bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Course of Grip Force Impairment in Patients With Early Rheumatoid Arthritis Over the First Five Years After Diagnosis
Authors: Rydholm Maria , Book Christina , Wikström Ingegerd , Jacobsson Lennart , Turesson Carl 
Published: July 2017

ObjectiveObjective measures of function are important in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). The objective of this study was to investigate grip strength in patients with early RA.MethodsAn inception cohort of 225 patients with early RA was followed in accordance with a structured protocol. Average and peak grip force values of the dominant hand (measured using a Grippit device [AB Detektor]) were evaluated and compared to expected age‐ and sex‐specific reference values from the literature. Separate analyses were performed for those with limited self‐reported disability (Health Assessment Questionnaire disability index [HAQ DI] score ≤0.5) and clinical remission (Disease Activity Score in 28 joints <2.6).ResultsBaseline average grip force among RA patients was significantly lower than the corresponding expected value (mean 105N versus 266N; P < 0.001). Observed average and peak grip force values were significantly reduced compared to those expected in women as well as in men over time and at all time points. The average grip force improved significantly from inclusion to the 12‐month visit (age‐corrected mean change 34N [95% confidence interval 26–43]). At 5 years, the average grip force was still lower than that expected overall (mean 139N versus 244N; P < 0.001), and also among those with HAQ DI scores ≤0.5 and those in clinical remission.ConclusionGrip strength improved in early RA patients, particularly during the first year. However, it was still significantly impaired 5 years after diagnosis, even among those with limited self‐reported disability and those in clinical remission. This suggests that further efforts to improve hand function are important in early RA.
Iron‐Mediated Oxidative C–H Alkylation of S,S‐Functionalized Internal Olefins via C(sp2)–H/C(sp3)–H Cross‐Coupling
Authors: Wang Quannan , Lou Jiang , Wu Ping , Wu Kaikai , Yu Zhengkun 
Published: July 2017

AbstractMediated by a catalytic amount of FeCl3, the C–H alkylation of S,S‐functionalized internal olefins, i.e., α‐oxo ketene dithioacetals and their analogues, was efficiently achieved using simple ethers and toluene derivatives as the coupling partners, di‐tert‐butyl peroxide (DTBP) as the oxidant, and DABCO⋅6 H2O as the additive. The alkylthio functionality is essential for the internal olefinic C–H bond to undergo such an alkylation with the O‐adjacent C(sp3)–H bonds of the ethers and the benzylic C–H bonds of the toluene derivatives, respectively. Tetrasubstituted olefins were thus synthesized and further transformed to highly substituted pyrazoles and isoxazoles. The strategy to activate an internal olefinic C–H bond by polarizing its parent olefinic C=C bond with both the dialkylthio group and an electron‐withdrawing functionality was investigated. The mechanistic studies suggest a radical pathway for the C(sp2)–H/C(sp3)–H cross‐coupling reactions. The present protocol provides a convenient route to tetrasubstituted olefins.magnified image
Mechanical Analyses and Structural Design Requirements for Flexible Energy Storage Devices
Authors: Mao Lijuan , Meng Qinghai , Ahmad Aziz , Wei Zhixiang 
Published: July 2017

AbstractFlexible energy storage devices with excellent mechanical deformation performance are highly required to improve the integration degree of flexible electronics. Unlike those of traditional power sources, the mechanical reliability of flexible energy storage devices, including electrical performance retention and deformation endurance, has received much attention. To provide the guideline for the construction design of devices, the strain distribution and failure modes in the entire architecture should be comprehensively investigated during mechanical deformation. This review mainly focuses on the mechanical deformation characterization, analysis, and structural design strategies used in recent flexible lithium‐ion batteries (LIBs) and supercapacitors (SCs). The primary theoretical calculation of bending strain in the devices is introduced first, and then several parameters to describe the bending status are summarized. Among those parameters, bending radius and its corresponding test methods and equipment are highlighted. Derivative strategies for structural design and an overview of their application progresses, such as selection of substrates, thickness of devices, employment of encapsulation, and novel architectural designs, are reviewed in detail. Finally, the challenges and prospects of flexible energy storage devices with reliable mechanical performance are discussed.
4‐Tert‐butylpyridine Free Organic Hole Transporting Materials for Stable and Efficient Planar Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Xu Bo , Zhu Zonglong , Zhang Jinbao , Liu Hongbin , Chueh Chu‐Chen , Li Xiaosong , Jen Alex K.‐Y. 
Published: July 2017

Abstract4‐Tert‐butylpyridine (tBP) is an important additive in triarylamine‐based organic hole‐transporting materials (HTMs) for improving the efficiency and steady‐state performance of perovskite solar cells (PVSCs). However, the low boiling point of tBP (196 °C) significantly affects the long‐term stability and device performance of PVSCs. Herein, the design and synthesis of a series of covalently linked Spiro[fluorene‐9,9′‐xanthene] (SFX)‐based organic HTMs and pyridine derivatives to realize efficient and stable planar PVSCs are reported. One of the tailored HTMs, N2,N2,N7,N7‐tetrakis(4‐methoxyphenyl)‐3′,6′‐bis(pyridin‐4‐ylmethoxy) spiro[fluorene‐9,9′‐xanthene]‐2,7‐diamine (XPP) with two para‐position substituted pyridines that immobilized on the SFX core unit shows a high power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 17.2% in planar CH3NH3PbI3‐based PVSCs under 100 mW cm−2 AM 1.5G solar illumination, which is much higher than the efficiency of 5.5% that using the well‐known 2,2′,7,7′‐tetrakis‐(N,N‐di‐p‐methoxy‐phenyl‐amine)9,9′‐spirobifluorene (Spiro‐OMeTAD) as HTM (without tBP) under the same condition. Most importantly, the pyridine‐functionalized HTM‐based PVSCs without tBP as additive show much better long‐term stability than that of the state‐of‐the‐art HTM Spiro‐OMeTAD‐based solar cells that containing tBP as additive. This is the first case that the tBP‐free HTMs are demonstrated in PVSCs with high PCEs and good stability. It paves the way to develop highly efficient and stable tBP‐free HTMs for PVSCs toward commercial applications.
Dupuytren's contracture and handwork: A case‐control study
Authors: Haines Alfred , Levis Carolyn , Goldsmith Charles H. , Kaur Manraj , Duku Eric , Wells Richard , Walter Stephen D. , Rook Cheryl , Stock Susan , Liss Gary , Murphy Jessica , Thoma Achilleas 
Published: July 2017

ObjectiveThe objective of this study was to examine the association between Dupuytren's contracture (DC), repetitive handwork (RHW), heavy handwork (HHW), and/or vibration exposure.MethodsFrequency and intensity of the three types of handwork were collected and compared between DC patients and controls. Hours of work were weighted by average “frequency,” for RHW, and average “intensity,” for HHW and use of vibrating tool. Logistic regression was used to evaluate risk of developing DC associated with the above‐mentioned factors.ResultsData from 129 cases (74 clinical, 106 controls) was analyzed. Family history, male gender and age (decades) were associated with increased risk of DC. Results indicate that the risk becomes substantial after about 30 years of steady RHW. Independent effects of intensity‐weighted HHW and vibrating exposure were not established.ConclusionsFrequency‐weighted RHW increases DC risk. Additionally, a strong association between DC, male gender and heredity was found.
Total Synthesis of (+)‐Dendrowardol C
Authors: Wolleb Helene , Carreira Erick M. 
Published: July 2017

AbstractThe first total synthesis of the tetracyclic sesquiterpenoid (+)‐dendrowardol C is described. It relies on an intramolecular aldol reaction to forge the central bicyclic scaffold and subsequent cyclobutane formation by cyclization of a γ‐triflyloxy ketone. Key is the treatment of the latter with lithium naphthalenide. Finally, the diastereoselective hydroboration of a 1,1‐disubstituted double bond is enabled by a chiral CoI catalyst.
Hydroxamic Acids as Chemoselective (ortho‐Amino)arylation Reagents via Sigmatropic Rearrangement
Authors: Shaaban Saad , Tona Veronica , Peng Bo , Maulide Nuno 
Published: July 2017

AbstractThe use of readily available hydroxamic acids as reagents for the chemoselective (ortho‐amino)arylation of amides is described. This reaction proceeds under metal‐free, mild conditions, displays a very broad scope, and constitutes a direct approach for the metal‐free attachment of aniline residues to carbonyl derivatives.
Extreme population‐level events: Do they have an impact on cancer?
Authors: Thompson Beti , Gehlert Sarah , Paskett Electra D. 
Published: July 2017

The report by Sadetzki and colleagues in this issue showcases the impact of a horrendous event—the Holocaust—on subsequent health decades after the occurrence. Two additional calamities—country‐wide famines and population‐level discrimination—are provided as examples of this phenomenon to add evidence to the causal pathway identified by Sadetzki et al.See also pages 3335‐45.
Cooking with Active Oxygen and Solid Alkali: A Promising Alternative Approach for Lignocellulosic Biorefineries
Authors: Jiang Yetao , Zeng Xianhai , Luque Rafael , Tang Xing , Sun Yong , Lei Tingzhou , Liu Shijie , Lin Lu 
Published: July 2017

AbstractLignocellulosic biomass, a matrix of biopolymers including cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin, has gathered increasing attention in recent years for the production of chemicals, fuels, and materials through biorefinery processes owing to its renewability and availability. The fractionation of lignocellulose is considered to be the fundamental step to establish an economical and sustainable lignocellulosic biorefinery. In this Minireview, we summarize a newly developed oxygen delignification for lignocellulose fractionation called cooking with active oxygen and solid alkali (CAOSA), which can fractionate lignocellulose into its constituents and maintain its processable form. In the CAOSA approach, environmentally friendly chemicals are applied instead of undesirable chemicals such as strong alkalis and sulfides. Notably, the alkali recovery for this process promises to be relatively simple and does not require causticizing or sintering. These features make the CAOSA process an alternative for both lignocellulose fractionation and biomass pretreatment. The advantages and challenges of CAOSA are also discussed to provide a comprehensive perspective with respect to existing strategies.
Analysis and design of LC oscillators associated with frequency multipliers: a phase noise perspective
Authors: Cabrera D. , Begueret JB. , Mazouffre O. , Tesson O. , Gamand P. 
Published: July 2017

SummaryWhen a local oscillator signal generation system is based on an LC oscillator and a frequency multiplier, the question of determining the optimal multiplication factor is a key issue. In this paper, the problem is addressed in order to minimize the 1/f2 phase noise within a tuning range constraint. The analysis, with a practical graphical representation, reveals the oscillator phase noise dependence on the oscillating frequency in the transition from two different regimes, named the inductor‐limited quality factor and the capacitor‐limited quality factor. The results obtained enable the evaluation of the phase noise performance of systems based on a sub‐harmonic and super‐harmonic oscillators and how they compare with an oscillator in the fundamental mode. Crucial questions like the phase noise improvement that these systems can achieve are analytically answered. A design methodology is thus proposed and verified through measurements on a frequency source at 31 GHz, composed by a sub‐harmonic voltage‐controlled oscillator followed by an injection‐locked frequency tripler, dedicated to backhauling applications, designed on a BiCMOS process technology. The tuning range is 10%, and the phase noise at a 1‐MHz offset is −112 dBc/Hz. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Watershed vs. within‐lake drivers of nitrogen: phosphorus dynamics in shallow lakes
Authors: Ginger Luke J. , Zimmer Kyle D. , Herwig Brian R. , Hanson Mark A. , Hobbs William O. , Small Gaston E. , Cotner James B. 
Published: July 2017

AbstractResearch on lake eutrophication often identifies variables affecting amounts of phosphorus (P) and nitrogen (N) in lakes, but understanding factors influencing N:P ratios is important given its influence on species composition and toxin production by cyanobacteria. We sampled 80 shallow lakes in Minnesota (USA) for three years to assess effects of watershed size, proportion of watershed as both row crop and natural area, fish biomass, and lake alternative state (turbid vs. clear) on total N : total P (TN : TP), ammonium, total dissolved phosphorus (TDP), and seston stoichiometry. We also examined N:P stoichiometry in 20 additional lakes that shifted states during the study. Last, we assessed the importance of denitrification by measuring denitrification rates in sediment cores from a subset of 34 lakes, and by measuring seston δ15N in four additional experimental lakes before and after they were experimentally manipulated from turbid to clear states. Results showed alternative state had the largest influence on overall N:P stoichiometry in these systems, as it had the strongest relationship with TN : TP, seston C:N:P, ammonium, and TDP. Turbid lakes had higher N at given levels of P than clear lakes, with TN and ammonium 2‐fold and 1.4‐fold higher in turbid lakes, respectively. In lakes that shifted states, TN was 3‐fold higher in turbid lakes, while TP was only 2‐fold higher, supporting the notion N is more responsive to state shifts than is P. Seston δ15N increased after lakes shifted to clear states, suggesting higher denitrification rates may be important for reducing N levels in clear states, and potential denitrification rates in sediment cores were among the highest recorded in the literature. Overall, our results indicate lake state was a primary driver of N:P dynamics in shallow lakes, and lakes in clear states had much lower N at a given level of P relative to turbid lakes, likely due to higher denitrification rates. Shallow lakes are often managed for the clear‐water state due to increased value as wildlife habitat. However, our results indicate lake state also influences N biogeochemistry, such that managing shallow lakes for the clear‐water state may also mitigate excess N levels at a landscape scale.
Cryogenic vacuum artifacts do not affect plant water‐uptake studies using stable isotope analysis
Authors: Newberry S.L. , Nelson D.B. , Kahmen A. 
Published: July 2017

AbstractWater movement through the soil‐plant‐atmosphere continuum can be tracked through its hydrogen and oxygen isotopic composition. How the isotopic composition of water evolves as it moves through this continuum provides critical information on ecosystem hydrology and climate change. Cryogenic vacuum extraction is the most applied method to extract waters from soil and plant material for such studies. However, recent experiments where oven dried soils were spiked with a reference water suggest potential for these techniques to bias results. We present results from a greenhouse‐based plant water uptake and cryogenic vacuum distillation experiment using Salix viminalis cuttings. We tested the capacity for cryogenic vacuum extraction to recover irrigation water and the plant‐available water pool from 4 soils that were subject to continuous irrigation as would occur in nature. Results show that δ2H and δ18O values of extracted soil waters reflect those of irrigation water, but with some influence of evaporation that varied with differences in soil humic and clay content. This suggests that isotope effects observed in laboratory experiments with oven‐dried soils may not be relevant under natural conditions. Cryogenic vacuum extraction also recovered xylem water δ2H values that matched the δ2H values of extracted soil water but revealed small, consistent offsets between xylem and soil water δ18O values of 0.84 ± 1.13‰. Although these effects may not significantly bias water isotope sourcing applications, they do result in large extrapolation errors when estimating original source water isotope composition from extracted xylem waters using the back extrapolation to the global meteoric water line method.
Biogeomorphic impact of oligochaetes (Annelida) on sediment properties and Salicornia spp. seedling establishment
Authors: van Regteren M. , ten Boer R. , Meesters E. H. , de Groot A. V. 
Published: July 2017

AbstractOligochaetes (Annelida) are active bioturbators that can be present in high densities in the transition zone between intertidal flats and salt marshes, though their occurrence and functional role remain understudied. This study aimed to clarify the biogeomorphic role of oligochaete bioturbation in facilitating or hindering vegetation establishment. Two microcosm experiments were performed to assess the effect of oligochaete bioturbation on sediment properties, oxidation depth, algal biomass, seed distribution, and germination success of pioneer species Salicornia spp. Oligochaetes created burrow networks in the sediment matrix, which, together with upward conveyor belt feeding, lead to substrate mixing. Sediment reworking rates of oligochaetes were compared with those of polychaete macrofauna. Bioturbation and bio‐irrigation of burrows can stimulate resource flows into the sediment. Oxidation depth increased almost tenfold in the presence of oligochaetes. Their bioturbation did not seem to affect sediment properties such as dry bulk density, porosity, and organic matter content. Sediment reworking, however, significantly reduced algal biomass at the surface with possible cascading effects on sediment stability and erodibility. Oligochaete conveyor belt feeding buried Salicornia spp. seeds until below the critical germination depth, thus negatively affecting Salicornia spp. germination and seedling establishment. Our study indicates that small, though numerous, oligochaete bioturbators may reduce lateral expansion potential of salt marshes by hindering the establishment of pioneer vegetation in the transition zone. Additionally, in dynamic fine‐grained habitats, these oligochaetes have the feature to quickly oxygenate the sediment top layer.
Mercury speciation and subcellular distribution in experimentally dosed and wild birds
Authors: Perkins Marie , Barst Benjamin D. , Hadrava Justine , Basu Niladri 
Published: July 2017

Abstract

Many bird species are exposed to methylmercury (MeHg) at levels shown to cause sublethal effects. Although MeHg sensitivity and assimilation can vary among species and developmental stages, the underlying reasons (such as MeHg toxicokinetics) are poorly understood. We investigated Hg distribution at the tissue and cellular levels in birds by examining Hg speciation in blood, brain, and liver and Hg subcellular distribution in liver. We used MeHg egg injection of white leghorn chicken (Gallus gallus domesticus), sampled at 3 early developmental stages, and embryonic ring-billed gulls (Larus delawarensis) exposed to maternally deposited MeHg. The percentage of MeHg (relative to total Hg [THg]) in blood, brain, and liver ranged from 94 to 121%, indicating little MeHg demethylation. A liver subcellular partitioning procedure was used to determine how THg was distributed between potentially sensitive and detoxified compartments. The distributions of THg among subcellular fractions were similar among chicken time points, and between embryonic chicken and ring-billed gulls. A greater proportion of THg was associated with metal-sensitive fractions than detoxified fractions. Within the sensitive compartment, THg was found predominately in heat-denatured proteins (∼42–46%), followed by mitochondria (∼15–18%). A low rate of MeHg demethylation and high proportion of THg in metal-sensitive subcellular fractions further indicates that embryonic and hatchling time points are Hg-sensitive developmental stages, although further work is needed across a range of additional species and life stages. Environ Toxicol Chem 2017;36:3289–3298. © 2017 SETAC
Development of cultures of the marine sponge Hymeniacidon perleve for genotoxicity assessment using the alkaline comet assay
Authors: Akpiri Rachael U. , Konya Roseline S. , Hodges Nikolas J. 
Published: July 2017

Abstract

Sponges are a potential alternative model species to bivalves in pollution biomonitoring and environmental risk assessment in the aquatic ecosystem. In the present study, a novel in vivo exposure sponge culture model was developed from field-collected and cryopreserved sponge (Hymeniacidon perleve) cells to investigate the genotoxic effects of environmentally relevant metals in the laboratory. Sponge cell aggregates were cultured and exposed to noncytotoxic concentrations (0–0.4 mg/L) of cadmium chloride, nickel chloride, and sodium dichromate as quantified by the reduction of 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide and DNA-strand breaks assessed by the comet assay. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) formation was quantified by oxidation of 2′,7′-dichlorofluorescin diacetate in sponge cell aggregates exposed to the same concentrations of Cd, Cr, and Ni. There was a statistically significant (p &lt; 0.05) concentration-dependent increase in the level of DNA-strand breaks and ROS formation in all of the metals investigated. To the best of our knowledge, we have utilized for the first time the alkaline comet assay to detect DNA-strand breaks in marine sponge cells and demonstrated that exposure to noncytotoxic concentrations of Cd, Cr, and Ni for 12 h results in a concentration-dependent increase in DNA damage and levels of ROS production. In conclusion, we have developed a novel in vivo model based on culture of cryopreserved sponge cells that is compatible with the alkaline comet assay. Genotoxicity in marine sponges measured by the comet assay technique may be a useful tool for biomonitoring research and risk assessment in aquatic ecosystems. Environ Toxicol Chem 2017;36:3314–3323. © 2017 SETAC
Holocene fluvial history of the Nile's west bank at ancient Thebes, Luxor, Egypt, and its relation with cultural dynamics and basin‐wide hydroclimatic variability
Authors: Toonen Willem H. J. , Graham Angus , Pennington Benjamin T. , Hunter Morag A. , Strutt Kristian D. , Barker Dominic S. , Masson‐Berghoff Aurélia , Emery Virginia L. 
Published: July 2017

AbstractIn the Theban area around modern Luxor (Egypt), the River Nile divides the temple complexes of Karnak and Luxor from New Kingdom royal cult temples on the western desert edge. Few sites have been archaeologically identified in the western flood plain, despite its presumed pivotal role in the ancient ritual landscape as the territory that both physically divided and symbolically connected the areas inhabited by the living and the areas occupied by the dead. Using borehole data and electrical resistivity tomography, the current investigation of subsurface deposits reveals the location of an abandoned channel of the Nile. This river course was positioned in the western, distal part of the Nile flood plain. Over 2100 ceramic fragments recovered from boreholes date the abandonment of the relatively minor river channel to the (late) New Kingdom. This minor river branch could have played an important role in the cultural landscape, as it would have served to connect important localities in the ritual landscape. Changes in the fluvial landscape match with established periods of basin‐wide hydroclimatic variability. This links cultural and landscape changes observed on a regional scale to hydroclimatic dynamics in the larger Nile catchment, in one of the focal areas of Ancient Egyptian cultural development.