bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Systematic reviews versus narrative reviews in clinical anatomy: Methodological approaches in the era of evidence‐based anatomy
Authors: Henry Brandon Michael , Skinningsrud Bendik , Vikse Jens , Pękala Przemysław A. , Walocha Jerzy A. , Loukas Marious , Tubbs R. Shane , Tomaszewski Krzysztof A.
Published: January 2018

Two main types of review articles with distinct characteristics and goals are commonly found in the scientific literature: systematic reviews and narrative (also called expert or traditional) reviews. Narrative reviews are publications that describe and discuss the state of science on a specific topic or theme from a theoretical and contextual point of view with little explicit structure for gathering and presenting evidence. Systematic reviews are overviews of the literature undertaken by identifying, critically appraising and synthesizing the results of primary research studies using an explicit methodological approach. With the recent rise of evidence‐based anatomy, important questions arise with respect to the utility of narrative reviews in clinical anatomy. The goal of this perspective article is to address the key differences between narrative and systematic reviews in the context of clinical anatomy, to provide guidance on which type of review is most appropriate for a specific issue, and to summarize how the two types of reviews can work in unison to enhance the quality of anatomical research and its delivery to clinicians and anatomists alike. Clin. Anat. 31:364–367, 2018. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
RNA‐Templated Concatenation of Triplet Nucleic‐Acid Probe
Authors: Bahal Raman , Manna Arunava , Hsieh Wei‐Che , Thadke Shivaji A. , Sureshkumar Gopalsamy , Ly Danith H.
Published: January 2018

Template‐directed synthesis offers several distinct benefits over conventional laboratory creation, including unsurpassed reaction rate and selectivity. Although it is central to many biological processes, such an approach has rarely been applied to the in situ synthesis and recognition of biomedically relevant target. Towards this goal, we report the development of a three‐codon nucleic‐acid probe containing a C‐terminal thioester group and an N‐terminal cysteine that is capable of undergoing template‐directed oligomerization in the presence of an RNA target and self‐deactivation in its absence. The work has implications for the development of millamolecular nucleic‐acid probes for targeting RNA‐repeated expansions associated with myotonic dystrophy type 1 and other related neuromuscular and neurodegenerative disorders.
Selenocysteine inhibits human osteosarcoma cells growth through triggering mitochondrial dysfunction and ROS‐mediated p53 phosphorylation
Authors: Wang Wei , Meng Fan‐bin , Wang Zhen‐xing , Li Xiao , Zhou Dong‐sheng
Published: January 2018

Osteosarcoma represents the most common primary malignant bone tumor in children and adolescents, which shows severe resistance toward standard chemotherapy because of high invasive capacity and growing incidence. Selenocysteine (SeC) is a naturally available Se‐containing amino acid that displays splendid anticancer activities against several human tumors. However, little information about SeC‐induced growth inhibition against human osteosarcoma is available. Herein, the anticancer efficiency and underlying mechanism of SeC against human osteosarcoma were evaluated in vitro and in vivo. The results revealed that SeC significantly inhibited MG‐63 human osteosarcoma cells growth in vitro through induction of S‐phase arrest and apoptosis, as reflected by the decrease of cyclin A and CDK‐2, PARP cleavage, and caspases activation. SeC treatment also resulted in mitochondrial dysfunction through affecting Bcl‐2 family expression. Moreover, SeC triggered p53 phosphorylation by inducing reactive oxygen species (ROS) overproduction. ROS inhibition effectively blocked SeC‐induced cytotoxicity and p53 phosphorylation. Importantly, MG‐63 human osteosarcoma xenograft growth in nude mice was significantly suppressed in vivo through triggering apoptosis and p53 phosphorylation. These results indicated that SeC had the potential to inhibit human osteosarcoma cells growth in vitro and in vivo through triggering mitochondrial dysfunction and ROS‐mediated p53 phosphorylation, which validated the potential application of Se‐containing compounds in treatment of human osteosarcoma.
Alleviation of thalamic pain by cilostazol administration: a case report
Authors: Haruta‐Tsukamoto Ayaka , Funahashi Hideki , Miyahara Yu , Matsuo Tomoko , Nishimori Toshikazu , Ishida Yasushi
Published: January 2018

Key Clinical Message

Thalamic pain is severe and treatment‐resistant; however, there are few available options for improving thalamic pain. This study demonstrated that thalamic pain was alleviated by administration of cilostazol, suggesting that cilostazol may be a candidate for treating thalamic pain.
Successful management of a parasitic ischiopagus conjoined twins in a low‐income setting
Authors: Muhelo Arlindo Rosario , Montemezzo Genni , Da Dalt Liviana , Wingi Olivier Manzungu , Trevisanuto Daniele , Gamba Piergiorgio , Pizzol Damiano , Cavaliere Elena
Published: January 2018

Key Clinical Message

Ischiopagus parasites are fetal defects attached to a relatively normal twin by pelvis. This is the first reported case of parasitic ischiopagus twins without prenatal diagnosis successfully managed in Mozambique. A multidisciplinary team was involved in the supernumerary limbs excision. After 7 months, the infant has a normal development.
Hydrogenation and Reductive Amination of Aldehydes using Triphos Ruthenium Catalysts
Authors: Christie Francesca , Zanotti‐Gerosa Antonio , Grainger Damian
Published: January 2018

An air‐stable and readily accessible ruthenium dihydride complex catalyses aldehyde hydrogenation under neutral conditions. A high activity has been shown in a number of examples, and solvent‐free conditions are also applicable, which favours industrial‐scale applications. The catalyst has also been demonstrated to be active at low catalyst loadings for the reductive amination of aldehydes under mildly acidic conditions. A number of examples of chemoselectivity challenges are also presented in which the catalyst does not reduce carbon−halogen groups, alkene or ketone functionality. The advantage of using the pre‐formed complex, Triphos‐Ru(CO)H2 (1), over in situ formed catalysts from Triphos and Ru(acac)3 (acac=acetylacetonate) is also shown in terms of both chemoselectivity and activity, in particular this can be seen if low reaction temperatures are used.
A Copper(II) Molecular Catalyst for Efficient and Selective Photochemical Reduction of CO2 to CO in a Water‐Containing System
Authors: Liu Wen‐Ju , Huang Hai‐Hua , Ouyang Ting , Jiang Long , Zhong Di‐Chang , Zhang Wen , Lu Tong‐Bu
Published: January 2018

A catalyst developed from a CuII complex of (Et4N)[Cu(pyN2Me2)(HCO2)]⋅0.5 CH3OH⋅H2O (1⋅0.5 CH3OH⋅H2O; pyN2Me2=bis(2,6‐dimethylphenyl)‐2,6‐pyridinedicarboxamidate(2‐)) shows a high activity to catalyze the reduction reaction of CO2 to CO driven by visible light in 4:1 acetonitrile/water (v:v) using [Ru(phen)3](PF6)2 as photosensitizer and TEOA as sacrificial reductant, with a high TON of 9900 and a high CO selectivity of 98 %. The results of isotope labeling experiment, durability tests and energy dispersive spectroscopy reveal that 1 is robust during the photocatalytic process.
On the Variable Reactivity of Phosphine‐Functionalized [Ge9] Clusters: Zintl Cluster‐Substituted Phosphines or Phosphine‐Substituted Zintl Clusters
Authors: Geitner Felix S. , Wallach Christoph , Fässler Thomas F.
Published: January 2018

The reaction of [(Ge9{Si(TMS)3}2PtBu2)]− with NHCMesCuCl yields [(Ge9{Si(TMS)3}2)(tBu2P)]Cu(NHCMes) (1), which is a new derivative of the recently reported monomeric zwitterionic tetrel cluster compounds [(Ge9{Si(TMS)3}2)(tBu2P)]M(NHCDipp) (M: Cu, Ag, Au). By contrast, the reaction of the same anion [(Ge9{Si(TMS)3}2PtBu2)]− with the more labile copper phosphine complex Cy3PCuCl leads to the formation of [Ge9{Si(TMS)3}2{(tBu)2PCu}2Ge9{Si(TMS)3}2] (2), which is a neutral dimeric twofold‐bridged [Ge9] cluster compound, with the exo‐bonded phosphine substituent being involved in the cluster bridging. In case of the presence of sterically more demanding phosphines in [Ge9{Si(TMS)3}2PR2]− [R: Mes (3) and NiPr2 (4)], reactions with NHCDippCuCl yielded the complexes NHCDippCu[η3‐Ge9{Si(TMS)3}2(PR2)] [R: Mes (5) and NiPr2 (6)], comprising exclusively Cu−Ge bonds. Compounds 5 and 6 show varying reactivity in dependence of the identity of the phosphine group and represent the first examples of fourfold‐substituted [Ge9] clusters with three different ligands bound to the [Ge9] cluster core. All compounds were characterized by 1H, 13C, 31P, and 29Si NMR spectroscopy. Additionally, compounds 3 and 4 were analyzed by ESI‐MS, and the structures of compounds 1, 2, and 5 were characterized by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction.
Photoinduced Oxidation Catalysis by Au25‐xAgx(SR)18 Nanoclusters
Authors: Hanbao Chong , Guiqi Gao , Jinsong Chai , Sha Yang , Bo Rao , Guang Li , Manzhou Zhu
Published: January 2018

Alloy gold nanoclusters (NCs) have attracted tremendous attention by the nanomaterial chemists on account of their extraordinary properties. Herein, we report a photoinduced oxidation catalysis by Au25‐xAgx− NCs. Due to the synergistic effect, the alloyed NCs Au25‐xAgx− were found to be the best among the tested catalysts, exhibiting complete conversion and exclusive selectivity. The phenomenon expands the scope of photocatalysts, rendering us more opportunities to explore more efficient catalysts.
Regular Tetrahedral Lattice Coordinate System for an Equivalent Arrangement of Bio‐mathematical Models Reflecting Objects’ Shape
Authors: HONMA SATORU , WAKAMATSU HIDETOSHI
Published: January 2018

Mathematical simulation is utilized to visualize the invisible phenomena, such as distribution of temperature and/or stress in a concerning object, by using properly structuralized nodes on each grid point of the orthogonal coordinate system. Here, the close‐packed nodes with same effective radius are set on the vertex of regular tetrahedrons. Thus, the mathematical simulation calculating the interactions among nodes can be appropriately performed on the newly proposed coordinate system, which consists of continuous connection of regular tetrahedrons with six basic lattices. Then, the regular tetrahedron lattice coordinate system is well confirmed for the description of definite nodes having interaction with their neighboring ones.
Impact of Nickel Silicide Rear Metallization on the Series Resistance of Crystalline Silicon Solar Cells
Authors: Bahabry Rabab R. , Hanna Amir N. , Kutbee Arwa T. , Gumus Abdurrahman , Hussain Muhammad. M.
Published: January 2018

The silicon‐based solar cell is one of the most important enablers toward high‐efficiency, low‐cost clean energy resources. Metallization of silicon‐based solar cells typically utilizes screen‐printed silver–aluminum (Ag–Al), which improves the cells′ electrical performance. To date, metal silicide‐based ohmic contacts are occasionally used as an alternative candidate only to the front‐contact grid lines in crystalline silicon (c‐Si)‐based solar cells. In this study, we investigate the electrical characteristics of nickel mono‐silicide (NiSi)/Cu–Al ohmic contact on the rear side of c‐Si solar cells. We observe a significant enhancement in the fill factor of approximately 6.5 % for NiSi/Cu–Al rear contacts, thereby leading to an increase in the efficiency by 1.2 % compared to Ag–Al. This is attributed to the improvement of the parasitic resistance in which the series resistance decreased by 0.737 Ω cm−2. Further, we complement experimental observation with a simulation of different contact resistance values, which shows the NiSi/Cu–Al rear contact to be a promising low‐cost metallization for c‐Si solar cells with enhanced efficiency.
Acute toxicity of Corexit EC9500A and assessment of dioctyl sulfosuccinate as an indicator for monitoring four oil dispersants applied to diluted bitumen
Authors: MacInnis Ceara Y. , Brunswick Pamela , Park Grace H. , Buday Craig , Schroeder Grant , Fieldhouse Ben , Brown Carl E. , van Aggelen Graham , Shang Dayue
Published: January 2018

The present study investigated oil dispersant toxicity to fish species typical of the cooler regions of Canada, together with less well-documented issues pertaining to oil dispersant monitoring. The oil dispersant toxicity of Corexit EC9500A was assessed for the freshwater fish species rainbow trout and the seawater species coho, chinook, and chum, with a final median lethal concentration (LC50) acute lethality range between 35.3 and 59.8 mg/L. The LC50 range was calculated using confirmed 0-h dispersant concentrations that were justified by fish mortality within the first 24 h of exposure and by variability of the dispersant indicator dioctyl sulfosuccinate (DOSS) used to monitor concentrations at later time points. To investigate DOSS as an oil dispersant indicator in the environment, microcosm systems were prepared containing Corexit EC9500A, Finasol OSR52, Slickgone NS, and Slickgone EW dispersants together with diluted bitumen. The DOSS indicator recovery was found to be stable for up to 13 d at 5 °C, 8 d at 10 °C, but significantly less than 8 d at ≥15 °C. After 3 d at temperatures ≥15 °C, the DOSS indicator recovery became less accurate and was dependent on multiple environmental factors including temperature, microbial activity, and aeration, with potential for loss of solvents and stabilizers. A final assessment determined DOSS to be a discrepant indicator for long-term monitoring of oil dispersant in seawater. Environ Toxicol Chem 2018;37:1309–1319. © 2018 SETAC
Can genetic testing guide the therapy of cholestatic pruritus? A case of benign recurrent intrahepatic cholestasis type 2 with severe nasobiliary drainage‐refractory itch
Authors: Holz Robert , Kremer Andreas E. , Lütjohann Dieter , Wasmuth Hermann E. , Lammert Frank , Krawczyk Marcin
Published: January 2018

Benign recurrent intrahepatic cholestasis (BRIC) is a peculiar familial disease caused by mutations of the genes encoding hepatocanalicular flippase for phosphatidylserine (ATP8B1; BRIC type 1) or the bile salt export pump (ABCB11; BRIC type 2). Here, we report on a patient with nasobiliary drainage‐refractory BRIC type 2 who improved under plasma separation and anion absorption therapy. We also suggest that nasobiliary drainage might be an ineffective approach in carriers of severe loss‐of‐function mutations of the bile salt export pump ABCB11. (Hepatology Communications 2018;2:152–154)
Periodontitis and cancer mortality: Register‐based cohort study of 68,273 adults in 10‐year follow‐up
Authors: Heikkilä Pia , But Anna , Sorsa Timo , Haukka Jari
Published: January 2018

Periodontitis, a multifactorial infection‐induced low‐grade chronic inflammation, can influence the process of carcinogenesis. We studied with 10 years follow‐up of 68,273 adults‐based cohort the involvement of periodontitis as a risk factor for cancer mortality. Periodontal status was defined based on procedure codes of periodontal treatment. Rate ratios and absolute differences of overall and cancer mortality rates were assessed with respect to periodontal status using multiplicative and additive Poisson regression models, respectively. We adjusted for effect of age, sex, calendar time, socio‐economic status, oral health, dental treatments and diabetes. Data about smoking or alcohol consumption were not available. Altogether 797 cancer deaths occurred during 664,020 person‐years accumulated over a mean 10.1‐year follow‐up. Crude cancer mortality rate per 10,000 person‐years for participants without and with periodontitis was 11.36 (95% CI 10.47–12.31) and 14.45 (95% CI 12.51–16.61), respectively. Crude rate ratios for periodontitis indicated an increased risk of overall (RR 1.27, 95% CI 1.08–1.39) and pancreatic cancer (RR 1.69, 95% CI 1.04–2.76) mortality. After adjustment, the results showed even stronger associations of periodontitis with increased overall (RR 1.33, 95% CI 1.10–1.58) and pancreatic cancer (RR 2.32, 95% CI 1.31–3.98) mortality. A higher pancreatic cancer mortality among individuals with periodontitis contributed considerably to the difference in overall cancer mortality, but this difference was not due to pancreatic cancer deaths alone.
Impact of subchronic exposure to triclosan and/or fluoride on estrogenic activity in immature female rats: The expression pattern of calbindin‐D9k and estrogen receptor α genes
Authors: Abd‐Elhakim Yasmina M. , Mohammed Amany T. , Ali Haytham A.
Published: January 2018

This study explored the influence of triclosan (TCS) in the absence and presence of sodium fluoride (NaF) on estrogenic activity and thyroid function of adolescent female rats. The results indicated that the individual exposure to TCS evoked a significant decline in T3 and T4 but the levels of estradiol, FSH, and LH were significantly elevated beside marked up regulation of calbindin‐D9k and estrogen α mRNA expression. On the other hand, the single exposure to NaF causes insignificant changes in thyroid hormones, but evoked a trend toward an increase in both estradiol and LH levels. No significant differences in the TSH level were recorded among the experimental groups. The joint exposure to TCS and NaF induced a significant improvement in thyroid and reproductive hormone levels. Overall, these findings revealed that exposure to TCS resulted in significant endocrine and reproductive alterations in immature female rats, while TCS + NaF coexposure resulted in lessening most effects.
Effects of fixation on electrophysiology and structure of human jejunal villi
Authors: Casselbrant Anna , Helander Herbert F.
Published: January 2018

The villi of human jejunum vary in size and shape during different functional conditions. In the base the lamina propria is isotonic with blood, in the tip hyperosmotic. Here we study electrophysiological and morphological effects of incubation in hypotonic, isotonic, or hypertonic solutions, and to test various isotonic fixatives for microscopy. Samples of jejunal mucosae, obtained during surgery in obese patients, were studied in Ussing chambers where electrical parameters were registered during incubation in Krebs solution at various osmolarities, and during fixation in formaldehyde, glutaraldehyde, or osmium tetroxide (OsO4). The same fixatives were used for other jejunal specimens that were fixed directly for light microscopy. Morphometry was carried out to determine size and height of villi, proportion of lamina propria, and surface enlargement due to villi. Ussing chamber incubation in fluids with low osmolarity resulted in increased electrical resistance and epithelial swelling. Opposite results were obtained at high osmolality. Fixation was faster in formaldehyde than in glutaraldehyde or OsO4. In biopsies processed directly for light microscopy the proportions of lamina propria of the mucosa, and of lamina propria of villi, were significantly larger in biopsies fixed in formaldehyde than after fixation in glutaraldehyde or OsO4. The villus tips sometimes ended with a bleb with prominent spaces between the epithelial cells. In summary, jejunal villi swell in vitro when exposed to hypotonic solutions, and shrink in hypertonic solutions. Much of the morphological changes occurring during fixation can be related to the physiological hyperosmolar milieu in villus tips.
Two‐frequency CARS imaging by switching fiber laser excitation
Authors: Rentchler Eric C. , Xie Ruxin , Hui Rongqing , Johnson Carey K.
Published: January 2018

To fully exploit the power of coherent Raman imaging, techniques are needed to image more than one vibrational frequency simultaneously. We describe a method for switching between two vibrational frequencies based on a single fiber‐laser source. Stokes pulses were generated by soliton self‐frequency shifting in a photonic crystal fiber. Pump and Stokes pulses were stretched to enhance vibrational resolution by spectral focusing. Stokes pulses were switched between two wavelengths on the millisecond time scale by a liquid‐crystal retarder. Proof‐of‐principle is demonstrated by coherent anti‐Stokes Raman imaging of polystyrene beads embedded in a poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) matrix. The Stokes shift was switched between 3,050 cm−1, where polystyrene has a Raman transition, and 2,950 cm−1, where both polystyrene and PMMA have Raman resonances. The method can be extended to multiple vibrational modes.
Synthesis of N‐Substituted Condensed Tetrahydropyridine‐Based Enaminones via Palladium‐Catalyzed Intramolecular C–N Cross‐coupling
Authors: Doušová Hana , Růžičková Zdeňka , Šimůnek Petr
Published: January 2018

A number of β‐enaminones with secondary amino group (alkyl, cyclopropyl, and aryl) were prepared from corresponding β‐diketones. Two general protocols for their palladium‐catalyzed intramolecular C–N cross‐coupling were established to give corresponding N‐substituted condensed tetrahydropyridines in good yields. The methodology is applicable for a wide variety of structural motifs. The work also extends the applicability of novel, recently established, palladium precatalysts to new substrates.
Synthesis and Antimicrobial Activity of New Thiazolidine‐Based Heterocycles as Rhodanine Analogues
Authors: Abdel Hafez Naglaa A. , Elsayed Mohamed A. , El‐Shahawi Manal M. , Awad Ghada E. A. , Ali Korany A.
Published: January 2018

A new series of compounds containing thiazole nucleus as Rhodanine analogues have been synthesized. The new compounds were prepared from the reactions of the thiosemicarbazones (3a,b) with a series of α‐halo carbonyl compounds to give the corresponding Rhodanine analogues. The thiosemicarbazones derivatives (3a,b) were reacted also with hydrazonoyl chlorides to afford the corresponding tri‐substituted and tetra‐substituted thiazoles. The structures of the newly synthesized compounds were confirmed by elemental analysis and spectral data. The biological activities of the new synthesized Rhodanine analogues' were evaluated for their antimicrobial activities. The results showed that some of these compounds showed excellent activity against two fungal strains, including Aspergillus niger and Aspergillus flavus, in addition to three yeast strains, including Saccharomyces cervesi, Candida albicans NRRL Y‐477, and Candida Pathological specimen compared with the ketoconazol, as the reference drug.
Green Synthesis of Fused Imidazo[1,2‐a][1,8]naphthyridine Derivatives Catalyzed by DABCO under Solvent‐Free Solid‐State Conditions and Their Biological Evaluation
Authors: Banoth Sonyanaik , Perugu Shyam , Boda Sakram
Published: January 2018

An efficient and eco‐friendly methodology has been developed for the construction of fused imidazo[1,2‐a][1,8]naphthyridine derivatives in the presence of 1,4‐diazabicyclo[2.2.2]octane, and involving various substituted heterocyclic amines with phenacyl bromide under solvent‐free solid‐state condition obtained the corresponding compounds (5a–g, 7a–f) in short reaction time with high yield which is the important features of this protocol. All newly synthesized products were evaluated for their antibacterial and fungal activities. All these compounds displayed good antibacterial and antifungal activity. In predominantly, compounds 7e, 7d, and 5d demonstrate the highest antibacterial and antifungal activities. Furthermore, in silico molecular docking studies results were well complemented to the antimicrobial activity.
The characteristics of extreme cold events and cold air outbreaks in the eastern United States
Authors: Smith Erik T. , Sheridan Scott C.
Published: January 2018

Periods of extreme cold impact the mid‐latitudes every winter. Depending on the magnitude and duration of the occurrence, extremely cold periods may be deemed cold air outbreaks (CAOs). A systematic CAO index and ranking system was developed from 20 surface weather stations from 1948 through 2016, based on a set of criteria concerning magnitude, duration, and spatial extent. Standard deviations in temperature were used to identify extreme temperatures relative to the station. A total of 49 CAOs occurred during the 67‐year period, with the majority occurring during mid‐winter. The number of CAOs proved to be largely dependent on the stations latitude and maritime influence. The duration, magnitude, and spatial extent were dependent on the time of the winter season in which the CAO occurred. Furthermore, two prominent clusters of an increased number of CAOs occurred during the 67‐year period, suggesting multi‐decadal circulations may be a factor in CAOs.
Acetabular and spino‐pelvic morphologies are different in subjects with symptomatic cam femoro‐acetabular impingement
Authors: Grammatopoulos George , Speirs Andrew D. , Ng K. C. Geoffrey , Riviere Charles , Rakhra Kawan S. , Lamontagne Mario , Beaule Paul E.
Published: January 2018

Acetabular and spino‐pelvic (SP) morphological parameters are important determinants of hip joint dynamics. This prospective study aimed to determine whether acetabular and SP morphological differences exist between hips with and without cam morphology and between symptomatic and asymptomatic hips with cam morphology. A cohort of 67 patients/hips was studied. Hips were either asymptomatic with no cam (Controls, n = 18), symptomatic with cam (n = 26) or asymptomatic with cam (n = 23). CT‐based quantitative assessments of femoral, acetabular, pelvic, and spino‐pelvic parameters were performed. Measurements were compared between controls and those with a cam deformity, as well as between the three groups. Morphological parameters that were independent predictors of a symptomatic cam were determined using a regression analysis. Hips with cam deformity had slightly smaller subtended angles superior‐anteriorly (87° vs. 84°, p = 0.04) and greater pelvic incidence (53° vs. 48°, p = 0.003) compared to controls. Symptomatic cams had greater acetabular version (p < 0.01), greater subtended angles superiorly and superior‐posteriorly (p = 0.01), higher pelvic incidence (p = 0.02), greater alpha angles and lower femoral neck‐shaft angles compared to asymptomatic cams (p < 0.01) and controls (p < 0.01). The four predictors of symptomatic cam included antero‐superior alpha angle, femoral neck‐shaft angle, acetabular depth, and pelvic incidence. In conclusion, this study illustrates that symptomatic hips had a greater amount of supero‐posterior coverage; which would be the contact area between a radial cam and the acetabulum, when the hip is flexed to 90°. Furthermore, individuals with symptomatic cam morphology had greater PI. Acetabular‐ and SP parameters should be part of the radiological assessment of femoro‐acetabular impingement. © 2018 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 36:1840–1848, 2018.
Van't Hoff analysis in chiral chromatography
Authors: Asnin Leonid D. , Stepanova Maria V.
Published: January 2018

The present review discusses the theory and application of van't Hoff analysis in chiral chromatography, with main focus on liquid chromatography. The topics considered include the physical meaning of van't Hoff equation's parameters, interpretation of thermodynamic data in terms of retention and enantioseparation mechanisms, abnormal behavior of van't Hoff plots, and best practices to avoid biased results.
Optimization of the surface modification process of cross‐linked polythiol‐coated chiral stationary phases synthesized by a two‐step thiol‐ene click reaction
Authors: Schmitt Kristina , Lämmerhofer Michael
Published: January 2018

A new platform technology for the preparation of stable chiral stationary phases was successfully optimized. The chiral selector tert‐butylcarbamoylquinine was firstly covalently connected to the polymer poly(3‐mercaptopropyl)methylsiloxane by thiol‐ene click reaction. Secondly, the quinine carbamate functionalized polysiloxane conjugate was coated onto the surface of vinyl modified silica particles and cross‐linked via thiol‐ene click reaction. The amount of polysiloxane, chiral selector, radical initiator, reaction solvent (chloroform and methanol), reaction time, and pore size of the supporting silica particles were varied and systematically optimized in terms of achievable plate numbers while maintaining simultaneously enantioselectivity. The optimization was based on elemental analysis data, chromatographic results, and H/u‐curves (Van Deemter) of the resultant chiral stationary phases. The results suggest that better chromatographic efficiency (higher plate numbers) at equal enantioselectivity can be achieved with methanol (a poor solvent for the polysiloxane that is dispersed rather than dissolved) and a lower film thickness of quinine carbamate functionalized polysiloxane. In this study, chiral stationary phases based on 100 Å silica slightly outperformed 200 Å silica particles (each 5 μm). The optimized two step material exhibited significantly reduced mass transfer resistance compared to the one step material and equal performance as a brush‐type chiral stationary phase.
Comparative evaluations of hypertrophic scar formation in in vivo models
Authors: Kim Myeongjin , Kim Hyejin , Kang Hyun Wook
Published: January 2018

Background and Objective

Hypertrophic scar (HTS) results from a connective tissue reaction to trauma, inflammation, surgery, or burn on skin. In spite of various techniques for wound generation, the degree of scar in animal models after healing is still unpredictable and less reproducible. The objective of the current study was to identify the appropriate method to create the maximal HTS tissue in a reliable manner by comparing three different methods in vivo.

Materials and Methods

A 27 ICR mice were tested for the in vivo evaluations. Three different methods were applied to develop wounds on the back of each mice for quantitative evaluations on collagen formation: Group 1 (thermal burn), Group 2 (chemical burn), and Group 3 (physical punch). After injury, each lesion was photographed to examine physical variations in the wound areas. Histological analysis was conducted on days 0, 7, and 28 to assess the extent of the injury in the tissue and to quantitatively compare the amount of collagen formation after wound healing.

Results

Compared with Groups 1 and 3, Group 2 demonstrated the largest wound area that gradually decreased with healing time. However, the minimal axial damage (along tissue depth) occurred to Group 2 at day 0 (183.7 ± 28.9, 38.1 ± 9.2, and 296.0 ± 81.7 µm for Groups 1, 2, and 3, respectively). After 28 days, all the groups showed the complete healing and accompanied a significant increase in the number of fibroblast and collagen generation with well‐oriented and denser collagen fibers, in comparison with normal skin. Group 2 yielded twice thicker skin (both epidermis and dermis) than the other groups (970.8 ± 108.8 µm for Group 2 vs. 381.5 ± 30.8 µm for Group 1 and 442.9 ± 56.3 µm for Group 3; P < 0.001).

Conclusion

The proposed chemical burn can be the optimal method to create collagenous scar tissue in the mouse model. Further in vivo investigations with rat models will be performed to validate the current technique for laser scar treatment in terms of reliability and immunohistochemical responses. Lasers Surg. Med. 50:661–668, 2018. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
About the Art and Science of Visualizing Polymer Morphology using Transmission Electron Microscopy
Authors: Tencé‐Girault Sylvie , Woehling Vincent , Oikonomou Evdokia K. , Karpati Szilvia , Norvez Sophie
Published: January 2018

Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) is a unique tool to visualize polymer morphology: an intimate organization of the matter, encompassing crystalline features in semicrystalline polymers and a kaleidoscopic collection of patterns produced by microseparated phases in polymer blends. This manuscript aims at demonstrating the various opportunities this technique enables, through a miscellany of studies performed in our laboratory. Materials as different as bulk and composite compounds, thin films, hollow fiber membranes, and rubbers are presented, from the viewpoint of the interrelation of TEM with other techniques like scattering, mechanical, and thermomechanical experiments.
Rice Protein Matrix Enhances Circulating Levels of Xanthohumol Following Acute Oral Intake of Spent Hops in Humans
Authors: O'Connor Annalouise , Konda Veera , Reed Ralph L. , Christensen J. Mark , Stevens Jan F. , Contractor Nikhat
Published: January 2018

Scope

Xanthohumol (XN), a prenylated flavonoid found in hops, exhibits anti‐inflammatory and antioxidant properties. However, poor bioavailability may limit therapeutic applications. As food components are known to modulate polyphenol absorption, the objective is to determine whether a protein matrix could enhance the bioavailability of XN post oral consumption in humans.

Methods and results

This is a randomized, double‐blind, crossover study in healthy participants (n = 6) evaluating XN and its major metabolites (isoxanthohumol [IX], 6‐ and 8‐prenylnaringenin [6‐PN, 8‐PN]) for 6 h following consumption of 12.4 mg of XN delivered via a spent hops‐rice protein matrix preparation or a control spent hops preparation. Plasma XN and metabolites are measured by LC–MS/MS. Cmax, Tmax, and area‐under‐the‐curve (AUC) values were determined. Circulating XN and metabolite response to each treatment was not bioequivalent. Plasma concentrations of XN and XN + metabolites (AUC) are greater with consumption of the spent hops‐rice protein matrix preparation.

Conclusion

Compared to a standard spent hops powder, a protein‐rich spent hops matrix demonstrates enhanced plasma levels of XN and metabolites following acute oral intake.
Raspberry Supplementation Improves Insulin Signaling and Promotes Brown‐Like Adipocyte Development in White Adipose Tissue of Obese Mice
Authors: Xing Tong , Kang Yifei , Xu Xinglian , Wang Bo , Du Min , Zhu Mei‐Jun
Published: January 2018

Scope

Excessive lipid accumulation in white adipose tissue (WAT) leads to chronic inflammation and metabolic dysfunction. Raspberry (RB) contains high amount of polyphenols and dietary fibers. The objective of the study is to evaluate the effects of RB supplementation on WAT morphology, inflammation, and insulin signaling in high fat diet (HFD)‐induced obese mice, and further explore the underlying mechanisms.

Methods and results

C57BL/6J mice are fed with a control diet or a HFD supplemented with 0 or 5% freeze dried RB for 12 weeks. RB supplementation decreases WAT hypertrophy induced by HFD and suppresses pro‐inflammatory cytokines expression and macrophage infiltration in WAT. Meanwhile, RB addition improves insulin sensitivity of HFD‐mice. Additionally, RB supplementation drives the browning of WAT (beige adipogenesis), which is associated with elevated PGC‐1α and FNDC5/irisin contents. Consistently, the content of beige adipocyte markers including UCP1, PRDM16, Cytochrome C, Cidea, and Elvol3 is enhanced in HFD‐mice, which are correlated with increased AMPK phosphorylation and Sirt1 protein contents.

Conclusion

Dietary RB attenuated adipocyte hypertrophy and inflammation of WAT in HFD‐mice and improves insulin sensitivity and beige adipogenesis, which is associated with increased FNDC5/irisin content and activation of AMPK/Sirt1 pathway. RB supplementation provides a promising strategy to prevent diet‐induced obesity.
Analytical models for consolidation of combined composite ground improved by impervious columns and vertical drains
Authors: Lu Mengmeng , Jing Hongwen , Zhou Annan , Xie Kanghe
Published: January 2018

In recent years, a new technique of ground improvement, which involves the combined use of impervious column and vertical drains, has been proposed and utilized in many field projects to accelerate consolidation and increase bearing capacity of soft soil ground. To cover the possible distribution patterns of impervious columns and vertical drains, 2 analytical models, including Model A with outward flow and Model B with inward flow within the soils, are proposed to predict the consolidation of combined composite ground by considering the following factors: (1) disturbance effects of both impervious columns and vertical drains, (2) the well resistance of vertical drains, and (3) time‐variant loadings. The average degrees of consolidation predicted by the proposed analytical models are compared with several existing solutions and then against the measured data in the literature. The consolidation behavior of a combined composite ground is investigated by the proposed analytical solutions. The results show that the combined use of impervious columns and vertical drains can remarkably accelerate the consolidation rate of soft soils compared with the single use of either of them. The average degrees of consolidation predicted by both analytical models agree well with the measured data. Compared with Model B, Model A usually predicts a faster consolidation rate because of a shorter drainage path. Many factors can influence consolidation behavior of combined composite ground, such as loading scheme, distribution patterns and the disturbance effects of impervious columns and vertical drains, and compression modulus ratio of impervious column to soil.
Parenteral Nutrition Safety: The Story Continues
Authors: Ayers Phil , Boullata Joseph , Sacks Gordon
Published: January 2018

Parenteral nutrition (PN) is an important therapeutic modality used for a variety of indications in adults, children, and infants. PN is a complex, high‐alert medication that requires appropriate education and ongoing competency assessment to ensure a safe process. PN is not recognized by many organizations as a medication, which leads to underreporting of errors. This article will provide important insight and recommendations to promote a safe PN process.
Mechanical Properties of Nanoclay and Nanoclay Reinforced Polymers: A Review
Authors: Rafiee Roham , Shahzadi Reza
Published: January 2018

A literature review is conducted on performed investigations for characterizing Young's modulus of nanoclay platelet as the reinforcing agent of nanoclay/polymer nanocomposites from both experimental and theoretical aspects. The observed discrepancies in the reported results are discussed accordingly. All available investigations for predicting mechanical properties of nanoclay reinforced polymers are also reviewed. The employed methods in ongoing studies are categorized into three groups as atomistic, continuum and multiscale modeling techniques. Those challenging issues which are still in need of more accurate understanding and discussion are identified and outlined through a gap analysis on current investigations. The introduced shortcomings can be considered as prospective research areas for the future studies in the field of estimating mechanical properties of nanoclay based composites. POLYM. COMPOS., 40:431–445, 2019. © 2018 Society of Plastics Engineers
Verifying defective PV‐modules by IR‐imaging and controlling with module optimizers
Authors: Buerhop Claudia , Fecher Frank W. , Pickel Tobias , Häring Adrian , Adamski Tim , Camus Christian , Hauch Jens , Brabec Christoph J.
Published: January 2018

Quality control and efficient operation of roof‐top residential photovoltaic (PV)‐installations is an economic and technical challenge because these PV‐systems often suffer from various roof orientations and inclinations as well as partial and temporal shading. Module optimizers, which track the operating point individually for each module group, are good solutions providing also additional electrical information. The purpose of this work is verifying the identification and localization of defective PV‐modules with infrared (IR)–imaging and with module optimizers as well as quantifying the impact on the performance. Several PV‐plants were inspected and carefully analyzed. The findings using IR‐imaging can clearly be classified to substring failures due to open circuit and short circuit, bypass‐diode faults, cell defect, and some undefined optimizer problems. The electric data reveal that these findings are related to certain power loss and monthly or annual yield reduction. Interesting is the temporal behavior of particular defective sites, which show short‐term recovery. In summary, there is a good agreement between the occasionally performed IR‐findings and the continuously monitored electrical data.
Electrodeposited TiO2 Film with Mossy Nanostructure for Efficient Compact Layer in Scaffold‐Type Perovskite Solar Cell
Authors: Su Tzu‐Sen , Hsieh Tsung‐Yu , Wei Tzu‐Chien
Published: January 2018

A quality compact layer (CL) with a thin and pinhole‐free structure is essential for an efficient perovskite solar cell (PSC). This study offers a new perspective regarding a criterion of a quality CL, namely three‐dimensional interfacial contact. In an examination of the deposition mechanisms, film morphologies, and optical and electronic properties of CLs fabricated using different methods, an electrodeposited (ED) TiO2 CL outperformed other TiO2 CLs. This is not only because of its ultrathin, fully covered morphology but also because of its mossy structure, which provides high shunt resistance and low ohmic resistance in ED‐TiO2‐based PSCs. In addition, our results confirm that in scaffold‐type PSCs, the CL provides a charge extraction function in addition to the mesoporous scaffold, which is designed as the main electron transporting layer.
Ultrasound Assisted Extraction of Yam (Dioscorea bulbífera) Starch: Effect on Morphology and Functional Properties
Authors: Bernardo Cristiany Oliveira , Ascheri José Luis Ramírez , Chávez Davy William Hidalgo , Carvalho Carlos Wanderlei Piler
Published: January 2018

After the grinding stage of yam tubers, ultrasonic treatment (UT) is compared to traditional starch extraction. Different sonication conditions of amplitude (12, 40, and 68%) and time (3, 6, and 9 min) are evaluated along two other treatments: a control (0% amplitude) and 70% amplitude for 15 min, in order to compare the traditional extraction method and extreme ultrasonic conditions. Extraction yield, centesimal composition, color instrumental analysis, scanning electron microscopy, optical microscopy, particle size, x‐ray diffraction, swelling power and solubility, paste clarity, pasting properties, thermal properties, and absolute density are used to evaluate the isolated starches. Yield increased from 29.85% (control) to 32.09% (70% amplitude, 15 min). The surface of certain sonicated treated starch becomes damaged, also amorphous region is reduced, but no change in the crystalline pattern of starch is observed, characterized as B type. Except for treated starches at 70% amplitude for 15 min, all others showed no change or slight increase of peak viscosity. Despite the increase in yield, ultrasound caused changes on physical and chemical characteristics, depending on time and amplitude, hence it may be used as alternative technique for physical starch modification, for example, for producing thickeners agent.
Juvenile Taiep rats have shorter dendritic trees in the dorsal field of the hippocampus without spatial learning disabilities
Authors: Silva‐Gómez Adriana B. , Bravo‐Duran Dolores A. , Eguibar Jose R. , Cortes Carmen
Published: January 2018

Myelin mutant taiep rats show a progressive demyelination in the central nervous system due to an abnormal accumulation of microtubules in the cytoplasm and the processes on their oligodendrocytes. Demyelination is associated with electrophysiological alterations and the mutant had a progressive astrocytosis. The illness is associated with change in cytokine levels and in the expression of different nitric oxide synthase and concomitantly lipoperoxidation in several areas of the brain. However, until now there has been no detailed anatomical analysis of neurons in this mutant. The aim of this study was to analyze the dendritic morphology in the hippocampus using Golgi‐Cox staining and spatial memory through Morris water maze test in young adult (3 months old) taiep rats and compare them with normal Sprague‐Dawley. Our results showed that taiep rats have altered dendritic tree morphology in pyramidal neurons in the CA1 field of the hippocampus, but not in the CA3 region. These morphological changes did not produce a concomitant deficit in spatial memory acquisition or recall at this early stage of the disease. Our results suggest that impairment of dendritic morphology in the CA1 field of the hippocampus is a landmark of the pathology of this progressive multiple sclerosis model.
Close Sentence Reading to Foster Decoding and Comprehension
Authors: Minnery Adrienne , Smith Antony T.
Published: January 2018

Decoding, building fluency, and exploring word and sentence meanings are important elements of literacy instruction in elementary classrooms. Shared literacy experiences provide opportunities for teachers to engage students in meaningful reading experiences. This article describes a quick four‐step process for conducting close sentence reading, a shared literacy experience focused on decoding and comprehending short excerpts of challenging text. Classroom examples and a sample excerpt and chart are included.
On a theory of thermoelasticity without energy dissipation for solids with microtemperatures
Authors: Ieşan D.
Published: January 2018

In the first part of this paper we present a strain gradient theory of thermoelastic bodies with microtemperatures which permits the transmission of heat as thermal waves at finite speed. The results are based on the Green‐Naghdi theory of thermomechanics of continua. The work is motivated by increasing use of materials which posses thermal variation at a microstructure level. In the second part of the paper we establish a uniqueness result and present some applications. We study the propagation of the time‐harmonic plane waves and investigate the effects of a concentrated heat source. A study of the discontinuities produced by a suddenly applied heat source is also presented.
An Efficiency Comparison of Regional Employment Offices Operating under Different Exogenous Conditions
Authors: Ramirez José V. , Vassiliev Anatoli
Published: January 2018

This paper investigates the technical efficiency differences of a sample of regional employment offices (REOs) across Swiss cantons. Regular job-search assistance, registration and matching of unemployed workers with job vacancies performed by employment offices are all important active labour market policies (ALMPs) which are often ignored in the literature evaluating the impact of active measures. The analysis is carried out by means of a stochastic production frontier model estimated on a panel of employment offices observed over the period between November 2000 and December 2001. The results show that the specific exogenous conditions exercise influence over the technical efficiency of each employment office. Even though these conditions affect significantly the relative performance of regional employment offices, the managerial efficiency component does remain important. Finally, the job placement process is characterised by decreasing returns to scale.
Can Bank Supervisors Rely on Market Data? A Critical Assessment from a Swiss Perspective
Authors: Birchler Urs W. , Facchinetti Matteo
Published: January 2018

Market data, such as bond spreads or equity price volatility, are a complementary source to bank supervisory information. In Switzerland, meaningful market data are available for a number of banks which constitute a major part of the banking system. Notwithstanding some limitations (biases due to state guarantee for cantonal banks and potential ‘too-big-to-fail’ expectations for big banks) these market data are likely to play a supervisory role in the future. However, once the market expects supervisors to react to market data, these data become endogenous. This may jeopardize the very potential of market data to serve as policy guides.