bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
An invasive ant reduces diversity but does not disrupt a key ecosystem function in an African savanna
Authors: Milligan Patrick D. , Prior Kirsten M. , Palmer Todd M. 
Published: October 2016

AbstractUnderstanding the consequences of anthropogenic biodiversity decline has become an increasingly urgent priority for ecologists. Biological invasions are a common result of anthropogenic habitat change, and numerous studies have established the negative impact of invasions on the diversity and abundance of native species. But fewer studies have directly examined the effect of biological invasions on ecosystem functions and services. We leveraged a recent invasion by the big‐headed ant (Pheidole megacephala) in an East African savanna to evaluate the impact of invasion on arthropod diversity, and on dung decomposition, an ecosystem function provided by a subset of these arthropods. We found that invaded sites had lower overall arthropod diversity, but these diversity changes did not extend to a functional group of detritivorous insects (e.g., dung beetles and termites), which play key roles in dung decomposition. In a manipulative experiment, we found that rates of dung pile decomposition did not differ significantly in invaded vs. non‐invaded sites. Our study provides evidence that these invaded savannas are undergoing large changes in arthropod diversity, while maintaining resilience in decomposition function, suggesting that diversity alone may be an insufficient impact assessment tool. By monitoring functional guilds and their attendant services, we may better understand the broader structural and functional consequences of invasion.
Applying causal mediation methods to clinical trial data: What can we learn about why our interventions (don't) work?
Authors: Whittle R. , Mansell G. , Jellema P. , van der Windt D. 
Published: October 2016

AbstractBackgroundMany randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of psychosocial interventions for low back pain (LBP) have been found to have only small effects on disability outcomes. Investigations of the specific mechanisms that may lead to an improvement in outcome have therefore been called for.MethodsWe present an application of the causal inference approach to mediation analysis using the example of a cluster RCT in a primary care population with (sub)acute LBP randomized to either usual GP care (n = 171) or a minimal psychosocial intervention (n = 143). Mediation analysis explored the causal pathway between treatment allocation and disability at 3 months by considering pain catastrophizing, fear‐avoidance beliefs, distress and receiving and following advice as potential mediators, all measured at 6 weeks. We have attempted to explain this approach to mediation analysis in a step‐by‐step manner to help clinical researchers apply this method more easily.ResultsIn unadjusted mediation analyses, fear‐avoidance beliefs were identified as a mediator of treatment on disability, with an indirect effect of −0.30 (95% CI: −0.86, −0.03), although this relationship was found to be non‐significant after adjusting for age, gender and baseline scores. This finding supports the trial authors’ hypothesis that while fear‐avoidance beliefs are important, this intervention may not have targeted them strongly enough to lead to change.ConclusionThe use of mediation analysis to identify what factors may be part of the causal pathway between intervention and outcome, regardless of whether the intervention was successful, can provide useful information and insight into how to improve future interventions.SignificanceThis study presents a step‐by‐step approach to mediation analysis using the causal inference framework to investigate why a psychosocial intervention for LBP was unsuccessful. Fear‐avoidance beliefs were found to mediate the relationship between treatment and disability, although not when controlling for baseline scores.
Modified Electrodes Based on Poly[(2E)‐2‐(Azulen‐1‐ylmethylidene)hydrazinecarbothioamide] for Heavy Metal Ions Complexation
Authors: Buica George‐Octavian , Birzan Liviu , Tecuceanu Victorita , Razus Alexandru C. , Arnold Georgiana‐Luiza , Ungureanu Eleonora‐Mihaela 
Published: October 2016

AbstractThe synthesis and electrochemical characterization of a new azulene‐thiourea like complexing monomer namely, (2E)‐2‐(azulen‐1‐ylmethylidene) hydrazinecarbothioamide (L) is reported. The electropolymerization of L in acetonitrile on glassy carbon electrodes, put in evidence by EQCM and ferrocene redox assay probe, led to the immobilization of the complexing monomer on the electrode surface. The polyL modified electrodes were electrochemically characterized and their morphology was evaluated using scanning electron microscopy. The complexing abilities of L and polyL towards heavy metal ions were highlighted.
Dynamic double coating, electrophoretic method with indirect detection for the simultaneous quantification of mono‐ and divalent cations in various water samples
Authors: Kowalski Piotr , Olędzka Ilona , Plenis Alina , Bączek Tomasz 
Published: October 2016

An indirect UV detection method based on CE was developed and validated to determinate 12 metal cations, including alkali, alkaline earth, transition metal, and ammonium. In this paper, a new electrolyte system (pH 4.22) contained 20 mM benzimidazole (as co‐ion), 75 mM acetic acid (as a counter‐ion) as well as 0.6 mM 18‐crown‐6 ether was applied. The metal ions were completely separated within 8 min under hydrodynamic mode injection with a running voltage of 20 kV at 25 ± 0.1°C. Additional use of the dynamic double coating method enabled to get an excellent repeatability of migration times and quantitative parameters for all analytes. The repeatability of migration times for analytes were less than 0.9% and peak areas and peak heights ranged from 3.7 to 7.2 and 3.9 to 7.7%, respectively (n = 6). The proposed technique proved to be definitely faster and less expensive in comparison to currently employed methods. In this work, we discuss also the linear range, method detection limits as well as precision and accuracy. The applicability of the elaborated method was authenticated by the quantification of metal ions in commercially available mineral water, tap water, and selected medical injection samples.
A hydrophobic ionic liquid compartmentalized sampling/labeling and its separation techniques in polydimethylsiloxane microchip capillary electrophoresis
Authors: Quan Hong Hua , Li Ming , Huang Yan , Hahn Jong Hoon 
Published: October 2016

This paper demonstrates a novel compartmentalized sampling/labeling method and its separation techniques using a hydrophobic ionic liquid (IL)—1‐butyl‐3‐methylimidazolium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)‐imidate (BmimNTf2)—as the immiscible phase, which is capable of minimizing signal losses during microchip capillary electrophoresis (MCE). The MCE device consists of a silica tube connected to a straight polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) separation channel. Poly(diallyldimethylammonium chloride) (PDDAC) was coated on the inner surface of channel to ease the introduction of IL plugs and enhance the IL wetting on the PDMS surface for sample releasing. Electroosmotic flow (EOF)‐based sample compartmentalization was carried out through a sequenced injection into sampling tubes with the following order: leading IL plug/sample segment/terminal IL plug. The movement of the sample segment was easily controlled by applying an electrical voltage across both ends of the chip without a sample volume change. This approach effectively prevented analyte diffusion before injection into MCE channels. When the sample segment was manipulated to the PDDAC‐modified PDMS channel, the sample plug then was released from isolation under EOF while IL plugs adsorbed onto channel surfaces owing to strong adhesion. A mixture of flavin adenine nucleotides (FAD) and flavin mononucleotides (FMN) was successfully separated on a 2.5 cm long separation channel, for which the theoretical numbers of plates were 15 000 and 17 000, respectively. The obtained peak intensity was increased 6.3‐fold over the corresponding value from conventional electrokinetic injection with the same sampling time. Furthermore, based on the compartmented sample segment serving as an interim reactor, an on‐chip fluorescence labeling is demonstrated.
Anti‐Fas conjugated hyaluronic acid microsphere gels for neural stem cell delivery
Authors: Shendi Dalia , Albrecht Dirk R. , Jain Anjana 
Published: October 2016

AbstractCentral nervous system (CNS) injuries and diseases result in neuronal damage and loss of function. Transplantation of neural stem cells (NSCs) has been shown to improve locomotor function after transplantation. However, due to the immune and inflammatory response at the injury site, the survival rate of the engrafted cells is low. Engrafted cell viability has been shown to increase when transplanted within a hydrogel. Hyaluronic acid (HA) hydrogels have natural anti‐inflammatory properties and the backbone can be modified to introduce bioactive agents, such as anti‐Fas, which we have previously shown to promote NSC survival while suppressing immune cell activity in bulk hydrogels in vitro. Although bulk HA hydrogels have shown to promote stem cell survival, microsphere gels for NSC encapsulation and delivery may have additional advantages. In this study, a flow‐focusing microfluidic device was used to fabricate either vinyl sulfone‐modified HA (VS‐HA) or anti‐Fas‐conjugated HA (anti‐Fas HA) microsphere gels encapsulated with NSCs. The majority of encapsulated NSCs remained viable for at least 24 h in the VS‐HA and anti‐Fas HA microsphere gels. Moreover, T‐cells cultured in suspension with the anti‐Fas HA microsphere gels had reduced viability after contact with the microsphere gels compared to the media control and soluble anti‐Fas conditions. This approach can be adapted to encapsulate various cell types for therapeutic strategies in other physiological systems in order to increase survival by reducing the immune response. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 105A: 608–618, 2017.
Sarcopenic Obesity and Its Temporal Associations With Changes in Bone Mineral Density, Incident Falls, and Fractures in Older Men: The Concord Health and Ageing in Men Project
Authors: Scott David , Seibel Markus , Cumming Robert , Naganathan Vasi , Blyth Fiona , Le Couteur David G , Handelsman David J , Waite Louise M , Hirani Vasant 
Published: October 2016

ABSTRACT

Body composition and muscle function have important implications for falls and fractures in older adults. We aimed to investigate longitudinal associations between sarcopenic obesity and its components with bone mineral density (BMD) and incident falls and fractures in Australian community-dwelling older men. A total of 1486 men aged ≥70 years from the Concord Health and Ageing in Men Project (CHAMP) study were assessed at baseline (2005–2007), 2-year follow-up (2007–2009; n = 1238), and 5-year follow-up (2010–2013; n = 861). At all three time points, measurements included appendicular lean mass (ALM), body fat percentage and total hip BMD, hand-grip strength, and gait speed. Participants were contacted every 4 months for 6.1 ± 2.1 years to ascertain incident falls and fractures, the latter being confirmed by radiographic reports. Sarcopenic obesity was defined using sarcopenia algorithms of the European Working Group on Sarcopenia (EWGSOP) and the Foundation for the National Institutes of Health (FNIH) and total body fat ≥30% of total mass. Sarcopenic obese men did not have significantly different total hip BMD over 5 years compared with non-sarcopenic non-obese men (p &gt; 0.05). EWGSOP-defined sarcopenic obesity at baseline was associated with significantly higher 2-year fall rates (incidence rate ratio [IRR] 1.66; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.16–2.37), as were non-sarcopenic obesity (1.30; 1.04–1.62) and sarcopenic non-obesity (1.58; 1.14–2.17), compared with non-sarcopenic non-obese. No association with falls was found for sarcopenic obesity using the FNIH definition (1.01; 0.63–1.60), but after multivariable adjustment, the FNIH-defined non-sarcopenic obese group had a reduced hazard for any 6-year fracture compared with sarcopenic obese men (hazard ratio 0.44; 95% CI 0.23–0.86). In older men, EWGSOP-defined sarcopenic obesity is associated with increased fall rates over 2 years, and FNIH-defined sarcopenic obese men have increased fracture risk over 6 years compared with non-sarcopenic obese men. © 2016 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Comparative Safety and Effectiveness of Denosumab Versus Zoledronic Acid in Patients With Osteoporosis: A Cohort Study
Authors: Choi Nam-Kyong , Solomon Daniel H , Tsacogianis Theodore N , Landon Joan E , Song Hong Ji , Kim Seoyoung C 
Published: October 2016

ABSTRACT

Limited head-to-head comparative safety and effectiveness data exist between denosumab and zoledronic acid in real-world healthcare. We aimed to examine the safety and effectiveness of denosumab compared to zoledronic acid with regard to risk of serious infection and cardiovascular disease (CVD) and osteoporotic fracture. We conducted a cohort study using claims data (2009–2013) from a US commercial insurance plan database. We included patients aged ≥50 years who were newly initiated on denosumab or zoledronic acid. The primary outcomes were (1) hospitalization for serious infection; (2) composite CVD endpoint including myocardial infarction, stroke, coronary revascularization, and heart failure; and (3) nonvertebral osteoporotic fracture including hip, wrist, forearm, and pelvic fracture. To control for potential confounders, we used 1:1 propensity score (PS) matching. Cox proportional hazards models compared the risk of serious infection, CVD, and osteoporotic fracture within 365 days after initiation of denosumab versus zoledronic acid. After PS matching, a total of 2467 pairs of denosumab and zoledronic acid initiators were selected with a mean age of 63 years and 96% were female. When compared with zoledronic acid, denosumab was not associated with an increased risk of serious infection (HR 0.81; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.55 to 1.21) or CVD (HR 1.11; 95% CI, 0.60 to 2.03). Similar results were obtained for each component of CVD. The risk of osteoporotic fracture was also similar between groups (HR 1.21; 95% CI, 0.84 to 1.73). This large population-based cohort study shows that denosumab and zoledronic acid have comparable clinical safety and effectiveness with regard to the risk of serious infection, CVD, and osteoporosis fracture within 365 days after initiation of medications. © 2016 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Impact of Competing Risk of Mortality on Association of Weight Loss With Risk of Central Body Fractures in Older Men: A Prospective Cohort Study
Authors: Ensrud Kristine E , Harrison Stephanie L , Cauley Jane A , Langsetmo Lisa , Schousboe John T , Kado Deborah M , Gourlay Margaret L , Lyons Jennifer G , Fredman Lisa , Napoli Nicolas , Crandall Carolyn J , Lewis Cora E , Orwoll Eric S , Stefanick Marcia L , Cawthon Peggy M ,   for the Osteoporotic Fractures in Men (MrOS) Research Group
Published: October 2016

ABSTRACT

To determine the association of weight loss with risk of clinical fractures at the hip, spine, and pelvis (central body fractures [CBFs]) in older men with and without accounting for the competing risk of mortality, we used data from 4523 men (mean age 77.5 years). Weight change between baseline and follow-up (mean 4.5 years between examinations) was categorized as moderate loss (loss ≥10%), mild loss (loss 5% to &lt;10%), stable (&lt;5% change) or gain (gain ≥5%). Participants were contacted every 4 months after the follow-up examination to ascertain vital status (deaths verified by death certificates) and ask about fractures (confirmed by radiographic reports). Absolute probability of CBF by weight change category was estimated using traditional Kaplan-Meier method and cumulative incidence function accounting for competing mortality risk. Risk of CBF by weight change category was determined using conventional Cox proportional hazards regression and subdistribution hazards models with death as a competing risk. During an average of 8 years, 337 men (7.5%) experienced CBF and 1569 (34.7%) died before experiencing this outcome. Among men with moderate weight loss, CBF probability was 6.8% at 5 years and 16.9% at 10 years using Kaplan-Meier versus 5.7% at 5 years and 10.2% at 10 years using a competing risk approach. Men with moderate weight loss compared with those with stable weight had a 1.6-fold higher adjusted risk of CBF (HR 1.59; 95% CI, 1.06 to 2.38) using Cox models that was substantially attenuated in models accounting for competing mortality risk and no longer significant (subdistribution HR 1.16; 95% CI, 0.77 to 1.75). Results were similar in analyses substituting hip fracture for CBF. Older men with weight loss who survive are at increased risk of CBF, including hip fracture. However, ignoring the competing mortality risk among men with weight loss substantially overestimates their long-term fracture probability and relative fracture risk. © 2016 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Modulation of the specific immune response in Balb/c mice by intranasal application of recombinant H1D2 chimera
Authors: Mrkić Ivan , Minić Rajna , Bulat Tanja , Aradska Jana , Atanasković‐Marković Marina , Drakulić Branko , Gavrović‐Jankulović Marija 
Published: October 2016

AbstractBACKGROUNDGroup 1 and group 2 allergens from house dust mite are the major elicitors of respiratory allergic diseases and the main candidates for immunotherapy.RESULTSThe potential therapeutic role of a chimera composed of recombinant Der p 2 (D2) linked to Influenza A virus hemagglutinin 1 (H1) for intranasal application was created, expressed and tested in a mouse model. H1D2 and D2 were produced by genetic engineering in Escherichia coli and their primary structure was confirmed by mass fingerprint. Both antigens preserved IgE reactivity in immunoblot with serum from seven house dust mite allergic persons. Balb/c mice were sensitized with D2 allergen in alum and subsequently received H1D2 or D2, intranasally. The reduced levels of serum D2 specific IgE, together with the increased serum specific IgG and IgA were detected in both groups which received H1D2 and D2 intranasally. A higher level of effector CD4+CD25+ spleen lymphocytes was found only in the group of mice which received i.n. H1D2.CONCLUSIONH1D2 chimera can have therapeutic potential in Der p 2 allergic persons as dual vaccine which, beside protective allergen specific, can provide protective antibodies against Influenza A virus hemagglutinin 1. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry
Laser Beam Welding of Copper
Authors: Reisgen Uwe , Olschok Simon , Turner Christoph 
Published: October 2016

AbstractLaser beam welding of copper, especially for comparatively high plate thicknesses and low welding speeds, is very challenging critical welding defects are very likely to occur. By reducing the ambient pressure, it becomes possible to increase the process capability in a huge amount. The so called laser beam welding in vacuum (LaVa) process variant allows high quality welding of copper at welding speeds below 2 m/min and thereby a high penetration depth with a comparatively low laser power.
Laser Processing of Sapphire: Application Know‐How Matters
Authors: Berndt Michael , Danner Markus 
Published: October 2016

AbstractWe demonstrate how lasers can be applied for processing of sapphire. Due to its hardness, sapphire is difficult to process with mechanical tools and laser processing is the tool of choice. Based on this example, we show how novel laser material processes are being qualified and how different material qualities as well as process requirements regarding speed and accuracy define an applicative solution consisting of a combination of laser source and processing optics. Thus, one thing becomes particularly apparent: application know‐how matters.
Cutting Plastic Film
Authors: Brandt Thorsten 
Published: October 2016

AbstractIn our daily lives, everywhere we look, we encounter plastic film. It has become such an integral part of our lives, that we take it for granted. In some cases, only professionals can even tell that certain product components started out as plastic film. It is one more reason to take a closer look at the topic of film and its applications and processing methods. We would like to present a few main areas and products, show you which materials are typically used and how the film is processed. In this context, we're going to examine the possibilities of using laser technology in particular.
Enhanced Bioactivity of α‐Tocopheryl Succinate Based Block Copolymer Nanoparticles by Reduced Hydrophobicity
Authors: Palao‐Suay Raquel , Aguilar María Rosa , Parra‐Ruiz Francisco J. , Maji Samarendra , Hoogenboom Richard , Rohner Nathan A. , Thomas Susan N. , Román Julio San 
Published: October 2016

Well‐structured amphiphilic copolymers are necessary to obtain self‐assembled nanoparticles (NPs) based on synthetic polymers. Highly homogeneous and monodispersed macromolecules obtained by controlled polymerization have successfully been used for this purpose. However, disaggregation of the organized macromolecules is desired when a bioactive element, such as α‐tocopheryl succinate, is introduced in self‐assembled NPs and this element must be exposed or released to exert its action. The aim of this work is to demonstrate that the bioactivity of synthetic NPs based on defined reversible addition‐fragmentation chain transfer polymerization copolymers can be enhanced by the introduction of hydrophilic comonomers in the hydrophobic segment. The amphiphilic terpolymers are based on poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) as hydrophilic block, and a hydrophobic block based on a methacrylic derivative of α‐tocopheryl succinate (MTOS) and small amounts of 2‐hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA) (PEG‐b‐poly(MTOS‐co‐HEMA)). The introduction of HEMA reduces hydrophobicity and introduces “disorder” both in the homogeneous blocks and the compact core of the corresponding NPs. These NPs are able to encapsulate additional α‐tocopheryl succinate (α‐TOS) with high efficiency and their biological activity is much higher than that described for the unmodified copolymers, proposedly due to more efficient degradation and release of α‐TOS, demonstrating the importance of the hydrophilic–hydrophobic balance.
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High‐Performance Non‐Fullerene Organic Solar Cells Based on a Pair of Medium Band Gap Polymer Donor and Perylene Bisimide Derivative Acceptor
Authors: Lee Woosung , Jung Jae Woong 
Published: October 2016

Herein, high performance solution‐processed non‐fullerene organic solar cells employing a medium band gap conjugated polymer (PBDTTS‐TTffBT) and a bay‐linked perylene bisimide derivative (di‐PBI) as an electron donor and acceptor, respectively, have been demonstrated. Owing to the complementary absorption range and well‐matched energy levels, PBDTTS‐TTffBT and di‐PBI have great potential for constructing high‐performance non‐fullerene organic solar cells. The facile control of blend film morphology by careful choice of a processing solvent achieves a promising power conversion efficiency of the device up to 6.51% with high open‐circuit voltage (0.92 V), short circuit current density (10.89 mA cm−2), and a fill factor (0.65). Furthermore, the blend film exhibits high thermal stability, retaining >80% of its initial efficiency at 100 °C up to 120 min. This work demonstrates that the medium band gap is a promising candidate as a donor material for constructing high‐performance non‐fullerene organic solar cells.
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