bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Cough peak flow decline rate predicts survival in patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
Authors: Matsuda Chiharu , Shimizu Toshio , Nakayama Yuki , Haraguchi Michiko 
Published: August 2018

ABSTRACTIntroduction: In this study we investigated the prognostic significance of cough peak flow (CPF) decline rate in patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Methods: Thirty‐four patients with ALS participated in our investigation. We examined CPF, forced vital capacity (FVC), body mass index, and the revised ALS Functional Rating Scale (ALSFRS‐R), and followed patients to death, tracheostomy, or non‐invasive ventilator dependency. We analyzed the relationship between the rate of decline of each parameter and survival prognosis. Results: The CPF decline rate significantly correlated with the decline rates of the ALSFRS‐R bulbar score (P < 0.0001) and FVC (P < 0.0001). Patients with a CPF decline rate ≥25% had shorter overall survival (P < 0.0001). Cox model multivariate analyses showed that the CPF decline rate was an independent prognostic factor for survival (P = 0.021). Discussion: The CPF decline rate reflects the progression of bulbar and respiratory dysfunction and predicts survival. Muscle Nerve 59:168–173, 2019
Vascular measures of atherosclerosis in detrusor overactivity and controls
Authors: Ladanchuk Todd , Kwak Seojung , Bates Lucy , Parkin Katrina , Harris Katie , Fitzgerald Oisin , Lynch William , Moore Kate H. 
Published: August 2018

AimThe mechanisms leading to the development of detrusor overactivity (DO) are still relatively poorly understood, however, animal studies suggest that atherosclerosis and reduced blood flow to the bladder may be one etiological pathway. Thus, the aim of this study was to evaluate signs of atherosclerosis in a large cohort of women with detrusor overactivity, using two precise measures of atherosclerotic vascular impairment, Ankle Brachial Index (ABI), and Brachial—ankle Pulse Wave Velocity (baPWV).MethodsA prospective cohort study measuring ABI and baPWV of women with DO and controls was conducted. The ABI and baPWV were measured using an automated oscillometric blood pressure machine, to evaluate the degree of atherosclerosis in patients with DO and controls. Associations between ABI and baPWV and important confounding variables were assessed by a linear regression model.ResultsNinety‐eight women with DO, and 98 controls without any symptoms of DO were studied. Multivariate analysis showed an increase in left baPWV of approximately 96 cm/s units of velocity (95%CI 20.65‐172.05, P = 0.01) is predicted significantly by the presence or absence of detrusor overactivity (as well by independent factors of age, diastolic blood pressure and body mass index). A similar effect was seen for right baPWV.ConclusionsOn linear regression modeling, the presence of DO was a strong predictor for an increased PWV when controlling for age, BMI and diastolic blood pressure (DBP), thus supporting the hypothesis that atherosclerosis may contribute to the etiology of DO.
The time‐dependent variation of ATP release in mouse primary‐cultured urothelial cells is regulated by the clock gene
Authors: Ihara Tatsuya , Mitsui Takahiko , Nakamura Yuki , Kanda Mie , Tsuchiya Sachiko , Kira Satoru , Nakagomi Hiroshi , Sawada Norifumi , Kamiyama Manabu , Shigetomi Eiji , Shinozaki Youichi , Yoshiyama Mitsuharu , Nakao Atsuhito , Takeda Masayuki , Koizumi Schuichi 
Published: August 2018

AimsThe sensation of bladder fullness (SBF) is triggered by the release of ATP. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate whether time‐dependent changes in the levels of stretch‐released ATP in mouse primary‐cultured urothelial cells (MPCUCs) is regulated by circadian rhythm via clock genes.MethodsMPCUCs were derived from wild‐type and Clock mutant mice (ClockΔ19/Δ19), presenting a nocturia phenotype. They were cultured in elastic silicone chambers. Stretch‐released ATP was quantified every 4 h by ATP photon count. An experiment was also performed to determine whether ATP release correlated with the rhythm of the expression of Piezo1, TRPV4, VNUT, and Connexin26 (Cx26) in MPCUCs regulated by clock genes with circadian rhythms. MPCUCs were treated with carbenoxolone, an inhibitor of gap junction protein; were derived from VNUT‐KO mice; or treated with Piezo1‐siRNA, TRPV4‐siRNA, and Cx26‐siRNA.ResultsStretch‐released ATP showed time‐dependent changes in wild‐type mice and correlated with the rhythm of the expression of Piezo1, TRPV4, VNUT, and Cx26. However, these rhythms were disrupted in ClockΔ19/Δ19 mice. Carbenoxolone eliminated the rhythmicity of ATP release in wild‐type mice. However, time‐dependent ATP release changes were maintained when a single gene was deficient such as VNUT‐KO, Piezo1‐, TRPV4‐, and Cx26‐siRNA.ConclusionsATP release in the bladder urothelium induces SBF and may have a circadian rhythm regulated by the clock genes. In the bladder urothelium, clock gene abnormalities may disrupt circadian ATP release by inducing Piezo1, TRPV4, VNUT, and Cx26. All these genes can trigger nocturia.
Association of time of obesity onset with comorbidities in treatment‐seeking men and women with severe obesity
Authors: Borgeraas H. , Barstad L. H. , Størdal Lund R. , Fredheim J. M. , Hertel J. K. , Hjelmesæth J. 
Published: August 2018

SummaryObjectivesEarly obesity onset is a risk factor for specific comorbidities in adulthood, but whether this relationship is present in men and women with severe obesity is unknown. This study aimed to examine whether obesity onset in childhood or adolescence, as compared with adulthood, is associated with higher odds of comorbidities in men and women with severe obesity.MethodsA cross‐sectional study of treatment‐seeking men and women with severe obesity attending a tertiary care centre in Norway, from 2006 to 2017, was performed.ResultsA total of 4,583 participants (69.13% women) were included. Almost all men (99.69%) and women (99.18%) suffered from ≥1 comorbidities. Compared with women, men were older (mean [SD]) (45.54 [12.14] vs. 42.56 [12.00] years, p < 0.001) and had higher body mass index (44.06 [6.16] vs. 43.39 [5.80] kg m−2, p < 0.001). The most prevalent comorbidities were non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease, dyslipidaemia and hypertension among men and dyslipidaemia, non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease and joint pain among women. After current age and body mass index were adjusted, childhood onset of obesity (0–11 years), compared with adult onset (>20 years), was associated with lower odds (OR [95% CI]) of obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) in men (0.69 [0.53, 0.91], p < 0.01) and higher odds of OSA (1.49 [1.16, 1.91], p < 0.01) in women, and the interaction was significant (p < 0.01). Childhood onset of obesity was also associated with higher odds of coronary heart disease in men (1.82 [1.15, 2.89], p = 0.01) and type 2 diabetes in women (1.25 [1.01, 1.54], p = 0.04).ConclusionChildhood onset of obesity was associated with higher odds of coronary heart disease in men and OSA and type 2 diabetes in women, but with lower odds of OSA in men.
From somatic mutation to early detection: insights from molecular characterization of pancreatic cancer precursor lesions
Authors: Fischer Catherine G , Wood Laura D 
Published: August 2018

AbstractPancreatic cancer arises from noninvasive precursor lesions, including pancreatic intraepithelial neoplasia (PanIN), intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm (IPMN), and mucinous cystic neoplasm (MCN), which are curable if detected early enough. Recently, these types of precursor lesions have been extensively characterized at the molecular level, defining the timing of critical genetic alterations in tumorigenesis pathways. The results of these studies deepen our understanding of tumorigenesis in the pancreas, providing novel insights into tumor initiation and progression. Perhaps more importantly, they also provide a rational foundation for early detection approaches that could allow clinical intervention prior to malignant transformation. In this review, we summarize the results of comprehensive molecular characterization of PanINs, IPMNs, and MCNs and discuss the implications for cancer biology as well as early detection. Copyright © 2018 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Plasmonic Band Tunable (Au Nanocrystal)/SnO2 Core/Shell Hybrids for Photothermal Therapy
Authors: Fang Caihong , Ding Qian , Bi Ting , Xu Xiaoxiao , Chen Jian‐Li , Zhu Xiao‐Ming , Geng Baoyou 
Published: August 2018

AbstractCoating an oxide shell is an attractive method to overcome the aggregation and biological cytotoxicity brought by the surfactant on Au nanorods in photothermal therapy. (Au nanorod)/SnO2 core/shell nanostructures are ideal candidates. However, developing an easy‐operation and versatile method to prepare this hybrid is still a great challenge. Herein, a simple and rapid routine is developed to the synthesis of SnO2 shelled Au nanorod. The plasmonic bands of the core/shell nanostructures are tuned in the biological transparency window by changing the shell thickness and the core size. Additionally, this synthetic strategy is versatile when the monometallic and bimetallic Au, Pt, and Pd with various shapes are employed as the core. It is further demonstrated that the (Au nanorod)/SnO2 core/shell nanostructures show a good biocompatibility and a high photothermal conversion efficiency in photothermal therapy. This study therefore provides a versatile way to synthesizing (metal nanocrystal)/semiconductor nanostructures, which will therefore be beneficial for widening their applications.
Morphology Engineering of Au/(PdAg alloy) Nanostructures for Enhanced Electrocatalytic Ethanol Oxidation
Authors: Fang Caihong , Zhao Guili , Zhang Zijun , Zheng Jiapeng , Ding Qian , Xu Xiaoxiao , Shao Lei , Geng Baoyou 
Published: August 2018

AbstractNoble metal nanostructures are promising electrocatalysts with their performance determined by their size, shape, and architecture. This study reports the facile preparation of Au/(PdAg alloy) electrocatalysts with diverse architectures, including nanodumbbells, yolk/shell nanoframes, and yolk/shell nanoboxes, from Au nanorod core/Ag shell bimetallic nanostructures. The fine tuning of the nanostructure architecture is realized by combining galvanic replacement reaction, etching/growth, Ostwald ripening, and coreduction processes. The adding sequence of surfactants and Pd precursors, and the Ag shell thicknesses of the starting core/shell nanocrystals, determine the growth routines and therefore the architectures of the obtained Au/(PdAg alloy) nanostructures. Electrocatalytic performances of all Au/(PdAg alloy) nanostructures toward ethanol oxidation reaction (EOR) in alkaline are examined. Compared with the commercial Pd/C electrocatalyst, the nanodumbbells (Au19Pd19Ag62) display 6.3 times higher specific activity and 4.25 times higher mass activity. The nanoframes (Au14Pd14Ag72) are superior as well, with their specific and mass activities 4.4 and 5.5 times higher than those of the Pd/C electrocatalyst, respectively. The nanoboxes also show slight improvement in electrocatalysis. Moreover, the nanodumbbells exhibit greatly improved stability toward EOR in comparison to the Pd/C electrocatalyst. These results can enrich the manufacturing techniques of noble metal nanostructure catalysts and promote their development for fuel cell applications.
Seasonal to annual ocean forecasting skill and the role of model and observational uncertainty
Authors: Juricke Stephan , MacLeod Dave , Weisheimer Antje , Zanna Laure , Palmer Tim N. 
Published: August 2018

Accurate forecasts of the ocean state and the estimation of forecast uncertainties are crucial when it comes to providing skilful seasonal predictions. In this study we analyse the predictive skill and reliability of the ocean component in a seasonal forecasting system. Furthermore, we assess the effects of accounting for model and observational uncertainties. Ensemble forcasts are carried out with an updated version of the ECMWF seasonal forecasting model System 4, with a forecast length of ten months, initialized every May between 1981 and 2010. We find that, for essential quantities such as sea surface temperature and upper ocean 300 m heat content, the ocean forecasts are generally underdispersive and skilful beyond the first month mainly in the Tropics and parts of the North Atlantic. The reference reanalysis used for the forecast evaluation considerably affects diagnostics of forecast skill and reliability, throughout the entire ten‐month forecasts but mostly during the first three months. Accounting for parametrization uncertainty by implementing stochastic parametrization perturbations has a positive impact on both reliability (from month 3 onwards) as well as forecast skill (from month 8 onwards). Skill improvements extend also to atmospheric variables such as 2 m temperature, mostly in the extratropical Pacific but also over the midlatitudes of the Americas. Hence, while model uncertainty impacts the skill of seasonal forecasts, observational uncertainty impacts our assessment of that skill. Future ocean model development should therefore aim not only to reduce model errors but to simultaneously assess and estimate uncertainties.
Do firm characteristics matter in explaining the herding effect on returns?
Authors: Demirer Rıza , Zhang Huacheng 
Published: August 2018

AbstractThis paper explores whether firm characteristics matter in determining the effect of investor herding on asset returns. We find that the level of herding alone does not command a significant effect on industry returns, implied by insignificant return spreads between industries that experience high and low degrees of herding. On the other hand, we observe that herding has a significant interaction with size and past returns. We find that small firms with high level of herding significantly underperform small firms that experience low herding. Similarly, past loser industries with high level of herding significantly outperform loser industries with low herding. No significant interactions between book‐to‐market and market beta with herding are observed. Overall, the findings suggest that the herding effect presents itself via size and momentum channels with significant investment implications.
Fast Simple Determination of Oxygen in Reduced Graphene Oxide by Inert Gas Fusion Method
Authors: Wang Kuan , Chen Na , Li Bo , Zhou Kai , Zheng Wei , Liang Qinghua 
Published: August 2018

AbstractA new method that combines inert gas fusion with infrared spectrometric detection for fast simple determination of total oxygen in reduced graphene oxide (RGO) has been established in this paper. The whole analyzing process was introduced, including calibration, temperature selection and sample weight selection. The equation of calculation the oxygen content of RGO in this method was given. The precision of the new method has been verified by measurement of a RGO sample. The RGO after measurement was characterized by X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The relative standard deviation (RSD) of oxygen was 1.02%. The results were consistent with that obtained by the conventional classic method XPS. It has shown that the new method is accurate and efficient. The method of testing a RGO sample needs 140 s. The inert gas fusion‐infrared method is a fast simple method.
Stability of the Monoelectronic Reduction Product from 1,2,5‐Thiadiazole S,S‐Dioxides. Electrochemical, Chemical, and Photoinduced Doping
Authors: Caram José A. , Jiménez Macías Julyleth P. , Arroyo Nelson Rodríguez , Martínez Suárez Jaime F. , Gennaro Ana M. , Echeverría Gustavo A. , Piro Oscar E. , Mirífico María V. 
Published: August 2018

AbstractThe accumulation of radical anions from 3,4‐disubstituted 1,2,5‐thiadiazole S,S‐dioxides (1) in solution of organic solvents is achieved by electrochemical, chemical and photoinduced pathways. Electrolytic and chemical reduction of 1 produces the radical anions (1•–) in high molar yields (> ca. 80%). The survival of 1•– is measured for ca. three months. The stability of the reduced state depends on its structure and the composition (solvent, reducing agent, and supporting electrolyte) of the medium in which it is generated by the chemical and electrochemical routes. In solution of polar aprotic solvents, 1•– persists even in the presence of water or oxygen. Irradiation with 254 nm light generates 1•– but only in DMF solution; the proposed reaction mechanism involves the participation of the solvent. Radical anions are characterized by cyclic voltammetry, UV‐Vis spectrophotometry and electron spin resonance spectroscopy. The chemical stability and the properties of 1/1•– make them suitable for the development of novel materials for technological applications.
A Novel and Reusable RGO/ZnO with Nanosheets/Microparticle Composite Photocatalysts for Efficient Pollutants Degradation
Authors: Zhao Dawei , Zhou Yi , Deng Yuehong , Xiang Ye , Zhang Ya , Zhao Zhen , Zeng Dandan 
Published: August 2018

AbstractIn this paper, we designed and synthesized a novel structure ZnO with the nanosheets grown on the surface of dumbbell‐shape ZnO via a simple hydrothermal route, and exhibits excellent photoelectrochemical performance. The reason is that nanosheets enhance charge generation, separation and transfer. Graphene as a co‐catalyst and anti‐photocorrosion material were coated on the surface of ZnO and further enhanced the photoelectrochemical properties. In process of photodegradation RhB, the experiments reveal that ZnO with 1.5 wt% RGO displayed highest rate constant of 0.0562 min−1, which is about 4 times better than pristine ZnO (heating 9 h) and several times higher than other RGO/ZnO composites. Meanwhile, the recycle experiments of 1.5 wt% RGO/ZnO suggest that it has excellent stability, reusability and excellent photocatalytic activity. The work provides a new strategy that developing nanosheets with high‐energy plane grown on the surface of semiconductor particles to enhance photoelectrochemical performance and reusability.
Novel Annulated Triphenylene Discotic Liquid Crystals Generated by Pictet‐Spengler Cyclization
Authors: Vadivel Marichandran , Kumar Irla Siva , Swamynathan K , Raghunathan V A , Kumar Sandeep 
Published: August 2018

AbstractTriphenylenes have been frontrunner in discotic liquid crystalline materials since their discovery. They possess great richness of mesomorphism in them. Chemists have been exploring this potential quite often by some substitutions in the core or periphery of the triphenylene molecule. In this current report, we extended the triphenylene ring system by fusing with nitrogen and studied their mesomorphic and optical properties. Four new compounds are prepared using Pictet‐Spengler cyclization of hexaalkoxytriphenylene‐1‐amine with various aldehydes. All the new compounds are well characterized using spectral and elemental analysis. Their mesomorphic properties are evaluated using polarizing optical microscopy, differential scanning calorimetry and X‐ray diffractometry. These derivatives showed columnar hexagonal phase with great promise for further studies.
In Situ Techniques for Probing Kinetics and Mechanism of Hollowing Nanostructures through Direct Chemical Transformations
Authors: Wu Siyu , Sun Yugang 
Published: August 2018

AbstractChemical transformation of nanostructures into hollow ones becomes important in the synthesis of materials with unique properties for applications ranging from sensing to energy storage, to high‐performance catalysis. The nanoscale Kirkendall effect and galvanic replacement represent two typical mechanisms responsible for hollowing nanostructures. These two mechanisms occur either independently or simultaneously to form hollow nanostructures with appropriate geometries and desirable properties. Precisely distinguishing the hollowing mechanism and kinetics involved in a chemical transformation relies on in situ characterization methods including in situ electron microscopy, in situ optical spectroscopy, and a suite of in situ synchrotron X‐ray techniques (e.g., imaging, scattering, and X‐ray absorption fine structure spectroscopy). Here, the two typical hollowing mechanisms and the in situ characterization extensively explored in recent years are summarized, providing a timely overview of the promise of in situ methods in studying nanoparticle evolution under real reaction conditions.
Benchmarking Chemical Stability of Arbitrarily Mixed 3D Hybrid Halide Perovskites for Solar Cell Applications
Authors: García‐Fernández Alberto , Juarez‐Perez Emilio J. , Castro‐García Socorro , Sánchez‐Andújar Manuel , Ono Luis K. , Jiang Yan , Qi Yabing 
Published: August 2018

AbstractAccurate and fast assessment of the intrinsic instability of mixed composition hybrid halide perovskite material is of vital importance for the development of perovskite solar cells. A longer lifetime close to current silicon‐based technology is a mandatory property for perovskite solar cells to reach commercial applications. The conventional method to evaluate the operational stability performance of perovskite solar cells relies on tracking maximum power efficiency on devices. However, this operational stability testing procedure requires a long measurement time, which is an inefficient procedure to screen the huge compositional space of mixed perovskites. Here, a thermal degradation protocol is shown for fast preliminary screening evaluation of the stability of any mixed 3D hybrid perovskite material. This stability assessment determines two independent parameters for stability quantification; 1) degradation temperature and 2) heat absorbed during degradation. Experimental entropic‐like parameter can be derived addressing the relative stability for each mixed hybrid perovskite composition. In addition, a first‐principle theoretical approach is described for the in silico search of optimal mixed composition perovskites. This experimental stability benchmarking protocol is able to signify several general rules of thumb to find enhanced stability trends in mixed composition perovskites prior to device assembly and conventional stability tests.
An energy‐dissipating approach for adjacent retrofitted structures
Authors: Zhao Xuelian , Bao Lianjin , Xue Bin 
Published: August 2018

SummaryThe approach of positioning energy dissipaters between adjacent structures can effectively prevent the collision of two adjacent buildings. For adjacent retrofitted structures, an effective strengthening approach that involves implementing energy‐dissipation measures both between and within buildings is proposed. This paper is based on the actual Shanghai ShiMao International Plaza. To avoid having to strengthen most of the structural members, the strengthening measure of energy dissipation is selected because of its construction cost and time constraints. This approach involves replacing several dampers between the adjacent structures and adding viscous damping walls in the retrofitted structure to reduce the seismic response of the retrofitted structure back to the original level. Additionally, a practical calculating method for the equivalent additional damping ratio for the adjacent structures connected by energy dissipaters is proposed. The results show that the effect of energy dissipation in the retrofitted structure is prominent and that the goal of indirect strengthening is achieved. The strengthening approach of energy dissipation and the calculating method of the equivalent additional damping ratio for adjacent structures provide a reference for similar engineering designs.