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The ability of pyridinium chloride (PC) to selectively quench alternant as opposed to nonalternant polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in organized media is examined. PC was previously shown to be a selective quenching agent of alternant PAHs in neat polar solvents. Carboxylate-terminated poly(amido) amine (PAMAM-CT) dendrimers and anionic surfactants – sodium dodecanoate (SD), sodium octanoate (SO), and sodium dodecylsulfate (SDS) – were chosen as the solubilizing media for this study. Selective quenching of alternant PAHs is observed in the presence of the SDS and SO micelles. However, the extent of PAH quenching in SO is significantly reduced compared to PAHs dissolved in either water or SDS micelles. In the case of the smaller generation 4.5 (G4.5) PAMAM-CT dendrimers, PC was prevented from quenching both alternant and nonalternant PAHs to any appreciable extent. The dendrimer is able to “protect” the PAHs from the PC quencher that resides at the dendrimer surface. Both, SD and G5.5 PAMAM-CT precipitated out of solution with the addition of PC. Differences between traditional micelles and “unimolecular micelle” dendrimers were also examined. These studies further confirm that the PAHs did not reside in the “analogous” palisade region of the dendrimers as they do in micelles. The PAHs must reside in the outermost branches of the dendrimer, but sufficiently far enough away from the charged surface groups, where PC associated, to prevent fluorescence quenching. This work further illustrates the differences between “unimolecular micelle” dendrimers and traditional micelles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The human footprint is rapidly expanding, and wildlife habitat is continuously being converted to human residential properties. Surviving wildlife that reside in developing areas are displaced to nearby undeveloped areas. However, some animals can co-exist with humans and acquire the necessary resources (food, water, shelter) within the human environment. This ability to coexist may be particularly true when development is low intensity, as in residential suburban yards. Yards are individually managed "greenspaces" that can provide a range of food (e.g., bird feeders, compost, gardens), water (bird baths and garden ponds), and shelter (e.g., brush-piles, outbuildings) resources and are surrounded by varying landscape cover. To evaluate which residential landscape and yard features influence the richness and diversity of mammalian herbivores and mesopredators; we deployed wildlife game cameras throughout Northwestern Arkansas, USA in 46 residential yards in summer 2021 and 96 yards in summer 2022. We found that mesopredator diversity had a negative relationship with fences and was positively influenced by the number of bird feeders present in a yard. Mesopredator richness increased with the amount of forest within 400 m of the camera. Herbivore diversity and richness were positively correlated to the area of forest within 400 m surrounding yard and by garden area within yards, respectively. Our results suggest that while landscape does play a role in the presence of wildlife in a residential area, homeowners also have agency over the richness and diversity of mammals using their yards based on the features they create or maintain on their properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The burden of cancer is increasing globally. Several challenges facing its mainstream treatment approaches have formed the basis for the development of targeted delivery systems to carry and distribute anti-cancer payloads to their defined targets. This site-specific delivery of drug molecules and gene payloads to selectively target druggable biomarkers aimed at inducing cell death while sparing normal cells is the principal goal for cancer therapy. An important advantage of a delivery vector either viral or non-viral is the cumulative ability to penetrate the haphazardly arranged and immunosuppressive tumour microenvironment of solid tumours and or withstand antibody-mediated immune response. Biotechnological approaches incorporating rational protein engineering for the development of targeted delivery systems which may serve as vehicles for packaging and distribution of anti-cancer agents to selectively target and kill cancer cells are highly desired. Over the years, these chemically and genetically modified delivery systems have aimed at distribution and selective accumulation of drug molecules at receptor sites resulting in constant maintenance of high drug bioavailability for effective anti-tumour activity. In this review, we highlighted the state-of-the art viral and non-viral drug and gene delivery systems and those under developments focusing on cancer therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Reservoirs are globally ubiquitous and critical for inland carbon (C) cycling, but the coupled influence of land use and hydro-climatic fluctuations on reservoir C source and composition is relatively unexplored. In this study, we used chromophoric dissolved organic matter (CDOM) absorbance and fluorescence excitation and emission matrices modeled by parallel factor analysis to characterize the source and composition of reservoir CDOM. Water samples were collected from reservoirs along a land use gradient in Missouri, USA during a wet and dry summer, respectively. Dissolved organic C (DOC) and CDOM quantity assessed by absorbance at 350 nm (a350) were significantly (r2 = 0.5; p < 0.001) correlated, with CDOM quantity per unit DOC increasing with percentage agriculture. Stronger correlations were observed in the wet summer compared to the dry summer. The influence of land use and hydro-climatic variability was further confirmed by redundancy analysis between CDOM compounds, reservoir limnological parameters, watershed characteristics, and precipitation anomaly (Palmer Drought Severity Index). Agricultural reservoirs were shallow and abundant in a350, aromatic, humic acid- and fulvic acid-like components (C2), chlorophyll-a, and particulate organic matter. These OM signatures in agricultural reservoirs were more pronounced during wet summer conditions, indicating the greater watershed influence. In comparison, CDOM composition in deeper reservoirs was less influenced by watershed influxes. Further, reservoirs with longer residence times experienced internal CDOM processing and an abundance of low-molecular-weight, microbial (C3), and protein-like (C4) CDOM, particularly during drier conditions. Understanding the sensitivity of reservoir CDOM dynamics to watershed land use and variable hydro-climatic conditions will be useful for effective monitoring and resource management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Prey use and diet of large carnivores can have important impacts on food webs, wildlife management, and human conflict. Mountain lions (Puma concolor) are large, apex predators that are commonly controlled for livestock depredation and ungulate population management strategies. We assessed predatory behavior on privately owned lands in the Davis Mountains, TX, using GPS data from 16-collared mountain lions (10 females, 6 males) and 200 confirmed kill sites and four scavenged carcasses. We examined predation by this apex predator in a multi-prey system to understand mountain lion diet as a first step to understanding predator–prey dynamics in the Davis Mountains, TX. Mountain lions in the Davis Mountains used a wide variety of prey and did not rely on one prey species. The top prey species (80% of diet) were deer (Odocoileus spp.), elk (Cervus elaphus), feral hog (Sus scrofa), and javelina (Pecari tajacu). We observed individual differences in diet for the six female mountain lions with ≥ 13 kills. Males were significantly more likely to prey on javelina than females (3.20 log odds ± 0.677 SE, p < 0.0001). While mule deer (Odocoileus hemionus) were the most common species preyed upon (25%), elk made up the largest percent biomass consumed (47%). Seasonal differences showed elk were most likely to be predated during the ungulate birthing season (May–August), while mule deer were more likely to be taken during the rut (November–February). Importantly, livestock (e.g., domestic cattle and horses) were available in the study area yet were never preyed upon. Our results on mountain lion diet can provide important ecological information for managers of both predator and prey. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context: In urban environments, habitat fragmentation, habitat loss, and barriers to dispersal affect the recolonization potential of extirpated species. Here, we evaluate the potential for previously near extirpated bobcats to expand into unoccupied habitat across an urban landscape in New Jersey, USA. Objectives: We sought to quantify suitable bobcat habitat throughout New Jersey, evaluate landscape connectivity amongst suitable habitat, and identify potential bottlenecks and barriers to movement. We further sought to determine how culverts under roadways may affect bottlenecks and barriers to movement. Methods: We developed a habitat suitability index for bobcats across New Jersey based on the literature, validated it with known bobcat locations, identified discrete habitat patches, and calculated landscape resistance values. We then applied circuit theory and least-cost path analyses to evaluate landscape connectivity, bottlenecks, and barriers to bobcat movement. We evaluated how modifying culverts to allow bobcat passage may improve habitat connectivity. Results: We identified potential habitat cores throughout New Jersey with redundancy in connectivity in the north and south, but little in central New Jersey. This provides limited options for bobcats to expand from northern to southern habitat patches. Bottlenecks and barriers within movement corridors largely corresponded to roads and large rivers. Incorporating culvert modifications suggests localized reductions in barriers along roads. Conclusions: Connectivity maps will allow state managers to target specific areas that are important for bobcat movement and potential expansion into southern New Jersey. Our understanding of species-specific connectivity in an increasingly urban world is essential to maintain and increase permeability within the landscape. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The current state of research on non-conventional luminescence of unconjugated polymers, which is caused by the occurrence of through-space conjugation due to the overlapping of electronic orbitals of atoms in aggregates formed at high concentrations of substances in solutions or the solid state, is considered. The luminescent properties of different types of polymers containing oxygen, nitrogen, sulfur, silicon, boron, phosphorus is analyzed. The possibilities of the practical applications of polymer cluster luminophores in the fields such as ecosystem monitoring, medicine, biology, encryption, forensics, and optoelectronics are shown. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context: Many terrestrial mammals have undergone substantial distribution changes in recent decades; yet collecting broad-scale occurrence data for carnivores is difficult due to their low densities and cryptic behaviors. Carnivore observations from community (i.e., citizen) science programs can be a potentially valuable approach for understanding changes in carnivore distributions over long time periods. Objectives: We used 18 years of bobcat (Lynx rufus) observations collected by archery deer hunters (i.e., participants) across Illinois, USA, to estimate spatiotemporal patterns in occurrence and determine how landscape features influenced patterns of recolonization. Methods: We developed Bayesian spatial and non-spatial multi-scale dynamic occupancy models to estimate county-level occupancy, persistence, and colonization and participant-level occupancy. We modeled county-level parameters as a function of multiple a priori landscape covariates and compared model predictive performance using cross-validation. Results: Our non-spatial occupancy model had greater predictive support than our spatial occupancy model. Mean annual statewide county-level occupancy increased from approximately 0.43–0.83 while mean annual participant-level occupancy increased from approximately 0.07–0.28. Bobcats were primarily restricted to southern Illinois during the early 2000s but by 2018 occurred throughout western and southern Illinois. Landscape covariates had relatively weak effects on model parameters. Conclusions: Our study illustrates how community science observations analyzed with hierarchical occupancy models can be used to model spatiotemporal changes in species distributions. Bobcats have recolonized much of Illinois, but this colonization was not strongly mediated by county-level landscape features at the scales we measured. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Rotator cuff tear injuries in overhead athletes are common and may lead to chronic pain and joint disability, impairing sport participation and leading to premature retirement. The improvement of the patient reported outcome measures (PROMs) was evaluated, as were the time and level of return to sport and the rate of complication in overhead athletes who had undergone arthroscopic rotator cuff repair. Methods: This systematic review was conducted according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses: the 2020 PRISMA statement. In September 2022, the following databases were accessed: Pubmed, Web of Science, Google Scholar and Embase. No time constraints were used for the search. All the clinical trials investigating arthroscopic rotator cuff repair in overhead athletes were accessed. Results: Data from 20 studies were collected. The mean length of the follow-up was 40 months. All PROMs improved at last follow-up: Kerlan-Jobe Orthopaedic Clinic score (P = 0.02), visual analogue scale (P = 0.003), Constant score (P < 0.0001), University of California Los Angeles Shoulder score (P = 0.006) and American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons' score (P < 0.0001). Elevation also improved (P = 0.004). No difference was found in external and internal rotation (P = 0.2 and P = 0.3, respectively). In total, 75.4% (522 of 692 of patients) were able to return to play within a mean of 6.4 ± 6.0 months. Of 692 patients, 433 (62.5%) were able to return to sport at pre-injury level. Fourteen out of 138 patients (10.1%) underwent a further reoperation. The overall rate of complications was 7.1% (20 of 280). Conclusion: Arthroscopic reconstruction of the rotator cuff is effective in improving function of the shoulder in overhead athletes, with a rate of return to sport in 75.4% of patients within an average of 6.4 months. Level of evidence: III, systematic review. Trial registration : Not applicable. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Textile-based microfluidics offer new opportunities for developing low-cost, open surface-assessable analytical systems for the electrophoretic analysis of complex chemical and biological matrixes. In contrast to electrophoretic fluidic transport in typical chip-based enclosed capillaries where direct access to the sample zone during analysis is a real challenge. Herein, we demonstrate that electrophoretic selectivity could be easily manipulated on these inverted low-cost bespoke textile substrates via a simple surface-functionalization to manipulate, redirect, extract, and characterize charged analytes. This simple approach enables significant improvement in the electrophoretic separation and isotachophoretic (ITP) preconcentration of charged solutes at the surface of open surface-accessible 3D textile constructs. In this work, polyester 3D braided structures have been developed using the conventional braiding technique and used as the electrophoretic substrates, which were modified by dip-coating with polycationic polymers such as chitosan and polyethyleneimine (PEIn). The surface functionalization resulted in the modulation of the electroosmotic flow (EOF) and electrophoretic mobilities of the charged solutes with respect to the unmodified substrates. Chitosan outperformed PEIn in terms of efficient electrophoretic separation and isotachophoretic stacking of an anionic solute. However, PEIn modification resulted in significant suppression of the EOF over a broad range of pH values from 3 to 9 and exhibited fast EOF at acidic pH compared to controlled polyester, which could be promising for the analysis of basic proteins. These findings suggest a great potential for the development of affordable surface-accessible textile-based analytical devices for controlling the specific migration, direction, analysis time, and separation and preconcentration of charged analytes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Carbazole is a unique template associated with several biological activities. It is due to the diverse and versatile biological properties of carbazole derivatives that they are of immense interest to the research community. 1-keto-1,2,3,4-tetrahydrocarbazoles are important synthetic intermediates to obtain carbazole derivatives. Several members of this family emit fluorescence on photoexcitation. In the context of biochemical and biophysical research, designing and characterising small molecule environment sensitive fluorophores is extremely significant. This article aims to be a state of the art review with synthetic and photophysical details of a variety of fluorophores based on 1-keto-1,2,3,4-tetrahydrocarbazole skeleton. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Traumatic shoulder instability most frequently occurs in young people often during sports events. Currently, the arthroscopic Bankart repair is the therapy of choice in the absence of extensive glenoid bone loss and has proved to be a safe and effective procedure. Nevertheless, we see recurrence of instability—especially if new trauma happens—and further data are needed to guide the right decision-making for these often young patients. The purpose of this study was to determine the long-term outcome 10 years after arthroscopic Bankart operation in terms of satisfaction of the patient, functional result, complications, recurrent instability, and development of osteoarthritis, and to look after possible risk factors for recurrence of instability and statistical proof of these. Materials and methods: Thirty-nine out of 49 patients underwent physical examination of both shoulders. We could perform a postoperative shoulder a-p X-ray in 28 patients. According to Samilson, [24] the extent of osteoarthritis was measured. The Constant score and the postoperative ROWE score were determined for both shoulders as well as the WOSI Score. In 25 cases, we calculated the ISIS Score. Results: We could reach out to 89.6% of patients and 79.6% could be physically examined. The vast majority of 95.5% are either very satisfied or satisfied with the result at the time we ended the follow-up. The mean Constant score of 95.5 reflects this result. In contrast to this, we found at the same time in 15.3% ongoing clinical signs of instability of the concerning shoulder, even though 9.1% had to be re-operated for recurrent instability in between the follow-up timeline and we found in the X-rays (57.1% of all patients) in 35.7% at least moderate and in 10.7% severe signs of osteoarthritis. The Constant score but not the ROWE score differed significantly in patients with no or mild compared to those with moderate-to-severe osteoarthritis. Conclusions: The arthroscopic Bankart stabilization procedure showed after 10 years to be a very safe operation and to be able to produce a satisfying and functional very good long-term result—reflected by the Constant score. We assume that the extent of osteoarthritis seems to be the determining factor of the very good functional result, even though ongoing instability was present in 15.3% of the patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Identifying the types of oil pollutants in a spill event can help determine the source of spill and formulate the plan of emergency responses. Excitation-emission matrix (EEM), which is also called three-dimensional fluorometric spectra, includes abundant spectral information in the domain of excitation wavelength and can be potentially applied to identify oil types. UV-induced fluorometric experiments were conducted in this study to collect EEMs for five types of oil that are commonly used in maritime transportation. A deep convolutional neural network (CNN) model for oil types identification was built based on the classic VGG-16 model. According to the identification results, the model was able to provide a reasonable classification on the five types of oil used in the experiments. Additionally, a biased classification result was observed in the experiment: the model was able to provide the most accurate classification on 0W40 lubricant but encounters difficulty distinguishing between − 10# diesel and 92# gasoline. The potential reasons for this result and the approaches to improve the model were also discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, we looked at how to make fluorescence hybrid poly(amidoamine) dendrimer (PAMAM) dendrimers using calcozine red 6G and coumarin end groups. After synthesis of ethylenediamine (EDA)-cored 4th generation PAMAM dendrimer (G4.0), surface functional groups is reacted with calcozine red 6G (Rh6G) and 7-methacryloyloxy-4-methylcoumarin. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, proton nuclear magnetic resonance (1H NMR), and X-ray diffraction are used to characterize the structure of synthesized fluorescent hybrid dendrimers. Optical properties are demonstrated using a fluorescence spectrophotometer, and UV–Vis–NIR reflectance spectra. According to UV–Vis–NIR reflectance spectra, hybrid dendrimers were transparent in the NIR range. Moreover, quantum yield (Φs) of hybrid dendrimers was calculated in dimethylformamide (DMF), ethanol, dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), and distilled water (H2O). Dendrimers in which Rh6G was utilized to modification showed the maximum quantum yield in ethanol due to great interaction of structure with ethanol and the arrangement of ring-opened amide shape of calcozine red 6G. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context: Maximum clique analysis (MCA) can approximate landscape carrying capacity (Nk) for populations of territorial wildlife. However, MCA has not been widely adopted for wildlife applications, mainly due to computational constraints and software wildlife biologists may find difficult to use. Moreover, MCA does not incorporate uncertainty into estimates of Nk. Objectives: We extended MCA by applying a vertex cover algorithm to compute Nk over a large (92,789 km2), continuous spatial scale for female bobcats (Lynx rufus) in Indiana, USA. We incorporated uncertainty by calculating confidence intervals for Nk across five thresholds of habitat suitability using 10 replicate suitability maps from bootstrapped datasets. For portions of the landscape too large to be solved with the vertex cover algorithm, we compared predictions from a linear model and a "greedy" algorithm. Results: Mean estimates of Nk for female bobcats in Indiana across habitat suitability thresholds ranged from 539 (0.75 threshold) to 1200 territories (0.25 threshold). On average, each 12.5 percentile reduction in the suitability threshold increased estimates for Nk by 1.2-fold. Both the predictive and greedy algorithm produced reasonable estimates of maximum cliques for areas that were too large to compute with the vertex cover algorithm. The greedy algorithm produced smaller confidence intervals compared to the predictive approach but underestimated maximum cliques by 1.2%. Conclusions: Our research demonstrates effective application of MCA to species occupying large landscapes while accounting for uncertainty. We believe our methods, coupled with availability of annotated scripts developed in R, will make MCA more broadly accessible to wildlife biologists. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: While there is an abundance of research examining the outcomes of the arthroscopic Bankart repair in collision athletes, very few studies have involved the unique Irish collision sport athlete population. The previously held belief that collision athletes need to be treated with open surgery, due to the high traumatic forces the shoulder is subjected to in these sports, may no longer be true in the context of modern arthroscopic techniques and implants. Aims: To report the outcomes of the arthroscopic Bankart procedure in the unique Irish collision athlete population. Method: Retrospective review conducted in 2018. Data was obtained from collision sport athletes using customised questionnaires and validated, standardised outcome measure tools. Participants were selected using inclusion and exclusion criteria. Results: Fifty-four patients were included in the study. The average age at primary injury was 19.9 years (range 13–35 years). The rate of recurrent dislocation was 21% (12/57) with a mean follow up time of 24 months (range 7 to 48 months). The mean patient reported outcome measure (PROM) scores were as follows: ASES = 90.8, WOSI = 316.4, SSV = 79%. Six patients failed to return to their sport. Eighty-seven percent of the cohort returned to their sport, with a mean time to return of 7.25 months. Patients who experienced recurrent instability after arthroscopic Bankart had a younger age at primary dislocation (P = 0.0005) and lower ASES (P = 0.0056) and WOSI scores (0.00132) at latest follow-up, compared to those who remained stable postsurgery. Conclusion: The arthroscopic Bankart procedure has a high rate of recurrence of dislocation in Irish collision sport athletes. The current international literature suggests that the arthroscopic Bankart has similar rates of recurrence to the open procedure in collision athletes; however, this may not hold true for Irish collision sport athletes. Further research is required to determine the optimum surgical procedure for anterior shoulder instability in this population, particularly those patients with subcritical bone loss. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dendrimers, as the latest generation of artificial macromolecules, have aroused great attention in the field of clusteroluminescence owing to their unique structural and photophysical features. However, previously reported dendrimers with cluster-oluminescenence property usually contain π electrons-involved carbonyl groups and/or environment-sensitive aliphatic amine moieties in their structures, thus complicating the interpretation of the emission process. On the other hand, a systematic investigation on the luminescence performance of dendrimers with diverse generations is significantly important for the researchers to gain further mechanistic insights into the clusteroluminescence, but has still been scarcely touched. In this contribution, we reported a series of oxygen and sulfur-based pure n-electron dendrimers with different generations from G1 to G3. Benefiting from the highly-branched three-dimensional crowded molecular structures, all these dendrimers exhibited bright fluorescence emission in visible light region due to their prominent clusteroluminescence property. Moreover, the fluorescence intensity and emission wavelength were simultaneously boosted as their generation increased due to the more crowded molecular architectures, as well as the formation of tighter and larger clusters at higher generation. Besides, these dendrimers also showed concentration- and aggregation-enhanced luminescence behaviors, presenting typical aggregation-induced emission (AIE) nature. Coupled with remarkable water solubility and biocompatibility as well as the excellent photostability, the G3 dendrimer selected as a representative was successfully applied in the multicolor cell imaging. In addition, the G3 dendrimer was also proved to be capable of acting as a molecular ruler to detect specific-sized molecule in aqueous solutions. This work not only validated the rationality of the clusteroluminescence mechanism but also offered high-performance clusteroluminogens for practical application. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Applicability of the nitromethane selective quenching rule for discriminating between alternant versus nonalternant polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) is examined for 20 representative PAH solutes dissolved in micellar sodium dodecylsulfate (SDS) + cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB), SDS + dodecyltrimethylammonium bromide (DTAB), SDS + Brij-35, and SDS + sodium octanoate (SO) mixed surfactant solvent media. Experimental results show that nitromethane quenched fluorescence of all 8 alternant PAHs studied in the four different solvent systems. Unexpected quenching behavior was observed, however, in the case of nonalternant PAHs. Nitromethane quenched fluorescence emission of nonalternant PAHs dissolved in the SDS + SO solvent media, which is contrary to the selective quenching rule. In the case of the mixed anionic + cationic surfactant solvent media, nitromethane quenching selectivity was restored at concentration ratios of approximately 4 : 1 (anionic:cationic) or less. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Organic matter has an important role in biogeochemistry in aquatic environments. This study investigated impact of suspended particulate organic matter (SPOM) on fluorescence signal of mixtures of three water types (river water RW, sea water SW, effluent wastewater WW) using fluorescence (excitation-emission matrix, EEM) spectroscopy and parallel factor analysis (PARAFAC) and multilinear regression. Four irradiation experiments (Expt-1, Expt-2, Expt-3, and Expt-4) were conducted during different times of the year (two in autumn, one in winter, and one in spring season). Samples were exposed to natural sunlight on laboratory rooftop in University of Toulon, France, with another set of samples kept in dark as control samples. Three component (C1, C2, C3) model was validated by split-half and Concordia from the whole EEM dataset of all irradiation experiments. No protein-like fluorophores was found. The study revealed the effect of SPOM presence/absence on fluorescence signal of DOM and on resulting parameters of multilinear regression MLR model and kinetic constant of these MLR parameters. Kinetic constant (k) for all MLR coefficients was in order of greatness as Expt-1 (SPOM of WW only in mixtures) > Expt-3 (SPOM of SW only in mixtures) > Expt-2 (SPOM of RW only in mixtures)> Expt-4 (SPOM of RW + SW + WW in mixtures) indicating that SPOM of WW is the most resistant to photodegradation. For dark control samples, only relative standard deviation RSD could be calculated from dataset. RSD values for C3 were the highest indicating its chaotic variations, and the lowest RSD values were found for both C1 and C2 for all experiments. Statistical differences has been found between control and irradiated experiments. These models developed in this study can be used to predict fluorescence signal of anthropogenic effluent DOM during its transport in river systems to coastal zone. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Tennis is a popular sport with high levels of participation. This article aims to describe how upper extremity overuse injuries occur in relation to tennis biomechanics and to review their imaging characteristics and implications for management. In particular, we will review the imaging patterns of internal impingement, scapular dyskinesis, lateral and medial epicondylitis, ulnar collateral ligament insufficiency, valgus extension overload, capitellar osteochondritis dissecans, extensor carpi ulnaris tendinosis and instability, tenosynovitis, triangular fibrocartilage complex injuries, and carpal stress injuries. Conclusion: Tennis is a complex and physically demanding sport with a wide range of associated injuries. Repetitive overloading commonly leads to injuries of the upper extremity. An understanding of the underlying mechanisms of injury and knowledge of these injury patterns will aid the radiologist in generating the correct diagnosis in both the professional and recreational tennis athlete. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Clusteroluminescence is a phenomenon whereby the aggregation or clustering of non-conjugated electron-rich units leads to the emission of light at long wavelengths. This phenomenon was first discovered in poly(amido amine) (PAMAM) dendrimers. In recent years, clusteroluminescence has attracted growing research interest and its photophysical properties and mechanism have been thoroughly studied. In this review, we first briefly introduce the development of different types of clusteroluminogens. Then we highlight recent developments in clusteroluminescence, including mechanistic studies, the disclosure of room-temperature phosphorescence, and the extension of emission to the longer-wavelength region. Lastly, we demonstrate a few applications in various fields. With advantages such as being earth-abundant, biocompatible and biodegradable, clusteroluminogens are envisioned to be commonplace in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Surface modification is one of the important steps for synthesizing hydrophobic silica aerogels by ambient pressure drying in which silylating agent plays a vital role. Trimethylchlorosilane and many kinds of methoxysilanes like trimethylmethoxysilane, dimethyldimethoxysilane, and methyltrimethoxysilane have been used as the silylating agents. In this work, silylation effects were investigated with different molar ratios of silylating agent/n-hexane mixture. In addition, the mechanism of the silylation reaction is explained based on the molecular structures by considering the number of methoxy/methyl groups. The silylation extent was characterized by using optical imaging, bulk density and porosity analyses, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and Brunauer-Emmett-Teller, Barrett-Joyner-Halenda, and contact angle measurements. It has been found that the methoxysilane-based silylating agents can be used as a replacement without producing the harmful hydrochloric acid and retaining the similar tendency to trimethylchlorosilane in surface modification. This research approach seeks to an alternative silylating agent by investigating the impact on the surface modification based on the molecular structural parameters and reaction mechanisms. Highlights: Sodium silicate-based silica aerogels were formed by using various silylating agents. Silylation ability depends on the molecular structure of the methoxysilane. Silylation could be evaluated from pore structure and electron distribution degree. DMDMS was found to be excellent silylating agent among the methoxysilanes studied. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Accumulating evidence has reported that H19 long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) expression level is deregulated in human cancer. It has been also demonstrated that de-regulated levels of H19 could affect cancer biology by various mechanisms including microRNA (miRNA) production (like miR-675), miRNA sponging and epigenetic modifications. Furthermore, lncRNA could act as a potential diagnosis and prognosis biomarkers and also a candidate therapeutic approach for different human cancers. In this narrative review, we shed light on the molecular mechanism of H19 in cancer development and pathogenesis. Moreover, we discussed the expression pattern and diagnostic and therapeutic importance of H19 as a potential biomarker in a range of human malignancies from breast to osteosarcoma cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Invasive plants can have significant negative interactions with native flora and fauna, often decreasing the abundance and diversity of native plants and invertebrate and vertebrate herbivores. Less is known, however, about how invasive plants influence higher-order consumers, such as carnivores. Arundo donax is a globally distributed invasive grass that forms dense monotypic stands in the habitats where it successfully establishes. This study investigated the influence of Arundo invasion on mammal assemblages in California's Santa Clara River Valley. Specifically, we aimed to determine whether Arundo alters habitat use for carnivores, and if so, assess the possible mechanisms driving these differences. We used remote cameras to evaluate carnivore habitat use and model occupancy, and live traps and remote cameras to assay abundance of small mammals, common prey of these larger predators. We found that detections of all carnivores were significantly lower in Arundo-dominated habitat patches, suggesting decreased preference for Arundo habitat. This was reflected in the occupancy model, which found the highest probability of coyote and bobcat habitat use in native patches and lowest in Arundo; however, habitat did not seem to be as important of a predictor as in the pooled species results. Small mammal abundance was similar if not higher in Arundo, suggesting the possibility of Arundo acting as a refuge for prey species and altered predator–prey dynamics in Arundo-dominated patches. This study improves our knowledge of the often-complex ways that invasive plants, like Arundo, influence the ecology and behavior of faunal communities in invaded ecosystems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

After decades, even centuries of persecution, large carnivore populations are widely recovering in Europe. Considering the recent recovery of the wolverine (Gulo gulo) in Finland, our aim was to evaluate genetic variation using 14 microsatellites and mtDNA control region (579 bp) in order (1) to determine whether the species is represented by a single genetic population within Finland, (2) to quantify the genetic diversity, and (3) to estimate the effective population size. We found two major genetic clusters divided between eastern and northern Finland based on microsatellites (FST = 0.100) but also a significant pattern of isolation by distance. Wolverines in western Finland had a genetic signature similar to the northern cluster, which can be explained by former translocations of wolverines from northern to western Finland. For both main clusters, most estimates of the effective population size Ne were below 50. Nevertheless, the genetic diversity was higher in the eastern cluster (HE = 0.57, AR = 4.0, AP = 0.3) than in the northern cluster (HE = 0.49, AR = 3.7, AP = 0.1). Migration between the clusters was low. Two mtDNA haplotypes were found: one common and identical to Scandinavian wolverines; the other rare and not previously detected. The rare haplotype was more prominent in the eastern genetic cluster. Combining all available data, we infer that the genetic population structure within Finland is shaped by a recent bottleneck, isolation by distance, human-aided translocations and postglacial recolonization routes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The contents of issues 5 and 6 of Structural Chemistry from the calendar year 2018 are summarized in the present review. A brief thermochemical commentary and recommendations for future research have been added to the summary of each paper. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In academic settings where digital badges are taking over conventional task formats, educators are faced with the challenge of how to deliver and assess content and skills within badges. Imposing a mastery learning approach, where feedback is key, to a digital badge system may be a potential solution to using digital badges within higher education. As a way to support student learning, Guskey, Journal of Advanced Academics, 19(1), 8–31 (2007) emphasizes the importance of not only frequent feedback but specific feedback. In order to examine how students are using feedback to inform their coursework within a digital badge context, an online survey was designed consisting of open-ended questions about the nature and value of instructional feedback within a digital badge system. Results from the questionnaire indicated three major thematic groups illustrating feedback from the students' perspective: Importance and Nature of Feedback, Authority over Knowledge and Learning, and Learning for Mastery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tedious polymeric modifications, laborious syntheses, low water solubility, high cytotoxicity and low quantum yields are still the major concerns related to fluorescent materials used for biosensing applications. Here we report one-pot facile synthesis of polyethylene glycol (PEG)-modified cystamine-based multifunctional fluorescent dyes named as CPEG-168, CPEG-1000 and CPEG-2000, which can be used for biosensing and detection of both cations and anions in pure aqueous medium. Rapid response toward thiols could be achieved due to the presence of disulfide functionality and reversible redox property between thiol and disulfide. A cyclic structure is formed by (NH-H) intramolecular hydrogen bonding to produce electron dense region for strong fluorescence emission. The presence of -NH group made them sensitive toward Cu2+ ions, while excellent sensitivity toward pH and F− ions was provided by intramolecular hydrogen bonding between -NH groups. The increase in chain length of PEGs enhanced the fluorescence emission intensities due to the formation of more rigid structure, and hence, the desired quantum yields can be tuned by changing the chain length of PEG. The aforementioned properties along with high brightness in aqueous solution, at biological pH and temperature range, make these fluorescent dyes potential candidates for biosensing applications and detection of cations and anions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context: Habitat loss and fragmentation may alter habitat occupancy patterns, for example through a reduction in regional abundance or in functional connectivity, which in turn may reduce the number of dispersers or their ability to prospect for territories. Yet, the relationship between landscape structure and habitat niche remains poorly known.Objectives: We hypothesized that changes in landscape structure associated with habitat loss and fragmentation will reduce the habitat niche breadth of forest birds, either through a reduction in density-dependent spillover from optimal habitat or by impeding the colonization of patches.Methods: We surveyed forest birds with point counts in eastern Ontario, Canada, and analyzed their response to loss and fragmentation of mature woodland. We selected 62 landscapes varying in both forest cover (15-45%) and its degree of fragmentation, and classified them into two categories (high versus low levels of loss and fragmentation). We determined the habitat niche breadth of 12 focal species as a function of 8 habitat structure variables for each landscape category.Results: Habitat niche breadth was narrower in landscapes with high versus low levels of loss and fragmentation of forest cover. The relative occupancy of marginal habitat appeared to drive this relationship. Species sensitivity to mature forest cover had no apparent influence on relative niche breadth.Conclusions: Regional abundance and, in turn, density-dependent spillover into suboptimal habitat appeared to be determinants of habitat niche breadth. For a given proportion of forest cover, fragmentation also appeared to alter habitat use, which could exacerbate its other negative effects unless functional connectivity is high enough to allow individuals to saturate optimal habitat. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two novel 3D metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) with cds network, {[MeNH3]7[Ln8(PgC2)2(H2O)y(HCOO)7]}n·x(Solvent) (FJIY4, FJI=Fujian Institute, Ln=Gd, y=12; FJI-Y5, Ln=Dy, y=11; PgC2=C-ethylpyrogallol[4]arene), based on unprecedented dimeric pyrogallol[4]arene-based Ln8 metal-organic nanocapsule (MONC) supramolecular building blocks and formate linkers, have been prepared under solvothermal conditions. To our best of knowledge, they present not only the first two examples of 3D hierarchical structures constructed from MONCs in metal-pyrogallol[4]arene system, but also the first two examples of MOFs based on lanthanide MONCs. Remarkably, the inner cavity volume of the Ln8 capsule in FJI-Y4 and FJI-Y5 is approximately 151 Å3, which is larger than those found in previous transition metal-seamed dimeric PgCn-based MONCs. Magnetic investigation on FJI-Y4 suggests a significant magnetocaloric effect (23.97 J kg−1 K−1, ΔH=7 T, 2.5 K), while FJI-Y5 exhibits slow relaxation of the magnetization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, co-delivery system was achieved via plasmid encoding TNF related apoptosis inducing ligand (pTRAIL) and doxorubicin (DOX) using carrier based on polypropylenimine (PPI) modified with 10-bromodecanoic acid. Incorporation of alkylcarboxylate chain to PPIs (G4 and G5) could improve transfection efficiency via overcoming the plasma membrane barrier of the cells and decrease cytotoxicity of PPI. Characterization of fabricated NPs revealed that PPI G5 in which 30% of primary amines were substituted by alkyl carboxylate chain (PPI G5-Alkyl 30%) has higher drug loading as compared to the other formulations. PPI G5-Alkyl 30% indicated a decreased drug release may be due to alkyl chains on the surface of PPI, which serve as an additional hindrance for drug diffusion. In vitro cytotoxicity experiments demonstrated that co-delivery system induced apoptosis of tumor cells more efficiently than each of delivery system alone. Furthermore, these results revealed that our combined delivery platform of pTRAIL and DOX using Alkyl-modified PPI G5 can significantly improve the anti-tumor activity and this strategy might develop a new therapeutic window for cancer treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose of Review: Arthroscopic Bankart repair is commonly utilized for shoulder stabilization in patients with anterior shoulder instability with minimum glenoid bone loss. The purpose of this review is to provide the indications, surgical technique, complications, and recent outcomes in arthroscopic Bankart repair for shoulder instability. Recent Findings: Improvements in arthroscopic techniques have led to better patient outcomes, as well as an improved understanding of the pathoanatomy of instability. More recent studies have shown that one of the potential failures of primary arthroscopic repair may be due to unaddressed bone loss. This underscores the importance of evaluating glenoid bone loss and proper patient selection for this procedure to ensure successful outcome. Summary: When indicated, arthroscopic stabilization is the treatment of choice for many surgeons due to its lower morbidity and low overall complication rate. Future work must focus on longer-term outcomes in patients undergoing arthroscopic Bankart repair, as well as the clinical outcomes of new fixation techniques, augmentation techniques, and the effect of glenoid bone loss in outcome. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The interactions of citrate-capped 10-nm gold nanoparticles with a cationic model surfactant, CTACl, and an anionic one, SDS, are explored. Results show that for CTACl, values of the c.m.c. close to those reported in the absence of nanoparticles can be obtained by simple colorimetric measurements. For SDS, its interaction with the same-charge nanoparticles is explored through the use of an indirect colorimetric method involving NaCl addition, and a surfactant-nanoparticle interaction model is postulated in this basis. C.m.c. measurements for SDS in the presence of AuNPs show that, despite both substrates being anionic, SDS micelle formation is actually promoted in the presence of gold nanoparticles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context: Many studies dichotomize habitat selection into 'local' or 'landscape' effects, with little explanation regarding what each represents. Ambiguous use of these terms across studies may confound observations of selection operating across different spatiotemporal resolutions and impede synthesis of scale-dependent habitat selection. Objective: To examine the consistency of use of the terms 'local' and 'landscape' level habitat selection and evaluate potential implications for conservation science. Methods: We reviewed 136 multi-level studies observing local and/or landscape effects. From each study, we identified which of Johnson's (Ecology 61:65-71, 1980) selection orders was observed at the local and landscape scale. We assessed consistency in the selection order observed at each scale. Results: At the local scale, 54% of studies observed 3rd order selection and 38% of studies observed 4th order selection. At the landscape scale, 64% of studies observed 2nd order selection, while only 8% of studies observed 1st order selection. Overlap also occurred; 2nd order selection was observed at the local scale in 8% of studies, while 3rd and 4th order selection was observed at the landscape scale in 24 and 3% of studies, respectively. Conclusions: Selection orders observed at local and landscape scales are inconsistent across studies, making comparisons and synthesis difficult. This inconsistency makes the terms 'local' and 'landscape' meaningless, and may lead to misidentification of limiting factor(s) most important for conservation efforts. Dichotomous terms should no longer be used in reference to levels of selection, but in reference to specific explanatory variables whose characteristic scale(s) best fit the appropriate definition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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We evaluated the effects of calcium (Ca) and magnesium (Mg) ions on copper (Cu) toxicity to glochidia and newly-transformed juvenile mussels (age 1-2 days) of the Chinese pond mussel ( Anodonta woodiana). Acute Cu toxicity tests were performed with glochidia for 24 h and juveniles for 96 h with measured Ca concentrations of 1.1, 14, 26, 51, and 99 mg L, or measured Mg concentrations of 2.6, 11, 21, and 39 mg L. The Ca and Mg cations provided no statistically significant protection against Cu toxicity to glochidia or juveniles. The 24-h EC value for glochidia was 82 μg L Cu, and contrastly, 96-h EC value for newly-transformed juvenile mussels was as low as 12 μg L Cu, implying that the juveniles of A. woodiana are more vulnerable to Cu contamination at concentrations close to currently-accepted levels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Oral cancer is a dreadful disease with a wide variation in geographical distribution. In order to identify some useful biomarkers for the disease prognosis, the present study assessed the influence of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in cell cycle genes on survival in a well-annotated set of patients with oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). The study examined 12 sequence variants or SNPs in selected cell cycle genes, with prognostic outcomes in 311 oral cancer patients. Our analysis showed that SNPs in cyclin D1:rs9344 and retinoblastoma:rs427686 genes showed a strong correlation with disease-free survival. In addition, the cumulative effect of these SNPs significantly and independently predicts the survival. Thus, the current study identified genotypes (SNP signature), which can be used as novel prognostic biomarkers to stratify patients based on disease-free survival and therefore maybe helpful in therapeutic decision-making. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Five bituminous samples were carefully studied by confocal laser scanning microscopy using 488 nm excitation radiation and observing 500-530 nm of emission. The images revealed the microstructure of bitumen. The influence of the admixture of mineral aggregates concerning the microstructure was tested. For the minerals, no significant influence was found. For understanding the origin of fluorescent signals, the samples were separated into asphaltenes and maltenes and analyzed with fluorescence spectroscopy. Although former works have assumed the origin of fluorescent emissions in bitumen to be found in the asphaltene fraction, the asphaltenes produce little to no emissions, but the maltenes exhibit strong fluorescence in the observed spectral region. For deeper insight, fractionation of the bitumina into the SARA fractions by chromatographic column separation was necessary. The fluorescence spectra of these fractions were analyzed and revealed the aromatics and resin phases to be the only components capable of sufficiently intense fluorescent emission. This is a strong argument for a complex internal microstructure consisting of a mantle of aromatics surrounding an inner core. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two push-pull chromophores were synthesized by knoevenagel condensation under microwave irradiation. The structure of synthesized chromophores were established by spectroscopic (FT-IR, H NMR, C NMR, EI-MS) and elemental analysis. Structure of the chromophores was further conformed by X-ray crystallographic. UV-Vis and fluorescence spectroscopy measurements provided that chromophores were good absorbent and fluorescent properties. Fluorescence polarity studies demonstrated that chromophores were sensitive to the polarity of the microenvironment provided by different solvents. Physicochemical parameters, including singlet absorption, extinction coefficient, stokes shift, oscillator strength, dipole moment and flurescence quantum yield were investigated in order to explore the analytical potential of the synthesized chromophores. In addition, the total energy, frontier molecular orbitals, hardness, electron affinity, ionization energy, electrostatic potential map were also studied computationally by using density functional theoretical method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A series of transition metal(II) complexes of the type [M(PPQ)] [PPQ = 2-pyridine-2-yl-3(pyridine-2-methylene-amino)quinazolin-4(3H)-one, M = Co(II), Cu(II), Ni(II), Zn(II), Cd(II)] have been prepared and characterized by IR spectroscopy, elemental analyses and X-ray crystal diffraction. The crystal structure studies revealed diverse coordination behavior of PPQ toward different metal ions, acting as an NNO donor in the cobalt(II) and zinc(II) complexes, but an NNN and NNO mixed donor in the copper(II) and nickel(II) complexes. The metal center generally has an octahedral coordination geometry with the tridentate PPQ ligand, except for the Cd(II) complex in which two PPQ ligands and a nitrate are coordinated (NO), forming a distorted triangular dodecahedron. The thermal stabilities, luminescence and magnetic properties of these complexes have been studied. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context: The success of species reintroduction often depends on predation risk and spatial estimates of predator habitat. The fisher ( Pekania pennanti) is a species of conservation concern and populations in the western United States have declined substantially in the last century. Reintroduction plans are underway, but the ability of the species to establish a self-sustaining population is affected by predation from its primary predator, the bobcat ( Lynx rufus). Objectives: To develop a habitat model that incorporates both habitat of the focal species and the spatial patterning of predator habitat. To locate areas of densely aggregated habitat that would be suitable for reintroduction. Methods: Using camera survey data, we modeled the association between bobcat presence and environmental features using a classification tree. We applied this model to a spatial analysis of fisher habitat and identified reintroduction areas in the southern Washington Cascade Range. Results: The classification tree predicted bobcat detection based on elevation and mean tree diameter. The final model identified fisher reintroduction locations primarily in or near existing wilderness areas. Fisher habitat areas identified considering both habitat and predation risk differed from those identified without considering predation. Conclusion: Our spatial approach is unique among fisher reintroduction plans by accounting for both resource requirements and risk of predation. It can be used as a template for future reintroduction efforts in other regions and for other species. Using similar models to refine population management and reintroduction should improve the probability of successful population establishment and stability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Radial head prostheses are indicated for treatment of complex radial head fractures not amenable for fixation. After the initial experience with silastic implants, metallic or pyrocarbon arthroplasty have been used for 20 years. Little is known about complications related to these implants. Main complications are related to loosening whether they are cemented or not cemented. Hypotheses have been proposed like inadequate stem design, insufficient cement technique, stress shielding, and foreign body reactions secondary to polyethylene wear. Pain and stiffness are other common complications often related to oversized radial head component or overstuffing of the joint with excessive lengthening of the radius. Instability can be another complication in the context of more complex trauma with lateral collateral ligament complex lesion and coronoid fracture. Fixation of the coronoid fracture, reinsertion of the lateral collateral ligament complex, and the use of monobloc radial head prosthesis are recommended to stabilize the joint. Finally, osteoarthritis is common with follow-up. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]