic activation in the genesis of weight loss.
Purification of adenoviral vector serotype 5 for gene therapy against alcoholism using anion exchange chromatography
Authors: Lucero Alicia T , Mercado Sergio A , Sánchez Anamaría C , Contador Carolina A , Andrews Barbara A , Asenjo Juan A
Published: February 2017

BACKGROUND

Gene therapy is a potent alternative for long‐lasting inhibition of alcohol consumption. This study compares the purification of a recombinant adenoviral vector serotype 5 (rAdV5) for use in gene therapy against alcoholism using two anion‐exchange methods.

RESULTS

Two anion‐exchange chromatography methods using fast protein liquid chromatography were compared using a packed‐bed column (Q‐Sepharose™ XL) and two monolithic columns (CIM™ QA‐1 and CIM™ DEAE‐1). An improved and reproducible separation of recombinant adenovirus type 5 from cell lysate contaminants was achieved using the two strong anion‐exchange columns in a two‐step gradient chromatography. Higher adenovirus yields were achieved using the CIM QA‐1 tube monolithic column at sample volumes of both 1 and 10 mL compared with the Q‐Sepharose XL column. At higher flow rates, the CIM QA‐1 tube monolithic column achieved better separation of the target fraction. Process recovery was improved from 28% using the Q‐Sepharose XL column to 34% with the CIM QA‐1 tube monolithic column quantified as vector genome. Analysis by SDS‐PAGE demonstrated a purity of 70% for purified adenovirus using the CIM QA‐1 tube monolithic column.

CONCLUSION

This study indicated that the use of a CIM QA‐1 tube monolithic column is a better alternative than Q‐Sepharose XL, and CIM DEAE‐1 tube monolithic columns for the primary purification process of rAdV5 carrying the human aldehyde dehydrogenase‐2 antisense gene. This purification strategy has been used as a basis to scale‐up a GLP process for the production of material at the National Research Council of Canada to be used in preclinical trials of this gene therapy against alcoholism. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
Effects of shear rate, photoautotrophy and photoheterotrophy on production of biomass and pigments by Chlorella vulgaris
Authors: Benavente‐Valdés Juan Roberto , Méndez‐Zavala Alejandro , Morales‐Oyervides Lourdes , Chisti Yusuf , Montañez Julio
Published: February 2017

BACKGROUND

This work compared the production of Chlorella vulgaris biomass and pigments (chlorophylls and carotenoids) in photoautotrophic, photoheterotrophic and two‐stage photoheterotrophic–photoautotrophic cultures in two types of photobioreactors, a flat‐panel airlift (FPA) and a conventional stirred tank (STR) system.

RESULTS

The biomass and pigments productivities of photoheterotrophic and photoheterotrophic–photoautotrophic cultures were much greater than the productivity of photoautotrophic culture in the FPA. The 3.9‐fold higher average shear rate values in the FPA relative to the STR affected the size of the algal cells, but not the final biomass concentration. The two‐stage photoheterotrophic–photoautotrophic culture in the FPA had nearly 48% higher biomass productivity than the photoheterotrophic culture in the same device but offered no advantage in terms of production of the pigments.

CONCLUSIONS

The FPA and the STR offer very different culture environments which affect an algal culture; a two‐stage culture was more productive in biomass than a photoautotrophic culture but not for pigments production. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
Continuous gas phase catalytic transformation of levulinic acid to γ‐valerolactone over supported Au catalysts
Authors: Mustafin Kamil , Cárdenas‐Lizana Fernando , Keane Mark A
Published: February 2017

BACKGROUND

γ‐Valerolactone (GVL) is a high value chemical obtained from hydrogenation of bio‐derived levulinic acid (LA). Work to date has focused on batch pressurised catalytic systems where high GVL yield is challenging. In this work, the role of support redox and acidity properties is examined in the continuous gas phase hydrogenation of aqueous LA at ambient pressure over gold on Al2O3, CeO2 and TiO2; Pd/Al2O3 served as a benchmark in catalyst tests.

RESULTS

100% GVL yield was achieved under stoichiometric conditions (inlet H2/LA = 1) over supported Au (mean size = 3.0–4.3 nm). Greater catalytic activity was recorded for Au on reducible TiO2 and CeO2. Under the same reaction conditions, Pd/Al2O3 delivered higher LA consumption rates but promoted formation of pentanoic acid.

CONCLUSIONS

GVL formation proceeds via 4‐hydroxypentanoic as reactive intermediate. Surface oxygen vacancies (confirmed by O2 titration) formed during temperature programmed reduction of reducible oxides activate LA for reaction. Greater GVL productivity (with full hydrogen utilisation) is demonstrated in this work relative to state‐of‐the art supported Pd and Ru catalysts. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
Classification of Regular Embeddings of Complete Multipartite Graphs
Authors: Kwon Young Soo
Published: February 2017

A 2‐cell embedding of a graph Γ into a closed (orientable or nonorientable) surface is called regular if its automorphism group acts regularly on the flags. In this article, we classify the regular embeddings of the complete multipartite graph . We show that if the number of partite sets is greater than 3, there exists no such embedding; and if the number of partite sets is 3, for any n, there exist one orientable regular embedding and one nonorientable regular embedding of up to isomorphism.
miR‐483 targets SMAD4 to suppress chondrogenic differentiation of human mesenchymal stem cells
Authors: Anderson Britta A. , McAlinden Audrey
Published: February 2017

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) can regulate cellular differentiation processes by modulating multiple pathways simultaneously. Previous studies to analyze in vivo miRNA expression patterns in developing human limb cartilage tissue identified significant downregulation of miR‐483 in hypertrophic chondrocytes relative to proliferating and differentiated chondrocytes. To test the function of miR‐483 during chondrogenesis, lentiviral strategies were used to overexpress miR‐483 during in vitro chondrogenesis of human bone marrow‐derived mesenchymal stem cells (hBM‐MSCs). While the in vivo expression patterns led us to hypothesize that miR‐483 may enhance chondrogenesis or suppress hypertrophic marker expression, surprisingly, miR‐483 overexpression reduced chondrocyte gene expression and cartilage matrix production. In addition, cell death was induced at later stages of the chondrogenesis assay. Mechanistic studies revealed that miR‐483 overexpression resulted in downregulation of the TGF‐β pathway member SMAD4, a known direct target of miR‐483‐3p. From these studies, we conclude that constitutive overexpression of miR‐483 in hBM‐MSCs inhibits chondrogenesis of these cells and does not represent an effective strategy to attempt to enhance chondrocyte differentiation and anabolism in this system in vitro. © 2017 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 35:2369–2377, 2017.
Simultaneous determination of 13 carbohydrates using high‐performance anion‐exchange chromatography coupled with pulsed amperometric detection and mass spectrometry
Authors: Zhao Dan , Feng Feng , Yuan Fei , Su Jin , Cheng Yan , Wu Hanqiu , Song Kun , Nie Bo , Yu Lian , Zhang Feng
Published: February 2017

A simple, accurate, and highly sensitive method was developed for the determination of 13 carbohydrates in polysaccharide of Spirulina platensis based on high‐performance anion‐exchange chromatography coupled with pulsed amperometric detection and mass spectrometry. Samples were extracted with deionized water using ultrasonic‐assisted extraction, and the ultrasound‐assisted extraction conditions were optimized by Box–Behnken design. Then the extracted polysaccharide was hydrolyzed by adding 1 mol/L trifluoroacetic acid before determination by high‐performance anion‐exchange chromatography coupled with pulsed amperometric detection and confirmed by high‐performance anion‐exchange chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry. The high‐performance anion‐exchange chromatography coupled with pulsed amperometric detection method was performed on a CarboPac PA20 column by gradient elution using deionized water, 0.1 mol/L sodium hydroxide solution, and 0.4 mol/L sodium acetate solution. Excellent linearity was observed in the range of 0.05–10 mg/L. The average recoveries ranged from 80.7 to 121.7%. The limits of detection and limits of quantification for 13 carbohydrates were 0.02–0.10 and 0.2–1.2  μg/kg, respectively. The developed method has been successfully applied to ambient samples, and the results indicated that high‐performance anion‐exchange chromatography coupled with pulsed amperometric detection and mass spectrometry could provide a rapid and accurate method for the simultaneous determination of carbohydrates.
Parallel radiofrequency transmission at 3 tesla to improve safety in bilateral implanted wires in a heterogeneous model
Authors: McElcheran Clare E. , Yang Benson , Anderson Kevan J.T. , Golestanirad Laleh , Graham Simon J.
Published: February 2017

Purpose

Elongated implanted conductors can interact with the radiofrequency (RF) transmission field during MRI, posing safety concerns of excessive heating in patients with deep brain stimulators. A technique using parallel RF transmission (pTx) is evaluated on an anthropomorphic heterogeneous model with bilateral and unilateral curved wires.

Methods

Amplitude and phase were optimized by simulation to minimize heating surrounding the implanted wires and to minimize
inhomogeneity for four‐channel and eight‐channel pTx in a heterogeneous model. MRI experiments were conducted in an equivalent test phantom created from a common digital mesh file.

Results

In four‐channel pTx, maximum local specific absorption rate (SAR) was reduced in both unilateral and bilateral wires by 47% and 59%, respectively, but with compromised
homogeneity. Optimized eight‐channel pTx substantially reduced local SAR compared with birdcage coil RF excitation in both unilateral and bilateral wires (reduction of maximum local SAR of 79% and 87%, respectively).
inhomogeneity was limited to 17% and 26%, respectively. Experimental validation with four‐channel pTx showed 80% and 92% temperature reduction at the tips of wire 1 and wire 2, respectively.

Conclusion

This pTx approach yields promising reductions in local SAR at the tips of unilateral and bilateral implanted wires while maintaining image quality in simulation and experiment. Magn Reson Med 78:2408–2415, 2017. © 2017 International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine.
Versatile Two‐Step Functionalization of Nanocarbons: Grafting of Propargylic Groups and Click Post‐Functionalization
Authors: Desmecht Antonin , Hermans Sophie , Riant Olivier
Published: February 2017

Chemical functionalization of nanocarbons is essential for further applications in various fields. We developed a facile, inexpensive, and gram‐scale one‐pot route towards alkynyl‐functionalized nanocarbons. Nucleophilic addition/propargylic capture places alkyne moieties at the surface of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and graphene. Thermogravimetric analysis coupled with mass spectrometry and Raman analysis confirmed the efficiency of this process. Conductivity measurements demonstrated the maintenance of the CNT electrical properties. The attached alkynyl moieties were reacted with various azide derivatives through the click‐Huisgen [3+2] cycloaddition and characterized with XPS. The efficient addition of those derivatives enables the application of our finding in various fields. This route is a reliable and convenient alternative to the known diazonium functionalization and oxidation‐esterification reactions to graft alkyne groups.
GOLD report on the diagnosis and management of COPD
Authors: Mayor Susan
Published: February 2017

The new Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD) report on the prevention, diagnosis and management of COPD advises using inhaled steroids less frequently than in current practice. This article summarises the main recommendations of the report and the implications for GPs.
Deprescribing: reducing inappropriate polypharmacy
Authors: Dowden Angela
Published: February 2017

Inappropriate prescribing and polypharmacy, particularly in elderly patients, is associated with increased risk of falls, hospital admissions and death. Deprescribing has the potential to reduce these risks and has been advocated in several recent guidelines. But how can this be achieved safely and effectively?
Crisis Rhetoric, Stigma Play: The Contested Status of Humanities Majors on an Elite University Campus
Authors: Lewis Clara S.
Published: February 2017

This article extends symbolic interactionist thought on authenticity and stigma allure into the context of higher education in the United States where the status of the humanities is contested. Our abductive analysis of twenty‐nine, semistructured interviews with undergraduates at an elite university reveals that selecting a humanities major has social costs. Yet the students who opt into these majors renegotiate ideologies, practices, and resources in ways that generate meaningful educational experiences. Navigating these problematic situations in which status is threatened enables the social production and personal aesthetic experience of authenticity. These findings add a new evidentiary basis to theory on stigma allure and, in doing so, demonstrate that when rhetorics of crisis collide with the late modern quest for authenticity voluntary stigma can become a powerful, if also unwieldy, resource.
In Vivo Plantar Pressures in Adult-Acquired Flatfoot Compared to Control Using an Intraoperative Pedobarographic Device
Authors: MacMahon Aoife , Hillstrom Howard J. , Do Huong T. , Chan Jeremy Y. , Deland Jonathan T. , Ellis Scott J.
Published: February 2017

Background

Intraoperative pedobarography has the potential to aid surgical decisions, but no parameters exist to guide its use.

Questions/Purposes

This study compared supine plantar pressures between flatfoot patients and controls using a previously validated intraoperative pedobarographic device and examined associations between supine, walking, and standing plantar pressures.

Methods

Ten preoperative patients with stage II adult-acquired flatfoot deformity (AAFD) were compared to ten healthy controls. Supine plantar pressures were assessed using the pedobarographic device. Standing and walking plantar pressures were assessed with an EMED-XT sensor array (Novel). Maximum force (MF) and peak pressure (PP) were calculated for nine anatomical foot regions adjusting for age and BMI.

Results

No differences in plantar pressures were found between flatfoot patients and controls in the supine or standing positions. During walking, flatfoot patients had greater MF of the first, second, and third metatarsals ( p ≤ 0.018) and greater PP of the first and second metatarsals than controls ( p ≤ 0.010). Supine MF and PP were both strongly positively correlated with their respective pressure measurements for both standing and walking in multiple foot regions ( p ≤ 0.05, all analyses). Correlations in the first metatarsal region were generally weak and not statistically significant.

Conclusion

This device did not show differences in supine plantar pressures of flatfoot patients and healthy subjects, highlighting the limitations of intraoperative devices in guiding flatfoot correction. The differences between flatfoot and controls during walking and the correlations between supine and walking conditions suggest that dynamic plantar pressures are a more useful parameter in guiding flatfoot reconstruction.