bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Synthesis of Imidazolium Oligomers with Planar and Stereo Cores and Their Antimicrobial Applications
Authors: Yuan Yuan , Zhang Yugen 
Published: May 2017

AbstractA series of imidazolium oligomers with novel planar and stereo core structures were designed and synthesized. These compounds have symmetric structures with different cores, tails, and linkers. These new imidazolium oligomers demonstrated a desirable set of bioactivities against four types of clinically relevant microbes including E. coli, S. aureus, P. aeruginosa, and C. albicans. The planar oligomers with three di‐imidazolium arms and n‐octyl tails showed good antimicrobial activity and biocompatibility. Oligomers with ortho‐xylylene linkers exhibited higher antimicrobial activity and higher hemolytic ability than those oligomers with para‐xylylene linkers. These results shed light on the structure–property relationships of synthetic polymeric antimicrobial agents.
Residence Time, a New parameter to Predict Neurosteroidogenic Efficacy of Translocator Protein (TSPO) Ligands: the Case Study of N,N‐Dialkyl‐2‐arylindol‐3‐ylglyoxylamides
Authors: Costa Barbara , Taliani Sabrina , Da Pozzo Eleonora , Barresi Elisabetta , Robello Marco , Cavallini Chiara , Cosconati Sandro , Da Settimo Federico , Novellino Ettore , Martini Claudia 
Published: May 2017

AbstractTargeting the biosynthetic pathway of neuroactive steroids with specific 18 kDa translocator protein (TSPO) ligands may be a viable therapeutic approach for a variety of neurodegenerative and neuropsychiatric diseases. However, the lack of correlation between binding affinity and in vitro steroidogenic efficacy has limited the identification of lead compounds by traditional affinity‐based drug discovery strategies. Our recent research indicates that the key factor for robust steroidogenic TSPO ligand efficacy is not the binding affinity per se, but rather the time the compound spends in the target, namely its residence time (RT). The assessment of this kinetic parameter during the in vitro characterization of compounds appears mandatory in order to obtain structure–efficacy relationships suitable for the future development of novel molecules with promising pharmacological properties.
A prospective evaluation of short‐term dysphagia after transoral robotic surgery for squamous cell carcinoma of the oropharynx
Authors: Albergotti William G. , Jordan Jessica , Anthony Keely , Abberbock Shira , Wasserman‐Wincko Tamara , Kim Seungwon , Ferris Robert L. , Duvvuri Umamaheswar 
Published: May 2017

BACKGROUNDTransoral robotic surgery (TORS) for oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC) has been associated with improved long‐term dysphagia symptomatology compared with chemoradiation. Dysphagia in the perioperative period has been inadequately characterized. The objective of this study was to characterize short‐term swallowing outcomes after TORS for OPSCC.METHODSPatients undergoing TORS for OPSCC were enrolled prospectively. The Eating Assessment Tool 10 (EAT‐10) was used as a measure of swallowing dysfunction (score >2) and was administered on postoperative day (POD) 1, 7, and 30. Patient demographics, weight, pain level, and clinical outcomes were recorded prospectively and focused on time to oral diet, feeding tube placement, and dysphagia‐related readmissions.RESULTSA total of 51 patients were included with pathologic T stages of T1 (n = 24), T2 (n = 20), T3 (n = 3), and Tx (n = 4). Self‐reported preoperative dysphagia was unusual (13.7%). The mean EAT‐10 score on POD 1 was lower than on POD 7 (21.5 vs 26.6; P = .005) but decreased by POD 30 (26.1 to 12.2; P < .001). Forty‐seven (92.1%) patients were discharged on an oral diet, but 57.4% required compensatory strategies or modification of liquid consistency. Ninety‐eight percent of patients were taking an oral diet by POD 30. There were no dysphagia‐related readmissions.CONCLUSIONThis prospective study shows that most patients who undergo TORS experience dysphagia for at least the first month postoperatively, but nearly all can be started on an oral diet. The dysphagia‐associated complication profile is acceptable after TORS with a minority of patients requiring temporary feeding tube placement. Aggressive evaluation and management of postoperative dysphagia in TORS patients may help prevent dysphagia‐associated readmissions. Cancer 2017;123:3132–40. © 2017 American Cancer Society.
Chances and Limitations of Video Games in the Fight against Childhood Obesity—A Systematic Review
Authors: Mack Isabelle , Bayer Carolin , Schäffeler Norbert , Reiband Nadine , Brölz Ellen , Zurstiege Guido , Fernandez‐Aranda Fernando , Gawrilow Caterina , Zipfel Stephan 
Published: May 2017

AbstractObjective and MethodA systematic literature search was conducted to assess the chances and limitations of video games to combat and prevent childhood obesity. This search included studies with video or computer games targeting nutrition, physical activity and obesity for children between 7 and 15 years of age.ResultsThe study distinguished between games that aimed to (i) improve knowledge about nutrition, eating habits and exercise; (ii) increase physical activity; or (iii) combine both approaches. Overall, the games were well accepted. On a qualitative level, most studies reported positive effects on obesity‐related outcomes (improvement of weight‐related parameters, physical activity or dietary behaviour/knowledge). However, the observed effects were small. The games did not address psychosocial aspects.ConclusionsUsing video games for weight management exclusively does not deliver satisfying results. Video games as an additional guided component of prevention and treatment programs have the potential to increase compliance and thus enhance treatment outcome. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and Eating Disorders Association.
Linking speciation to extinction: Diversification raises contemporary extinction risk in amphibians
Authors: Greenberg Dan A. , Mooers Arne Ø. 
Published: May 2017

AbstractMany of the traits associated with elevated rates of speciation, including niche specialization and having small and isolated populations, are similarly linked with an elevated risk of extinction. This suggests that rapidly speciating lineages may also be more extinction prone. Empirical tests of a speciation-extinction correlation are rare because assessing paleontological extinction rates is difficult. However, the modern biodiversity crisis allows us to observe patterns of extinction in real time, and if this hypothesis is true then we would expect young clades that have recently diversified to have high contemporary extinction risk. Here, we examine evolutionary patterns of modern extinction risk across over 300 genera within one of the most threatened vertebrate classes, the Amphibia. Consistent with predictions, rapidly diversifying amphibian clades also had a greater share of threatened species. Curiously, this pattern is not reflected in other tetrapod classes and may reflect a greater propensity to speciate through peripheral isolation in amphibians, which is partly supported by a negative correlation between diversification rate and mean geographic range size. This clustered threat in rapidly diversifying amphibian genera means that protecting a small number of species can achieve large gains in preserving amphibian phylogenetic diversity. Nonindependence between speciation and extinction rates has many consequences for patterns of biodiversity and how we may choose to conserve it.
Mutation patterns in genes encoding interferon signaling and antigen presentation: A pan‐cancer survey with implications for the use of immune checkpoint inhibitors
Authors: Budczies Jan , Bockmayr Michael , Klauschen Frederick , Endris Volker , Fröhling Stefan , Schirmacher Peter , Denkert Carsten , Stenzinger Albrecht 
Published: May 2017

AbstractBlockade of immune checkpoints has become a powerful tool in cancer medicine, which is effective across various solid cancer types and hematologic malignancies. While immunohistochemical detection of PD‐L1 expression in tumor cells, immune cells, or both has been introduced as predictive biomarker in several clinical trials, shortcomings and limitations of this approach were quickly recognized. As a single biomarker is unlikely to adequately reflect the complex interplay between immune cells and cancer, various genetic determinants of therapy success, including microsatellite instability, mutational burden, and PD‐L1 amplification, are being investigated. Very recent work indicates that mutations in B2M, JAK1, and JAK2 render melanoma resistant to immune checkpoint blockade, thus serving as negative response predictors. Using the TCGA dataset, we performed a pan‐cancer analysis of potentially damaging mutations in key genes implicated in antigen presentation and interferon‐gamma signaling and investigated associations with transcript levels of immune checkpoint genes, cytolytic activity, and mutational burden. For B2M, JAK1, and JAK2, we observed overall mutation frequencies of 1.8%, 2%, and 2.6%, respectively, and found significant associations with mutational burden. On pathway level, melanoma as well as bladder, gastric, and lung cancer were most frequently affected by putative resistance mutations with mutation rates of 27%‐50% in the antigen presentation pathway and of 16%‐21% in the interferon signaling pathway. Our analysis suggests that a significant number of tumors harbor mutations that may negatively interfere with immune checkpoint inhibition, or confer a higher likelihood of resistance for which a second hit is ultimately required. Since these mutations are prevalent in treatment‐naïve tumors, genetic screening prior to therapy might complement current approaches at predicting response to immune checkpoint blockade.
Erratum: High speed sCMOS‐based oblique plane microscopy applied to the study of calcium dynamics in cardiac myocytes
Authors: Sikkel Markus B. , Kumar Sunil , Maioli Vincent , Rowlands Christina , Gordon Fabiana , Harding Sian E. , Lyon Alexander R. , MacLeod Kenneth T. , Dunsby Chris 
Published: May 2017

AbstractIn the article by M.B. Sikkel et al. (doi: 10.1002/jbio.201500193), published in J. Biophotonics 9, 311–323 (2016), an error occurred in the computer code that was used to generate Figure 3. This erratum is published to correct Figure 3, the calculated value of tgeom and the experimentally determined value of toptics in the text of the article.
Bioglass incorporation improves mechanical properties and enhances cell‐mediated mineralization on electrochemically aligned collagen threads
Authors: Nijsure Madhura P. , Pastakia Meet , Spano Joseph , Fenn Michael B. , Kishore Vipuil 
Published: May 2017

AbstractBone tissue engineering mandates the development of a functional scaffold that mimics the physicochemical properties of native bone. Bioglass 45S5 (BG) is a highly bioactive material known to augment bone formation and restoration. Hybrid scaffolds fabricated using collagen type I and BG resemble the organic and inorganic composition of the bone extracellular matrix and hence have been extensively investigated for bone tissue engineering applications. However, collagen–BG scaffolds developed thus far do not recapitulate the aligned structure of collagen found in native bone. In this study, an electrochemical fabrication method was employed to synthesize BG‐incorporated electrochemically aligned collagen (BG‐ELAC) threads that are compositionally similar to native bone. Further, aligned collagen fibrils within BG‐ELAC threads mimic the anisotropic arrangement of collagen fibrils in native bone. The effect of BG incorporation on the mechanical properties and cell‐mediated mineralization on ELAC threads was investigated. The results indicated that BG can be successfully incorporated within ELAC threads, without disturbing collagen fibril alignment. Further, BG incorporation significantly increased the ultimate tensile stress (UTS) and modulus of ELAC threads (p < 0.05). SBF conditioning showed extensive mineralization on BG‐ELAC threads that increased over time demonstrating the bone bioactivity of BG‐ELAC threads. Additionally, BG incorporation into ELAC threads resulted in increased cell proliferation (p < 0.05) and deposition of a highly dense and continuous mineralized matrix. In conclusion, incorporation of BG into ELAC threads is a viable strategy for the development of an osteoconductive material for bone tissue engineering applications. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 105A: 2429–2440, 2017.
Intermittent Parathyroid Hormone After Prolonged Alendronate Treatment Induces Substantial New Bone Formation and Increases Bone Tissue Heterogeneity in Ovariectomized Rats
Authors: Altman-Singles Allison R , Jeong Yonghoon , Tseng Wei-Ju , de Bakker Chantal MJ , Zhao Hongbo , Lott Carina , Robberts Juhanna , Qin Ling , Han Lin , Kim Do-Gyoon , Liu X Sherry 
Published: May 2017

ABSTRACT

Postmenopausal osteoporosis is often treated with bisphosphonates (eg, alendronate, [ALN]), but oversuppression of bone turnover by long-term bisphosphonate treatment may decrease bone tissue heterogeneity. Thus, alternate treatment strategies after long-term bisphosphonates are of great clinical interest. The objective of the current study was to determine the effect of intermittent parathyroid hormone (PTH) following 12 weeks of ALN (a bisphosphonate) treatment in 6-month-old, ovariectomized (OVX) rats on bone microarchitecture, bone remodeling dynamics, and bone mechanical properties at multiple length scales. By using in vivo μCT and 3D in vivo dynamic bone histomorphometry techniques, we demonstrated the efficacy of PTH following ALN therapy for stimulating new bone formation, and increasing trabecular thickness and bone volume fraction. In healthy bone, resorption and formation are coupled and balanced to sustain bone mass. OVX results in resorption outpacing formation, and subsequent bone loss and reduction in bone tissue modulus and tissue heterogeneity. We showed that ALN treatment effectively reduced bone resorption activity and regained the balance with bone formation, preventing additional bone loss. However, ALN treatment also resulted in significant reductions in the heterogeneity of bone tissue mineral density and tissue modulus. On the other hand, PTH treatment was able to shift the bone remodeling balance in favor of formation, with or without a prior treatment with ALN. Moreover, by altering the tissue mineralization, PTH alleviated the reduction in heterogeneity of tissue material properties induced by prolonged ALN treatment. Furthermore, switching to PTH treatment from ALN improved bone's postyield mechanical properties at both the whole bone and apparent level compared to ALN alone. The current findings suggest that intermittent PTH treatment should be considered as a viable treatment option for patients with prior treatment with bisphosphonates. © 2017 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Effect of CO2 laser power intensity on the surface morphology and friction behavior of alumina ceramic brackets
Authors: Rabiee Sayed Mahmood , Eftekhari Seyedeh Zeinab , Arash Valiollah , Amozegar Nadereh , Fathi Alireza , Tavanafar Saeid , Bijani Ali 
Published: May 2017

AbstractObjectiveThis study aims at reducing frictional resistance of the ceramic brackets by using CO2 laser irradiation.MethodsForty‐two polycrystalline Al2O3 ceramic brackets were randomly divided into six groups of seven samples: a control group B0 (not subjected to laser irradiation) and five groups subjected to irradiation with intensities of 10 (B10), 30 (B30), 70 (B70), 90 (B90), and 110 (B110) J/cm2. After irradiation, two samples from each group were evaluated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM), while the remaining five samples were tested for frictional resistance. The sliding friction of stainless steel wires (SS‐wires) in the brackets was measured using a universal testing machine.ResultsSamples from the first set (groups B0, B10, and B30) were significantly more resistant to wire sliding than the samples from the second set (groups B70, B90, and B110). The SEM analysis shows different degrees of blister formation on the bracket surfaces subjected to laser irradiation and no changes in their grain sizes. The AFM results indicate more consistent blister formation for groups B70, B90, and B110 than for other groups.ConclusionDifferent CO2 laser power intensities significantly affect frictional resistances of SS‐wires in Al2O3 ceramic brackets.
A genotype–phenotype association approach to reveal thermal adaptation in Daphnia galeata
Authors: Herrmann Maike , Henning‐Lucass Nicole , Cordellier Mathilde , Schwenk Klaus 
Published: May 2017

AbstractAltering thermal environments impose strong selection pressures on organisms, whose local persistence depends on adaptive phenotypic plastic and genetic responses. Thus far, adaptive change is monitored using phenotypic shifts or molecular markers, although inevitable obstacles are inherent in both methods. In order to circumvent these, it is necessary to find a causal link between adaptive alleles and fitness. Combining both approaches by linking genetic analyses and life‐history measurements, a potential genotype–phenotype relationship can be assessed and adaptation at the molecular level demonstrated. For our study, clonal lineages of the freshwater keystone species D. galeata from seven different populations distributed along a latitudinal gradient across Europe were tested for local thermal adaptation in common garden experiments. Fitness‐related life‐history responses were quantified under different thermal regimes and experimental clones were genotyped at three candidate gene marker loci to investigate a potential genotype–phenotype association. The analyses of the life‐history data showed a significant temperature effect on several fitness‐related life‐history traits recorded in our experiments. However, we could not detect evidence for a direct association at neither candidate gene locus between genotypes and life‐history traits. The observed phenotypic shifts might therefore not be based on the tested marker loci EA, M and TF, or in general not coding sequence‐based and thus rather reveal phenotypic plasticity in response to thermal variation. Nonetheless, we revealed significant genotype by environment (GxE) interactions at all tested loci, potentially reflecting a contribution of marker loci to certain life‐history trait values and contribution of multiple genetic loci to phenotypic traits.
Interdecadal variation of summer monsoon over the southern part of South Asia in mid‐1990s
Authors: Choi Jae‐Won , Cha Yumi , Lu Riyu 
Published: May 2017

ABSTRACTThe time‐series of South Asian summer monsoon index for 1974–2013 showed distinct interdecadal variation thereby revealing a characteristic of reduction in the index since 1994. Thus, this study analysed mean differences between 1995–2013 period and 1974–1994 period. In the difference in outgoing longwave radiation between the two periods, convection was strengthened in the Arabian Sea in the southern part of South Asia and was weakened in Indian subcontinent and the Indochina peninsula. In the difference in 850 hPa stream flows between the two periods, anomalous anticyclonic circulations extended from the western North Pacific to the Indian subcontinent via the Indochina Peninsula. Moreover, anomalous cyclonic circulations were strengthened in the western sea of Australia and anomalous warm southeasterlies that crossed the Equator from the circulations were headed towards the Arabian Sea. In the difference in 200 hPa stream flows between the two periods, the Arabian Sea was affected by anomalous cold northwesterlies. Thus, considering the circulations at the upper and lower troposphere, convection was weakened in recent years due to the effect of anomalous anticyclone over the regions from the western North Pacific via the Indochina Peninsula to the Indian subcontinent at the lower troposphere whereas convection was strengthened in the Arabian Sea due to the formation of vertical thermal instability. After defining land and sea areas in the west of the southern part of South Asia and land and sea areas in the east of the southern part of South Asia, differences between sensible heat flux in land area and sea surface temperature in sea area were analysed. A difference between land and sea areas in the west of the southern part South Asia was increased in the west of the southern part of South Asia since the mid‐1990s whereas that in the east of the southern part of South Asia tended to be clearly decreased since the mid‐1990s.
Impacts of cloud cover on long‐term changes in light rain in Eastern China
Authors: Wu Jian , Zhang Liya , Gao Yanchun , Zhao Deming , Zha Jinlin , Yang Qidong 
Published: May 2017

ABSTRACTDaily sunshine duration data from 384 stations in Eastern China was used to separate light rain in the warm season during the period 1979–2009 into light rain occurred in overcast and partly cloudy weather. Light rain reduction over past 30 years mainly happened in partly cloudy weather, which accounted for 84% of the decrease of total light rain days and amount in the warm seasons over Eastern China during the period 1979–2009. The primary cause of the significant reduction of light rain in partly cloudy weather was the relative humidity decrease in the low troposphere, which was induced by both the air temperature increase and water vapour content (WVC) decrease, while warming played a much more important role compared with the WVC in the change of light rain in most regions of Eastern China.
Microcalcification of lumbar spine intervertebral discs and facet joints is associated with cartilage degeneration, but differs in prevalence and its relation to age
Authors: Hawellek Thelonius , Hubert Jan , Hischke Sandra , Rolvien Tim , Krause Matthias , Püschel Klaus , Rüther Wolfgang , Niemeier Andreas 
Published: May 2017

ABSTRACTCartilage calcification (CC) is associated with degeneration in non‐vertebral joints, but little is known about CC and lumbar vertebral joints. The goal of this study was to analyze the prevalence of CC in lumbar facet joints (FJ) and intervertebral discs (IVD) and its relation to cartilage degeneration and age in a non‐selected cohort of the general population. The segment L4/5 of 85 consecutive donors (mean age 61.9 years) was analyzed by high‐resolution imaging digital‐contact radiography (DCR). Quantification was achieved by measuring CC in % of total cartilage area. Histological degeneration of FJs and IVDs was determined by OARSI and Boos scores. Prevalence of CC was 36.5% for FJ (95%CI (0.26, 0.48)) and 100% for IVD (95%CI (0.96, 1.00)). The amount of IVD CC (3.36% SD ± 7.14) was 16.3 times higher (p < 0.001) than that of the FJ (0.23% SD ± 0.53) and independent of each other (p = 0.07). The amount of FJ CC correlated significantly with FJ and IVD degeneration (FJ r = 0.44, p = 0.01, IVD r = 0.49, p = 0.006) while the amount of IVD CC correlated only with IVD degeneration (r = 0.54, p < 0.001). Age correlated with IVD CC (rs = 0.35, p < 0.001), but not FJ CC (rs = 0.04, p = 0.85). We conclude that IVD fibrocartilage is particularly prone to calcification. A causal relationship between lumbar CC and degeneration is possible, but the clear differences in IVD fibrocartilage CC and FJ synovial joint CC in regard to prevalence and in relation to age point to a differential role of CC in single compartments of the respective motion segment in lumbar spine degeneration. © 2017 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 35:2692–2699, 2017.
Cover Image, Volume 97, Issue 8
Authors: Shimamura Yuko , Iio Misako , Urahira Tomoko , Masuda Shuichi 
Published: May 2017

The cover image, by Yuko Shimamura et al, is based on the Research Article Inhibitory effects of Japanese horseradish (Wasabia japonica) on the formation and genotoxicity of a potent carcinogen, acrylamide, DOI: 10.1002/jsfa.8055.
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