bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Difference in reproductive mode rather than ploidy explains niche differentiation in sympatric sexual and apomictic populations ofPotentilla puberula
Authors: Alonso‐Marcos Henar , Nardi Flavia Domizia , Scheffknecht Susanne , Tribsch Andreas , Hülber Karl , Dobeš Christoph
Published: March 2019

Apomicts tend to have larger geographical distributional ranges and to occur in ecologically more extreme environments than their sexual progenitors. However, the expression of apomixis is typically linked to polyploidy. Thus, it is a priori not clear whether intrinsic effects related to the change in the reproductive mode or rather in the ploidy drive ecological differentiation. We used sympatric sexual and apomictic populations ofPotentilla puberulato test for ecological differentiation. To distinguish the effects of reproductive mode and ploidy on the ecology of cytotypes, we compared the niches (a) of sexuals (tetraploids) and autopolyploid apomicts (penta‐, hepta‐, and octoploids) and (b) of the three apomictic cytotypes. We based comparisons on a ploidy screen of 238 populations along a latitudinal transect through the Eastern European Alps and associated bioclimatic, and soil and topographic data. Sexual tetraploids preferred primary habitats at drier, steeper, more south‐oriented slopes, while apomicts mostly occurred in human‐made habitats with higher water availability. Contrariwise, we found no or only marginal ecological differentiation among the apomictic higher ploids. Based on the pronounced ecological differences found between sexuals and apomicts, in addition to the lack of niche differentiation among cytotypes of the same reproductive mode, we conclude that reproductive mode rather than ploidy is the main driver of the observed differences. Moreover, we compared our system with others from the literature, to stress the importance of identifying alternative confounding effects (such as hybrid origin). Finally, we underline the relevance of studying ecological parthenogenesis in sympatry, to minimize the effects of differential migration abilities.
Dominance network analysis provides a new framework for studying the diversity–stability relationship
Authors: Ma Zhanshan (Sam) , Ellison Aaron M.
Published: March 2019

The diversity–stability relationship is a long‐standing, central focus of community ecology. Two major challenges have impeded studies of the diversity–stability relationship (DSR): the difficulty in obtaining high‐quality longitudinal data sets; and the lack of a general theoretical framework that can encompass the enormous complexity inherent in “diversity,” “stability,” and their many interactions. Metagenomic “Big Data” now provide high quality longitudinal data sets, and the human microbiome project (HMP) offers an unprecedented opportunity to reinvigorate investigations of DSRs. We introduce a new framework for exploring DSRs that has three parts: (1) a cross‐scale measure of dominance with a simple mathematical form that can be applied simultaneously to individual species and entire communities and can be used to construct species dominance networks (SDNs); (2) analysis of SDNs based on special trio motifs, core‐periphery, rich‐club, and nested structures, and high salience skeletons; and (3) a synthesis of coarse‐scale core/periphery/community‐level stability modeling with fine‐scale analysis of SDNs that further reveals the stability properties of the community structures. We apply this new approach to data from the human vaginal microbiome of the HMP, simultaneously illustrating its utility in developing and testing theories of diversity and stability while providing new insights into the underlying ecology and etiology of a human microbiome‐associated disease.
Synthesis of ABC‐Type 22‐Oxacorroles Bearing Three Different Five‐Membered Heterocycles at the meso Positions
Authors: Umasekhar Booruga , Thorat Kishor G. , Ravikanth Mangalampalli
Published: March 2019

The acid‐catalyzed [3+2] condensation of appropriate tripyrrane and dipyrromethane yields first examples of two novel ABC type 22‐oxacorroles containing three different types of five‐membered heterocycles such as pyrrole, thiophene, and furan at three meso‐positions in 8–12 % yields. The two 22‐oxacorroles were characterized by HR‐MS, 1D & 2D NMR spectroscopy, absorption, fluorescence, electrochemical and DFT studies. The absorption maxima and quantum yields of the oxacorroles were found to be dependent on the relative positions of meso‐heteroaryl substituents and absorption bands appeared in the region of 410–660 with low quantum yields (0.08–0.14). The electrochemical and DFT studies reveal that the redox properties of 22‐oxacorroles were significantly altered by replacing six‐membered meso‐aryl groups with three different heterocycles. The meso‐heteroaryl substituents such as furyl, pyrrolyl and thienyl groups were aligned with respect to the plane of macrocycles with varying degrees of dihedral angles.
Freestanding 1D Hierarchical Porous Fe‐N‐Doped Carbon Nanofibers as Efficient Oxygen Reduction Catalysts for Zn–Air Batteries
Authors: Wu Mengchen , Li Congling , Liu Rui
Published: March 2019

High‐performance nonprecious metal‐doped 1D carbon catalysts for oxygen reduction reactions (ORR) are viable candidates in lieu of platinum‐based catalysts. Hierarchical porous Fe‐N‐doped carbon nanofibers (Fe‐NHCFs) are fabricated via carbonization of MOF nanofibers with a specific surface area of 294 m2 g−1 and inherent hierarchical porosity. Benefiting from the Fe‐N doping‐induced active sites, unique hierarchical porosity, and 1D honeycomb conductive networks to facilitate electron transfer, the freestanding Fe‐NHCFs confer a current density (5.2 mA cm−2) at 0.70 V (vs reversible hydrogen electrode), comparable with the commercial 20 wt% Pt/C (5 mA cm−2) in alkaline medium. Especially, the parallel characteristics with Pt/C is acquired in an assembled Zn–air battery, which deliver a discharge current density of 90 mA cm−2 and an output peak power density of 61 mW cm−2. This simple synthesis strategy would leverage a new geometry for tailored utility of active sites for ORR in a 1D carbon framework.
Challenges of Citizen Participation in Infrastructure Policy‐Making in Multi‐Level Systems—The Case of Onshore Wind Energy Expansion in Germany
Authors: Fraune Cornelia , Knodt Michèle
Published: March 2019

The German Energy Transition is one of the most important and largest infrastructure projects and one of the most significant challenges to German policy‐making. Empirical studies provide evidence for the notion that participation in the decision making process shapes local acceptance of renewable energy technology expansion. In the context of the German Energy Transition, the emphasis on participation in decision making processes seems to involve a paradox. Many different participatory measures have been implemented but many renewable energy projects do not reach a decent level of acceptability. In utilizing the concept of throughput legitimacy, we show that a major threat to legitimacy lies in the incoherent way conventional and unconventional forms of citizen participation are implemented at different scales. According to our analysis, the main challenges are to enable multi‐level participation and to transfer deliberative outcome to the representative system. In referring to innovative democratic procedures in Brazil, we present characteristics and features of participatory measures that may solve these challenges.
The Differentiated Implementation of European Participation Rules in Energy Infrastructure Planning. Why Does the German Participation Regime Exceed European Requirements?
Authors: Fink Simon , Ruffing Eva
Published: March 2019

The building of electricity grids is a major challenge of infrastructure planning. According to Directive 2009/72/EU, “ten‐year network development plans” outline which grids are to be built. Regulatory agencies have to consult “actual or potential system users” on these plans. However, Germany exceeds these requirements and conducts three rounds of full‐fledged public participation. Using rational choice and sociological institutionalism, this article argues that the over‐implementation of Directive 2009/72/EU is due to two causes: First, the old German corporatist system of grid planning was dysfunctional. Second, there was a major discourse on public participation following the contentious railway project “Stuttgart 21.” The domestic implementation of Directive 2009/72/EU then opened a window of opportunity for advocates of public participation to implement their preferences. A comparison with France corroborates the argument that both conditions must be fulfilled to cause a major reform.
Metabolism‐induced tumor activator 1 (MITA1), an Energy Stress–Inducible Long Noncoding RNA, Promotes Hepatocellular Carcinoma Metastasis
Authors: Ma Meilin , Xu Haixia , Liu Geng , Wu Jing , Li Chunhua , Wang Xiuxuan , Zhang Sifan , Xu Heng , Ju Shenggen , Cheng Wei , Dai Lunzhi , Wei Yuquan , Tian Yan , Fu Xianghui
Published: March 2019

Metastasis is the main cause of cancer‐related death, yet the underlying mechanisms are still poorly understood. Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) are emerging as crucial regulators of malignancies; however, their functions in tumor metastasis remain largely unexplored. In this study, we identify a lncRNA, termed metabolism‐induced tumor activator 1 (MITA1), which is up‐regulated in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and contributes to metastasis. MITA1, a chromatin‐enriched lncRNA discovered by our nuclear RNA sequencing, is significantly induced by energy stress. This induction of MITA1 is governed by the liver kinase B1–adenosine monophosphate‐activated protein kinase (LKB1‐AMPK) pathway and DNA methylation. Knockdown of MITA1 dramatically inhibits the migration and invasion of liver cancer cells in vitro and HCC metastasis in vivo. Mechanistically, MITA1 promotes the epithelial–mesenchymal transition, an early and central step of metastasis, which may partly attribute to an increase in Slug (snail family zinc finger 2) transcription. MITA1 deficiency reduces the expression of the mesenchymal cell markers, especially Slug, whereas Slug overexpression greatly impairs the effects of MITA1 deficiency on HCC migration and invasion. Correspondingly, there is a positive correlation between the levels of MITA1 and Slug precursors in HCC tissues. Conclusion: Our data reveal MITA1 as a crucial driver of HCC metastasis, and highlight the identified AMPK‐MITA1‐Slug axis as a potential therapeutic strategy for HCC.
First Synthesis of Highly Chemiluminescent Benzo[b]furan‐2(3H)‐ones Bearing a Urea Substructure
Authors: Krieg Reimar , Hoffmann Birgit , Weiß Dieter , Biskup Christoph
Published: March 2019

A series of benzo[b]furan‐2(3H)‐ones (coumaran‐2‐ones) bearing a urea substructure, namely derivatives of 3‐(aminocarbonylamino)benzo[b]furan‐2(3H)‐one, was prepared for the first time. The accessibility of these compounds through an electrophilic α‐amidoalkylation approach of phenols (Tscherniac–Einhorn reaction) in the key step as well as the chemiluminescence (CL) properties of the desired compounds are strongly dependent on the substitution patterns at the urea moiety. Competing reaction pathways are discussed and an improved one pot synthetical approach of also general interest is presented. In conclusion, especially N,N‐dialkylaminocarbonylamino‐derivatives of benzo[b]furan‐2(3H)‐ones exhibit a strong flash like blue CL upon treatment with bases such as 1,8‐diazabicyclo[5.4.0]undec‐7‐ene (DBU) in the presence of oxygen or hydrogen peroxide. Comparative physico‐chemical investigations revealed that novel compounds outperform their urethane‐analogues in terms of CL‐intensity and the speed of the decay making them potentially useful as new tools for CL‐based applications on the short time scale.
The double‐edged sword of coaching: Relationships between managers' coaching and their feelings of personal accomplishment and role overload
Authors: She Zhuolin , Li Bingqing , Li Quan , London Manuel , Yang Baiyin
Published: March 2019

Attention to the effects of managerial coaching usually focuses on subordinates. However, knowledge of the impact of coaching on the coaches is limited. Drawing upon conservation of resources theory, this study examined the extent to which coaching has benefits and costs for managers who spend time and energy coaching their subordinates. Structural equation modeling results from a multisource, time‐lagged survey showed that managerial coaching rated by team members affected managers' self‐ratings of job attitudes through a dual‐path model. Managerial coaching was positively related to managers' personal accomplishment, which had a subsequent positive effect on their job satisfaction. However, coaching also heightened managers' role overload, thus resulting in their work fatigue. In addition, results showed that managers who reported lower (versus higher) perceived organizational support tended to experience lower (versus higher) personal accomplishment and higher (versus lower) role overload associated with coaching. Implications for theory and practice are discussed.
Analysis and classification of malignancy in pancreatic magnetic resonance images using neural network techniques
Authors: Balasubramanian Aruna Devi , Murugan Pallikonda Rajasekaran , Thiyagarajan Arun Prasath
Published: March 2019

Computer‐aided diagnosis (CAD) is a computerized way of detecting tumors in MR images. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has been generally used in the diagnosis and detection of pancreatic tumors. In a medical imaging system, soft tissue contrast and noninvasiveness are clear preferences of MRI. Inaccurate detection of tumor and long time consumption are the disadvantages of MRI. Computerized classifiers can greatly renew the diagnosis activity, in terms of both accuracy and time necessity by normal and abnormal images, automatically. This article presents an intelligent, automatic, accurate, and robust method to classify human pancreas MRI images as normal or abnormal in terms of pancreatic tumor. It represents the response of artificial neural network (ANN) and support vector machine (SVM) techniques for pancreatic tumor classification. For this, we extract features from MR images of pancreas using the GLCM method and select the best features using JAFER algorithm. These features are analyzed by five classification techniques: ANN BP, ANN RBF, SVM Linear, SVM Poly, and SVM RBF. We compare the results with benchmark data set of MR brain images. The analytical outcome presents that the two best features used to classify the MR images using ANN BP technique have 98% classification accuracy.
LncRNA DLX6‐AS1 promotes tumor proliferation and metastasis in osteosarcoma through modulating miR‐641/HOXA9 signaling pathway
Authors: Zhang Ning , Meng Xin , Mei Lijun , Zhao Chedong , Chen Wei
Published: March 2019

Osteosarcoma (OS) is the most common primary malignant bone tumor. Recently, increasing evidence has shown that the long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) DLX6‐AS1 (distal‐less homeobox 6 antisense 1) plays significant roles in various types of cancers. However, the functions and underlying mechanisms of DLX6‐AS1 have not been explored in OS yet. In this study, we assessed the expression of DLX6‐AS1 in OS tissues and cell lines and explored the underlying molecular mechanisms. DLX6‐AS1 was found to be significantly upregulated in OS tissues and OS cell lines. High expression of DLX6‐AS1 was significantly correlated with advanced TNM stage, high tumor grade, and distant metastasis of patients with OS. Knockdown of DLX6‐AS1 suppressed OS cell proliferation, invasion, and migration, and induced cell apoptosis. Knockdown of DLX6‐AS1 also suppressed in vivo tumor growth. Bioinformatics and luciferase assay analysis showed that DLX6‐AS1 functioned as a competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) to negatively regulate miR‐641 expression. Furthermore, miR‐641 was found to target the 3′ untranslated region of homeobox protein Hox‐A9 (HOXA9) and suppressed the expression of HOXA9. Mechanistic studies showed that DLX6‐AS1 regulated OS cell proliferation, invasion, and migration via regulating HOXA9 by acting as a ceRNA for miR‐641. Our results suggested that DLX6‐AS1 functions as a ceRNA by targeting miR‐641/HOXA9 signal pathway to suppress OS cell proliferation and metastasis. Our study may provide novel insights into understanding pathogenesis and development of OS.
Cardiac Magnetic Resonance Evaluation of Pulmonary Transit Time and Blood Volume in Adult Congenital Heart disease
Authors: Ait Ali Lamia , Aquaro Giovanni D. , Peritore Giuseppe , Ricci Fabrizio , De Marchi Daniele , Emdin Michele , Passino Claudio , Festa Pierluigi
Published: March 2019

Background

Management of adults with repaired congenital heart disease (CHD) is still challenging. Heart failure secondary to residual anatomical sequels or arrhythmic events is not rare in this population. MRI has emerged as an accurate tool to quantify pulmonary transit time (PTT) of intravenous contrast agents and pulmonary blood volume (PBV).

Purpose

To determine the relationship between PTT, and conventional indexes of ventricular dysfunction and heart failure in a cohort of adults with CHD and to assess its association with adverse outcomes.

Study Type

Retrospective.

Subjects

89 adult CHD patients (56 males, age 34 ± 11 years) and 14 age‐ and sex‐matched healthy subjects.

Field Strength/Sequence

First‐pass perfusion and standard sequences for ventricular volumes and function and flow analysis at 1.5T.

Assessment

PTT was calculated as the time required for a bolus of contrast agent to pass from the right ventricle to the left atrium, expressed both in seconds (PTTS) and number of heartbeats (PTTB). The pulmonary blood volume index (PBVI) was measured by the product of PTTB and the pulmonary artery stroke volumes.

Statistical Tests

Student's independent t‐test analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Mann–Whitney nonparametric; Pearson's or Spearman's correlation; Kaplan–Meier method.

Results

PTTS and PTTB were significantly higher in patients than in controls (7.6 ± 3 vs. 5.6 ± 1.2 sec, P = 0.01 and 8 ± 3 vs. 6 ± 1 bpm, P = 0.01, respectively). PTTS showed negative correlation with left ventricle ejection fraction (LVEF) and cardiac index (CI) (r = –0.3, P = 0.004, and r = –0.4, P < 0.001, respectively) as well as with left ventricle and atrial volumes. By Kaplan–Meier survival analysis, PTTB >8 bpm was associated with significant increased risk of adverse outcome at mid‐term follow‐up. Moreover, patients with both increased PTTB and PBV have higher amino‐terminal portion of the prohormone brain natriuretic peptide (NT‐proBNP) and lower LVEF.

Data Conclusion

PTT is prolonged in adult CHD in comparison with healthy subjects, likely reflecting reduced CI and ventricular dysfunction.

Level of Evidence: 3

Technical Efficacy: Stage 3

J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2019;50:779–786.
Epidemiological description, case‐fatality rate, and trends of Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome: 9 years of surveillance in Argentina
Authors: Alonso Daniel Oscar , Iglesias Ayelen , Coelho Rocio , Periolo Natalia , Bruno Agostina , Córdoba Maria Teresa , Filomarino Noemi , Quipildor Marcelo , Biondo Emiliano , Fortunato Eduardo , Bellomo Carla , Martínez Valeria Paula
Published: March 2019

Hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (HPS) is an endemic disease in Argentina, one of the most affected countries in the Americas. Andes virus (ANDV) is the main Orthohantavirus species causing HPS in Argentina. In this study, the geographical distribution, clinical presentation, and epidemiological features of HPS from all endemic regions of Argentina were analyzed. We focused on the clinical and epidemiological data from 533 HPS cases confirmed during the period 2009 to 2017 by the National Reference Laboratory for Hantavirus. A case‐fatality rate of 21.4% was registered, and most of the cases presented a severe clinical picture requiring intensive care treatment (84%). Since HPS first detection in 1995 the case‐fatality rate showed a general trend towards a decrease. After more than 22 years of experience in HPS diagnosis and surveillance, we discuss some possible factors implicated in this tendency. This clinical and epidemiological analysis gives a global perspective, being useful to detect trends and patterns, to update preventive actions at a national level, and evaluate their impact on public health.
Hypotonicity differentially affects inflammatory marker production by nucleus pulposus tissue in simulated disc degeneration versus herniation
Authors: Mouser Vivian H. M. , Arkesteijn Irene T. M. , van Dijk Bart G. M. , Wuertz‐Kozak Karin , Ito Keita
Published: March 2019

Inflammatory cytokines play an important role in intervertebral disc degeneration. Although largely produced by immune cells, nucleus pulposus (NP) cells can also secrete them under various conditions, for example, under free swelling. Thus, tissue hypotonicity may be an inflammatory trigger for NP cells. The aim of this study was to investigate whether decreased tonicity under restricted swelling conditions (as occurring in early disc degeneration) could initiate an inflammatory cascade that mediates further degeneration. Healthy bovine NP tissue was balanced against different PEG concentrations (0–30%) to obtain various tissue tonicities. Samples were then placed in an artificial annulus (fixed volume) and were cultured for 3, 7, or 21 days, with free swelling NP as control. Tissue content (water, glycosaminoglycan, collagen) was analyzed, and both the tissue and medium were screened for tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF‐α), interleukin‐1β (IL‐1β), interleukin‐6 (IL‐6), interleukin‐8 (IL‐8), prostaglandin‐E2 (PGE2), and nitric oxide (NO). A range of tonicities (isotonic to hypotonic) was present at day 3 in the PEG‐treated samples. However, during culture, the tonicity range narrowed as GAGs leached from the tissue. TNF‐α and IL‐1β were below detection limits in all conditions, while mid‐ and downstream inflammatory cytokines were detected. This may suggest that the extracellular environment directly affects NP cells instead of inducing a classical inflammatory cascade. Furthermore, IL‐8 increased in swelling restricted samples, while IL‐6 and PGE2 were elevated in free swelling controls. These findings may suggest the involvement of different mechanisms in disc degeneration with intact AF compared to herniation, and encourage further investigation. © 2019 The Authors. Journal of Orthopaedic Research® Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of Orthopaedic Research Society. J Orthop Res
Pre‐clinical evaluation of bone allograft toughened with a novel sterilization method: An in vivo rabbit study
Authors: Park Sam Si‐Hyeong , Zhang Lucia , Attia Tarik , Salat Peter , Banks Kate , Willett Thomas , Grynpas Marc
Published: March 2019

Bone allografts often undergo γ‐irradiation sterilization to decrease infection risk. However this consequently degrades bone collagen and makes the allograft brittle. Our laboratory has previously found that pre‐treatment with ribose ex vivo protects the bone. However, it remains unclear whether or not ribose‐treated γ‐irradiated allografts are able to unite and remodel in vivo. Using New Zealand White rabbits (NZWr), we aimed to evaluate if ribose‐treated allografts can unite with host bone (compared to untreated (fresh‐frozen) and conventionally‐irradiated allografts). A critically‐sized defect was created in the radii of NZWr and reconstructed with allografts fixed with an intramedullary Kirschner wire. Healing and union were assessed at 2, 6, and 12 weeks post operation, with radiographs, µCT, static and dynamic histomorphometry, backscatter electron microscopy, and torsion testing. Intramedullary fixation achieved stable reconstructions and bony union in all groups and no differences were found in the radiographic and biomechanical parameters tested. Interestingly, γ‐irradiated allografts had significantly less bone volume due to evident resorption of the grafts. In contrast, ribose pre‐treatment protected γ‐irradiated allografts from this bone loss, with results similar to the fresh frozen controls. In conclusion, ribose‐pretreated γ‐irradiated allografts were able to unite in vivo. In addition to achieving bony union with host bone, ribose pre‐treatment may protect against allograft resorption. © 2019 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res
Joint coordinate system for biomechanical analysis of the sacroiliac joint
Authors: Van Hauwermeiren Liesbeth , Verstraete Matthias , Stouthandel Michael E. J. , Van Oevelen Aline , De Gersem Werner , Delrue Louke , Achten Eric , Adriaens Dominique , Van Hoof Tom
Published: March 2019

Sacroiliac joint (SIJ) biomechanics have been described in both in vitro and in vivo studies. A standard for joint coordinate systems has been created by the International Society of Biomechanics for most of the joints in the human body. However, a standardized joint coordinate system for sacroiliac joint motion analysis is currently still lacking. This impedes the comparison across studies and hinders communication among scientists and clinicians. As SIJ motion is reported to be quite limited, a proper standardization and reproducibility of this procedure is essential for the interpretation of future biomechanical SIJ studies. This paper proposes a joint coordinate system for the analysis of sacroiliac joint motion, based on the procedure developed by Grood and Suntay, using semi‐automated anatomical landmarks on 3D joint surfaces. This coordinate system offers high inter‐rater reliability and aspires to a more intuitive representation of biomechanical data, as it is aligned with SIJ articular surfaces. This study aims to encourage further reflection and debate on biomechanical data representation, in order to facilitate interpretation of SIJ biomechanics and improve communication between researchers and clinicians. © 2019 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res
Computational evaluation of altered biomechanics related to articular cartilage lesions observed in vivo
Authors: Myller Katariina A. H. , Korhonen Rami K. , Töyräs Juha , Salo Jari , Jurvelin Jukka S. , Venäläinen Mikko S.
Published: March 2019

Chondral lesions provide a potential risk factor for development of osteoarthritis. Despite the variety of in vitro studies on lesion degeneration, in vivo studies that evaluate relation between lesion characteristics and the risk for the possible progression of OA are lacking. Here, we aimed to characterize different lesions and quantify biomechanical responses experienced by surrounding cartilage tissue. We generated computational knee joint models with nine chondral injuries based on clinical in vivo arthrographic computed tomography images. Finite element models with fibril‐reinforced poro(visco)elastic cartilage and menisci were constructed to simulate physiological loading. Systematically, the lesions experienced increased peak values of maximum principal strain, maximum shear strain, and minimum principal strain in the surrounding chondral tissue (p < 0.01) compared with intact tissue. Depth, volume, and area of the lesion correlated with the maximum shear strain (p < 0.05, Spearman rank correlation coefficient ρ = 0.733–0.917). Depth and volume of the lesion correlated also with the maximum principal strain (p < 0.05, ρ = 0.767, and ρ = 0.717, respectively). However, the lesion area had non‐significant correlation with this strain parameter (p = 0.06, ρ = 0.65). Potentially, the introduced approach could be developed for clinical evaluation of biomechanical risks of a chondral lesion and planning an intervention.

Statement of Clinical Relevance: In this study, we computationally characterized different in vivo chondral lesions and evaluated their risk of cartilage degeneration. This information is vital in decision‐making for intervention in order to prevent post‐traumatic osteoarthritis. © 2019 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res
Inhomogeneous crystallization of a‐Si thin films irradiated by femtosecond laser
Authors: Li Dongyang , Ilyas Nasir , Song Yuhao , Zhong Hao , Li Wei , Jiang Yadong
Published: March 2019

Recently, we have carried out a detailed Raman analysis to investigate the inhomogeneous crystallization of a‐Si thin films irradiated by femtosecond (Fs) laser. As expected, there are many etched spots overlapping each other, which features the surface morphology of the irradiated films. It is observed clearly that there has generated an inhomogeneous crystallization inside a‐Si thin film induced by Fs laser, and the crystalline volume fraction in one irradiated spot varies depending on different areas from the center to the edge. It is hard to observe any crystallization at the spot center where maximum energy of Fs laser is injected; however, there is an increasing crystalline volume fraction when the site varies from the center to the edge of the irradiated spot. More importantly, as the site varies from the center to the edge, the TO mode of Si nanocrystals (NCs; first‐order Si–Si peak at ~520.5 cm−1) is asymmetrically broadened towards the low wavenumber and exhibits a dip on the high wavenumber. A model has been proposed to explain this inhomogeneous crystallization inside the a‐Si thin films induced by Fs laser, and both phonon confinement model and Fano model have been employed to discuss the origin of asymmetric line shapes of TO mode of Si NCs, and we prefer to attribute the asymmetry of TO mode to Fano effect. Our present research results provide a deep insight into the origin of asymmetric broadening for the Raman TO mode of Si NCs inside a‐Si thin films irradiated by Fs laser.
Synthesis and Interface Activity of a Series of Dicarboxylic Cationic Surfactants and a Structure–Efficiency Relationship Study
Authors: Chen Gang , Bai Yun , Liu Qiaona , Zhang Jie , Gu Xuefan , Li Hong , Qu Chengtun , Zhang Yongming
Published: March 2019

Quaternary ammonium cationic surfactants are widely used in many fields, but information about the effect of the anion on cationic surfactants is scarce. To study the effect of anions on the surface properties, six dicarboxylic cationic surfactants were prepared, (cetyltrimethylammonium oxalate, CTAO; cetyltrimethylammonium malonate, CTAM; cetyltrimethylammonium succinate, CTASU; cetyltrimethylammonium glutarate, CTAG; cetyltrimethylammonium adipate, CTAA; and cetyltrimethylammonium sebacate, CTASE), and their surface properties were studied, including surface tension, critical micelle concentration, foaming ability and stability, and corrosion inhibition. The results showed that the minimum surface tension followed the order of CTAO<CTAM<CTASU<CTAG<CTAACTAM>CTASU>CTAG>CTAA>CTASE. The foaming stability followed the order of CTAM>CTAO>CTASU>CTAG>CTAA>CTASE. At a concentration of 1.0 g L−1, the order of emulsification power of these surfactants was CTASE<CTAO<CTAA<CTAG<CTASU<CTAM, and at 5.0 g L−1, the order was CTASE<CTASU<CTAA<CTAG<CTAO<CTAM. The corrosion inhibition efficiency on mild steel followed the order of CTASE<CTAA<CTAG<CTASU<CTAM<CTAO.
Clay‐Na as a sorbent for the extraction of anti‐inflammatory compounds in water samples
Authors: Khazri Hassen , Ghorbel‐Abid Ibtissem , Ben Hassine Sihem , Chevolleau Sylvie , Debrauwer Laurent , Kalfat Rafik , Trabelsi‐Ayadi Malika
Published: March 2019

In this work, clay‐Na particles are used as the adsorbent for the solid‐phase extraction of acidic compounds. The novel sorbent under study is based on high‐specific surface area, cation‐exchange capacity designed specifically to offer ion‐exchange properties with the goal being to selectively extract a group of acidic compounds. The effects of the extraction parameters including extraction elution solvent, sample volume and pH. In optimum conditions, the repeatability for one fiber (n = 3), expressed as % relative standard deviation, was between 0.3 and 4.3% for the acid compounds. The detection limits for the studied acidic compounds were between 0.1–0.6 μg/L. The developed method offers the advantages of being simple to use and having a low cost of equipment.
Normal Values of Anal Sphincter Biometry by 4‐Dimensional Translabial Ultrasound: A Retrospective Study of Pregnant Women in Their Third Trimester
Authors: Magpoc Mendoza Julie , Turel Fatakia Friyan , Kamisan Atan Ixora , Dietz Hans Peter
Published: March 2019

Objectives

Exoanal 4‐dimensional translabial ultrasound (TLUS) is increasingly used to image the anal sphincter. The aim of this study was to define the limits of normality for assessment of external and internal anal sphincters with TLUS.

Methods

This study was a retrospective analysis using data sets of nulliparous women seen antenatally. All women had a 4‐dimensional TLUS examination at a mean gestational age ± SD of 36 ± 0.7 (range, 32.9–37.3) weeks. Anal sphincter biometry, including external anal sphincter (EAS) length and thickness, EAS proximal rotational asymmetry, and internal anal sphincter thickness, was assessed blinded against other data.

Results

A test‐retest series showed good repeatability (intraclass correlation coefficients, 0.619–0.849) of all parameters. The mean age of the women (n = 111) was 30.9 (range, 18.8–40.5) years. None reported anal incontinence. On tomographic imaging, none showed anal sphincter defects. The mean EAS length was 17.5 (range, 8.4–34.8) mm, being shorter dorsally at 16.4 (range, 7.0–32.7) mm versus 18.7 (range, 7.5–36.9) mm ventrally (P < .001). The ventral EAS reached farther cranially by 0.8 ± 2.5 (range, –4.8–5.1) mm on average. The mean EAS thickness was 3.4 (range, 2.0–5.8) mm, being thicker dorsally than ventrally (P < .001).

Conclusions

Anal sphincter biometry can be assessed with good repeatability by TLUS. The EAS seems longer ventrally. Asymmetry of the EAS could result in a false‐positive diagnosis of defects in women in whom the ventral EAS terminates more caudally than its dorsal aspect, which seems uncommon. Hence, the likelihood of a false‐positive diagnosis of substantial defects of the EAS using the published method seems low.
Diagnostic Accuracy of Different Criteria of Pharmaco‐penile Duplex Sonography for Venous Erectile Dysfunction
Authors: Chen Li , Xu Lingling , Wang Jin , Li Hong , Zhang Danqing , Zhang Cuihong , Jia Huijun , Xie Mingxing , Zhu Zhaohui , Yang Yali
Published: March 2019

Objectives

The aim of this study was to analyze the diagnostic accuracy of different criteria of pharmaco‐penile duplex sonography in venous erectile dysfunction (ED).

Methods

The following parameters were measured after an intracavernous injection test in patients with ED from May 2016 to February 2017 at our hospital: diameter, peak systolic velocity, end‐diastolic velocity, and resistance index of the cavernous artery; diameter and peak velocity (if leak occurred) of the deep dorsal vein. Three ultrasonographic diagnostic criteria of venous ED were applied. Criterion A: continuous blood flow signals in the deep dorsal vein, peak velocity greater than 3 cm/s, peak systolic velocity greater than 30 cm/s, end‐diastolic velocity greater than 5 cm/s; Criterion B: resistance index less than 0.89 and other parameters corresponding with Criterion A; Criterion C: resistance index less than 0.80 and other parameters corresponding with Criterion A. The diagnostic results of each criterion were compared with the cavernosographic results.

Results

Thirty‐six patients were diagnosed as venous ED by cavernosography in 54 ED cases. The diagnostic specificity, sensitivity, and accuracy of Criterion A were 70.6%, 91.7%, and 84.9%, respectively. Those of Criterion B were 82.4%, 69.4%, and 73.6%, while the results for Criterion C were 94.1%, 33.3%, and 52.8%, respectively. Criterion A had the highest diagnostic accuracy, the largest area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (area = 0.811), and the highest consistency (kappa = 0.642) with the cavernosographic results in the 3 criteria. The difference was statistically significant (P < .05).

Conclusions

Among the 3 commonly used ultrasonographic criteria, Criterion A is most appropriate in the diagnosis of venous ED.
An evaluation of arytenoid prolapse following laryngotracheal reconstruction
Authors: Li Lilun , Black Kaelan , White Michelle , Zalzal George , Preciado Diego
Published: March 2019

Objectives/Hypothesis

Laryngotracheal reconstruction (LTR) is a collection of procedures used to treat pediatric laryngotracheal stenosis. Arytenoid prolapse is a potential postoperative complication that may lead to upper airway obstruction. This study investigates the incidence, risk factors, and need for surgical intervention for post‐LTR arytenoid prolapse.

Study Design

Retrospective chart review.

Methods

The charts of 107 patients who underwent a total of 119 LTR procedures between 2005 and 2018 at a tertiary free‐standing children's hospital were reviewed.

Results

The incidence of post‐LTR arytenoid prolapse was 7.6%. Age, glottic involvement, tracheostomy status, vocal cord paralysis, and balloon dilation had no effect on arytenoid prolapse development. Sixteen percent of procedures performed in children <8 kg resulted in arytenoid prolapse, versus 4.5% of procedures performed in children >8 kg (P = .036). One hundred percent 100% of patients with post‐LTR arytenoid prolapse had placement of a posterior graft. Multivariate analysis confirmed both weight <8 kg and posterior graft use to be significantly associated with arytenoid prolapse (P = .027 and .039, respectively). Three of the nine patients with arytenoid prolapse were symptomatic and weighed <8 kg at time of surgery. One required voice therapy; two required surgical intervention.

Conclusions

The incidence of arytenoid prolapse is 7.6% following LTR. Patients undergoing posterior graft LTR or weigh <8 kg at time of surgery are more likely to develop arytenoid prolapse. Children <8 kg at time of surgery who develop arytenoid prolapse are more likely to be symptomatic and require further intervention. These findings are valuable for preoperative risk assessment of pediatric laryngotracheal stenosis management.

Level of Evidence

4 Laryngoscope, 130:247–251, 2020
Mesenchymal stromal cells modulate tissue repair responses within the injured vocal fold
Authors: Nagubothu Srinivasa Rao , Sugars Rachael V. , Tudzarovski Nikolce , Andrén Anton Törnqvist , Bottai Matteo , Davies Lindsay C. , Hertegård Stellan , Le Blanc Katarina
Published: March 2019

Objectives/Hypothesis

This study aimed to determine whether local injection of human mesenchymal stromal cells (MSC) could modulate the early inflammatory response within injured vocal folds (VFs) to promote wound‐healing processes.

Study Design

Experimental xenograft model.

Methods

VF injury was surgically induced by bilateral resection of the lamina propria of rabbits, and MSC were immediately injected into the injured area of both VFs. Animals were sacrificed on days 2, 4, and 24. Histological analyses were performed by hematoxylin and eosin, Masson's Trichrome, and elastin staining. Cell death was visualized by terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL), and the M2 macrophage marker, CD163, detected by immunohistochemistry. Persistence of injected MSC was evaluated by fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH). Quantitative polymerase chain reaction was performed on the contralateral VF.

Results

Histological examination at days 2 and 4 indicated that MSC were able to reduce tissue inflammation, with gene expression analysis confirming a significant reduction of proinflammatory markers, interleukin (IL)‐1β, and IL‐8. FISH demonstrated low‐level persistence of injected MSC at both time points, and TUNEL confirmed localized cell death at the injury site. Increased levels of CD163+ anti‐inflammatory macrophages indicated a change in the immune milieu, supporting wound resolution. Evidence of a more organized collagen matrix suggests that MSC may enhance the production of a functional repair tissue after injury, despite their low‐level persistence within the tissue.

Conclusions

This study demonstrates that MSC are able to positively modulate the early wound‐healing response through resolution of the inflammatory phase and promotion of tissue repair.

Level of Evidence

NA Laryngoscope, 130:E21–E29, 2020
Treatment delays in surgically managed sinonasal cancer and association with survival
Authors: Goel Alexander N. , Lee Jivianne T. , Wang Marilene B. , Suh Jeffrey D.
Published: March 2019

Objective

To characterize treatment delays in sinonasal cancer managed with surgery and adjuvant radiation and determine the associated impact on survival.

Study Design

Retrospective cohort study.

Methods

We identified adults in the National Cancer Database treated for sinonasal squamous cell carcinoma with definitive surgery followed by adjuvant radiation from 2004 to 2014. We then examined intervals of diagnosis to surgery (DTS), surgery to radiation (SRT), and radiation duration (RTD). Next, we performed recursive partitioning analysis (RPA) to identify thresholds for these treatment intervals that estimated the greatest differences in survival. We determined the association of treatment delay with overall survival using Cox proportional hazards regression.

Results

Among 2,267 patients included, median durations of DTS, SRT, and RTD were 32, 49, and 47 days, respectively. Predictors of treatment delay included care transitions, black race, and Medicare insurance. We identified thresholds of 26, 64, and 51 days for DTS, SRT, and RTD, respectively, as estimating the largest survival differences. Delays in SRT (hazard ratio [HR] 1.20; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.03–1.40), and RTD (HR, 1.27; 95% CI, 1.10–1.46) beyond these thresholds independently predicted mortality. Delay in DTS beyond the RPA‐derived threshold was not significantly associated with mortality after adjusting for other covariates.

Conclusion

Delays in SRT and RTD intervals are associated with decreased overall survival. Median durations may serve as national benchmarks. Treatment delays could be considered quality indicators for sinonasal cancer treated with surgery and adjuvant radiation.

Level of Evidence

NA Laryngoscope, 130:2–11, 2020
From discrete to continuum modelling of boundary value problems in geomechanics: An integrated FEM‐DEM approach
Authors: Desrues Jacques , Argilaga Albert , Caillerie Denis , Combe Gaël , Nguyen Trung Kiên , Richefeu Vincent , Dal Pont Stefano
Published: March 2019

Double‐scale numerical methods constitute an effective tool for simultaneously representing the complex nature of geomaterials and treating real‐scale engineering problems such as a tunnel excavation or a pressuremetre at a reasonable numerical cost. This paper presents an approach coupling discrete elements (DEM) at the microscale with finite elements (FEM) at the macroscale. In this approach, a DEM‐based numerical constitutive law is embedded into a standard FEM formulation. In this regard, an exhaustive discussion is presented on how a 2D/3D granular assembly can be used to generate, step by step along the overall computation process, a consistent Numerically Homogenised Law. The paper also focuses on some recent developments including a comprehensive discussion of the efficiency of Newton‐like operators, the introduction of a regularisation technique at the macroscale by means of a second gradient framework, and the development of parallelisation techniques to alleviate the computational cost of the proposed approach. Some real‐scale problems taking into account the material spatial variability are illustrated, proving the numerical efficiency of the proposed approach and the benefit of a particle‐based strategy.
Structure‐Activity Relationship of Hetarylpropylguanidines Aiming at the Development of Selective Histamine Receptor Ligands†
Authors: Pockes Steffen , Wifling David , Buschauer Armin , Elz Sigurd
Published: March 2019

New classes of alkylated hetarylpropylguanidines with different functionality and variation in spacer length were synthesized to determine their behavior at the four histamine receptor (H1R, H2R, H3R, H4R) subtypes. Alkylated guanidines with different terminal functional groups and varied basicity, like amine, guanidine and urea were developed, based on the lead structure SK&F 91486 (2). Furthermore, heteroatomic exchange at the guanidine structure of 2 led to simple analogues of the lead compound. Radioassays at all histamine receptor subtypes were accomplished, as well as organ bath studies at the guinea pig (gp) ileum (gpH1R) and right atrium (gpH2R). Ligands with terminal functionalization led to, partially, highly affine and potent structures (two digit nanomolar), which showed up a bad selectivity profile within the histamine receptor family. While the benzoylurea derivative 144 demonstrated a preference towards the human (h) H3R, S‐methylisothiourea analogue 143 obtained high affinity at the hH4R (pKi=8.14) with moderate selectivity. The molecular basis of the latter finding was supported by computational studies.
Facile Synthesis of Amorphous Ge Supported by Ni Nanopyramid Arrays as an Anode Material for Sodium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Wu Hao , Liu Wenjun , Zheng Lihua , Zhu Danfeng , Du Ning , Xiao Chengmao , Su Liwei , Wang Lianbang
Published: March 2019

In this work, we introduce Ni nanopyramid arrays (NPAs) supported amorphous Ge anode architecture and demonstrate its effective improvement in sodium storage properties. The Ni−Ge NPAs are prepared by facile electrodeposition and sputtering method, which eliminates the need for any binder or conductive additive when used as a Na‐ion battery anode. The electrodes display stable cycling performance and enhanced rate capabilities in contrast with planar Ge electrodes, which can be owing to the rational design of the architectured electrodes and firm bonding between current collector and active material (i. e. Ni and Ge, respectively). To validate improvement of nanostructures on electrochemical performance, sodium insertion behavior of crystalline Ge derived from Mg2Ge precursor has been investigated, in which limited but effective enhancement of sodium storage properties are realized by introducing porous nanostructure in crystalline Ge. These results show that elaborately designed configuration of Ge electrodes may be a promising anode for Na‐ion battery applications.
Prenatal exposure to non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and neurodevelopmental outcomes in children
Authors: Markovic Maja , Swanson Sonja A. , Stricker Bruno H. , Jaddoe Vincent W.V. , Verhulst Frank C. , Tiemeier Henning , El Marroun Hanan
Published: March 2019

Purpose

Non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are commonly used during pregnancy. Findings that prenatal NSAID exposure may affect offspring neurodevelopment have been inconsistent. We investigated the effect of prenatal NSAID exposure on childhood neurodevelopment and explored the susceptibility of our effect estimates to forms of bias via negative exposure, negative outcome, and multi‐informant analyses.

Methods

In a cohort of pregnant women (n = 6876), perinatal NSAID use was assessed by prescriptions and self‐report. Primary neurodevelopmental outcomes included attention problems using maternal reports at 1½, 3, and 5 years. To explore potential systematic biases, we compared estimates from maternally reported attention problems to a teacher's report and a measure of nonverbal intelligence assessed at a clinic visit at age 6 years; we also used NSAID use before pregnancy and somatic problems as a “negative” exposure and outcome, respectively.

Results

Maternal reports suggested that prenatal exposure to NSAIDs was associated with more attention problems at younger ages (eg, at age 3: mean difference in attention problems score: 0.30; 95% CI 0.12, 0.48). However, no strong association with attention problems was found in the teacher report, and a similarly strong association between prenatal NSAID exposure and somatic complaints suggests residual confounding by indication likely remains. Moreover, prenatal exposure to NSAIDs was not associated with an observed measure of IQ (mean difference in IQ score: −0.32; 95% CI: −1.82, 1.19).

Conclusions

Jointly, our results suggest that the observed associations between prenatal exposure to NSAIDs and child attention problems reflect systematic biases of a null or small effect.