bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluating the appropriateness of AccessMedicine in integrated biochemistry learning for chinese medical students
Authors: Gao Furong , Li Jiao , Xu Jie , Jia Song , Xu Lei , Li Siguang , Xu Guo‐Tong , Lu Lixia
Published: February 2019

Recently, Chinese medical education has exhibited a shifting trend from teacher‐centered instruction to student‐centered learning, which usually includes a self‐directed learning process. Providing students with high‐quality and appropriate supplemental resources is necessary for their self‐directed learning. This study aimed to investigate the appropriateness of AccessMedicine, an online medical resource, for first‐year medical students at Tongji University in China. In the randomized controlled trial, 42 students were stratified by gender and grade point average (GPA) and randomly assigned to either the control group or AccessMedicine group. The students' learning outcomes were assessed with quizzes, including tests before and after learning and a final examination. Paired t‐tests and two‐way analysis of variance were performed for statistical analysis. We found that AccessMedicine‐assisted learning improved student performance on tests and decreased the overall failure rate in the final examination. Further analysis showed that the final examination score of the subgroup with high GPAs in the AccessMedicine group significantly increased, but not that of the subgroup with low GPAs, indicating that AccessMedicine‐assisted learning was more beneficial for good students than for poor students. A survey showed that professional vocabularies were the greatest obstacles to learning with AccessMedicine. Moreover, English language skills greatly affected the students' learning outcomes for the English resource but not those for the Chinese resource. Taken together, our results demonstrated that AccessMedicine was appropriate for Chinese medical education and improved the learning outcomes of students, especially students with high GPAs and a good command over the English language. © 2019 International Union of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, 47(3):272–278, 2019.
Phytochemical Findings Evidencing Botanical Origin of New Propolis Type from North‐West Argentina
Authors: González Mariela , García María E. , Slanis Alberto , Bonini Ana , Fiedler Stephanie , Fariña Laura , Dellacassa Eduardo , Condurso Concetta , Lorenzo Daniel , Russo Marcos , Tereschuk María L.
Published: February 2019

Propolis samples from north‐west Argentina (Amaicha del Valle, Tucumán) were evaluated by palynology, FT‐IR spectra, and RP‐HPTLC. In addition, the volatile fraction was studied by HS‐SPME‐GC/MS. The botanical species most visited by Apis mellifera L. near the apiaries were collected and their RP‐HPTLC extracts profiles were compared with propolis samples. In addition, GC/MS was performed for volatile compounds from Zuccagnia punctata Cav. (Fabaceae). FT‐IR spectra and RP‐HPTLC fingerprints of propolis samples showed similar profiles. In RP‐HPTLC analyses, only Z. punctata presented a similar fingerprint to Amaicha propolis. The major volatile compounds present in both were trans‐linalool oxide (furanoid), 6‐camphenone, linalool, trans‐pinocarveol, p‐cymen‐8‐ol, and 2,3,6‐trimethylbenzaldehyde. Potential variations for the Amaicha del Valle propolis volatile fraction as consequence of propolis sample preparation were demonstrated.
Working backward: Retrograde balloon angioplasty of atretic arteries in chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension
Authors: Allen Ligon R. , Petit Christopher J.
Published: February 2019

We describe a patient with chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension who presented to the pediatric cardiac catheterization laboratory for peripheral pulmonary artery recanalization and angioplasty. This case report outlines serial pulmonary arterial rehabilitation via a retrograde approach through intrapulmonary collateral arterial connections.
Conservative endovascular and hysteroscopic management of a cesarean scar pregnancy in a woman with previous history of uterine artery embolization for intractable hemorrhage after cesarean section for placenta previa
Authors: Kitami Kazuhisa , Koike Wataru , Nakamura Hiromi , Takeda Akihiro
Published: February 2019

Key Clinical Message

Transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE), followed by hysteroscopic resection of the gestational products, could be a feasible option for the conservative management of cesarean scar pregnancy (CSP) in a woman with a previous history of uterine artery embolization (UAE) with coils for intractable hemorrhage after cesarean section.
A Kinetic Model of Photocatalytic Hydrogen Production Employing a Hole Scavenger
Authors: Durán-Pérez José F. , García-Martínez Julio C. , Medina-Mendoza Ana K. , Puebla-Núñez Héctor , González-Brambila Margarita M. , Colín-Luna Jose Antonio
Published: February 2019

Reactions involved in photocatalytic hydrogen production through water splitting combined with a hole scavenger involve several stages that make kinetic analysis quite complicated. In the present work, a kinetic model for the photocatalytic production of hydrogen has been developed based on competitive adsorption, considering the photocatalytic decomposition of an organic molecule coupled to hydrolysis through photocatalytic water splitting. Parameter estimation is performed by using the Levenberg‐Marquardt method. Model validation results give an estimation of the strength of adsorption of acetol and the acetaldehyde.
Electrodialysis Application of the Ultrafiltration Permeate of Milk Before and After Reverse Osmosis
Authors: Shakhno Nikolay , Botvynko Alina , Ečer Jiří , Čurda Ladislav
Published: February 2019

Ultrafiltered (UF) milk permeate was concentrated by reverse osmosis (RO). UF and UF + RO samples were then desalted by electrodialysis (ED) to three levels of desalination: 1, 2.5, and 4 % of ash in the dry matter. Ions were analyzed by a new high‐performance liquid chromatography method, which enables simultaneous estimation of cations and anions. ED of UF permeate has some advantages over that of UF + RO samples, including a shorter ED time and a higher average salt flow rate, but RO treatment of UF permeate before ED enables the processing of larger volumes of UF permeate. Therefore, ED of milk permeate, particularly after RO, improves the handling characteristics and may offer advantages for further processing of secondary dairy products.
Features of Multicomponent Mass Transfer in Gas Mixtures Containing Hydrocarbon Components
Authors: Kossov Vladimir , Fedorenko Olga , Zhakebayev Dauren
Published: February 2019

The features characterizing the transition from a diffusion process to the concentration gravitational convection in multicomponent gas mixtures containing hydrocarbon components are analyzed. It is demonstrated that this transition is possible due to the difference in interdiffusion coefficients of components, initial concentration of components, and the pressure of the experiment. A mathematical model for describing the transition from the diffusion process to the concentration gravitational convection in multicomponent gas mixtures is considered. The key feature indicating the transfer from the diffusion regime to the convective one is the curvature of an isoline of the heavy component of the gas mixture.
Pyrimidopteridine N‐Oxide Organic Photoredox Catalysts: Characterization, Application and Non‐Covalent Interaction in Solid State
Authors: Hauptmann Richy , Petrosyan Andranik , Fennel Franziska , Argüello Cordero Miguel A. , Surkus Annette‐E. , Pospech Jola
Published: February 2019

Herein we report the photo‐ and electrochemical characterization of pyrimidopteridine N‐oxide‐based heterocycles. The potential of their application as organic photoredox catalysts is showcased in the photomediated contra‐thermodynamic E→Z isomerization of cinnamic acid derivatives and oxidative cyclization of 2‐phenyl benzoic acid to benzocoumarin using molecular oxygen as a mild oxidant. Furthermore, unprecedented intermolecular non‐covalent n–π‐hole interactions in solid state are discussed based on crystallographic and theoretical data.
A Silylene–Borane Lewis Pair as a Tool for Trapping a Water Molecule: Silanol Formation and Dehydrogenation
Authors: Roesch Philipp , Müller Robert , Dallmann André , Scholz Gudrun , Kaupp Martin , Braun Thomas , Braun‐Cula Beatrice , Wittwer Philipp
Published: February 2019

The Lewis acid B(C6F5)3 and the cyclic silane (ArN2Si)3 (1) (ArN=o‐(CH3)2NCH2C6H4) are useful precursors to access the silylene(II)–borane adduct ArN2Si‐B(C6F5)3 (2). Treatment of 2 with water led to coordination and gave the Lewis pair (ArN2H2O)Si‐B(C6F5)3 (3) that exhibits a hydrogen‐bond‐stabilized silanol unit. It can be converted into the siloxane [(HArN)2SiOB(C6F5)3]2O (6) by dehydrogenation in the presence of a base. Heteronuclear NMR spectroscopic data to characterize the compounds were supported by quantum‐chemical calculations.
Dihydroartemisinin–Bile Acid Hybridization as an Effective Approach to Enhance Dihydroartemisinin Anticancer Activity
Authors: Marchesi Elena , Chinaglia Nicola , Capobianco Massimo L. , Marchetti Paolo , Huang Tzu‐En , Weng Hao‐Cheng , Guh Jih‐Hwa , Hsu Lih‐Ching , Perrone Daniela , Navacchia Maria Luisa
Published: February 2019

A series of hybrid compounds based on natural products—bile acids and dihydroartemisinin—were prepared by different synthetic methodologies and investigated for their in vitro biological activity against HL‐60 leukemia and HepG2 hepatocellular carcinoma cell lines. Most of these hybrids presented significantly improved antiproliferative activities with respect to dihydroartemisinin and the parent bile acid. The two most potent hybrids of the series exhibited a 10.5‐ and 15.4‐fold increase in cytotoxic activity respect to dihydroartemisinin alone in HL‐60 and HepG2 cells, respectively. Strong evidence that an ursodeoxycholic acid hybrid induced apoptosis was obtained by flow cytometric analysis and western blot analysis.
Visualization of Trigeminal Ganglion Neuronal Activities in Mice
Authors: Hu Minghan
Published: February 2019

Visualization of dynamic cellular activity has greatly expanded our understanding of brain function. Recently, there has been an increasing number of studies imaging rodent brain activity in real time. However, traditional in vivo calcium imaging technology has been limited to superficial brain structures. Because the trigeminal ganglion (TG) is located deep within the cranial cavity of mice, few studies have been able to access to it. To circumvent this limitation, overlying brain tissue must be removed to expose the TG so that optical recording can access deep brain neural ensembles. This unit describes a procedure for conducting non‐survival surgery to visualize the TG in live mice. Obtaining large ensembles of direct, real‐time readouts of sensory neuron signaling, providing temporal and spatial information across the TG, will help to define the cellular basis of orofacial somatic sensing and pain perception. © 2019 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Anti‐neuroinflammatory effects of tannic acid against lipopolysaccharide‐induced BV2 microglial cells via inhibition of NF‐κB activation
Authors: Wu Yan , Zhong Lianmei , Yu Zeran , Qi Junhui
Published: February 2019

Microglia mediated neuroinflammation is known to cause various neurodegenerative and neurological ailments. Tannic acid is a natural polyphenol which has been reported to possess antioxidant, anti‐inflammatory, anticarcinogenic, antimutagenic, antitumor, and antimicrobial activities. As there are no reports till date on the anti‐neuroinflammatory effects of tannic acid, this study was conducted to analyze the possible mechanism and pathway involved in the prevention of neuroinflammation by tannic acid in BV2 microglial cells. BV2 microglial cells were pretreated with tannic acid (10, 25, and 50 μM/mL) and induced with lipopolysaccharide (LPS; 1 μM/mL) to assess the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), nitric oxide (NO), prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), pro‐inflammatory cytokines (IL‐6, IL‐1β, and TNF‐α), and nuclear factor‐kappa B (NF‐κB) protein expressions through western blotting. The results showed that LPS significantly activated the BV2 cells via toll‐like receptor 4 to induce elevated productions of ROS, NO, PGE2, IL‐6, and IL‐1β. However, tannic acid was able to reverse all the neuroinflammatory effects of LPS‐induced BV2 cells in a dose‐dependent manner. Collectively, the anti‐inflammatory effects of tannic acid on LPS‐induced BV2 microglial cells are attributed to the inhibition of ROS formation and the suppression of NF‐κB pathway activation. Tannic acid could be a potential therapeutic agent for the treatment of neurological related disorders.
Wild boar (Sus scrofa) increases species diversity of semidry grassland: Field experiment with simulated soil disturbances
Authors: Horčičková Eva , Brůna Josef , Vojta Jaroslav
Published: February 2019

Background

Foraging activities of wild boar (Sus scrofa) create small‐scale soil disturbances in many different vegetation types. Rooting alters species composition by opening niches for less‐competitive plants and, as a recurrent factor, becomes a part of the community disturbance regime. Vegetation responses to wild boar disturbance have mostly been studied in the boar's non‐native range or in native forest, rather than in open habitats in the native range. We investigate the response of open European semidry grassland vegetation dominated by Brachypodium pinnatum to native wild boar pressure in an abandoned agricultural landscape.

Methods

To describe the disturbance regime, we repeatedly mapped rooted patches during a 5‐year period. Additionally, to study the vegetation response, we performed an artificial disturbance experiment by creating 30 pairs of simulated disturbances and undisturbed plots. The vegetation composition of the paired plots was repeatedly sampled five times in eight years of the study.

Results

Based on repeated mapping of disturbances, we predict that if the disturbance regime we observed during the 5‐year period were maintained over the long term, it would yield a stable vegetation ratio consisting of 98.7% of the grassland undisturbed, 0.4% with fresh disturbance, and 0.9% in older successional stages.

Vegetation composition in the artificially disturbed plots was continuously converging to that of undisturbed vegetation, but these disturbed plots still differed significantly in composition and had higher species number, even after eight years of succession.

Synthesis

Our results thus show that wild boar disturbance regime in its native range increases heterogeneity and species diversity of semidry grassland vegetation.
Tunable Magnetic Properties of (Gd,Ce)2O2S Oxysulfide Nanoparticles
Authors: Larquet Clément , Klein Yannick , Hrabovsky David , Gauzzi Andrea , Sanchez Clément , Carenco Sophie
Published: February 2019

Invited for the cover of this issue is Sophie Carenco from Sorbonne Université, Paris, France. The cover image shows the synthesis and magnetic properties of the (Gd,Ce)2O2S oxysulfide nanoparticles.
Self‐referenced interpersonal similarity phenomena: Theoretical specification and assessment at the individual, dyadic and group levels
Authors: Malloy Thomas E.
Published: February 2019

A basic interpersonal task is assessing if another is similar to oneself, and is even observed among prelinguistic infants. In 450 highly acquainted dyads (150 from family, friend, co‐worker groups), participants judged others' similarity to themselves, and predicted others' similarity ratings of them. Assumed reciprocity and reciprocity of similarity judgments were observed; the former was much stronger than the latter. Specific others were judged as uniquely similar; in families these judgments were reciprocated. People inaccurately predicted others', and specific others', similarity judgments. Common members of these groups (key person) judged others as similar to themselves, and predicted others' reciprocated similarity judgments, although they did not. Social relations modeling showed that interpersonal similarity assessments in different groups are multiple phenomena at multiple levels of analysis and should not be treated as a single, unitary phenomenon.
Capsaicinoids in Chili Habanero by Flow Injection with Coulometric Array Detection
Authors: Morozova Ksenia , Rodríguez‐Buenfil Ingrid , López‐Domínguez Cindy , Ramírez‐Sucre Manuel , Ballabio Davide , Scampicchio Matteo
Published: February 2019

This study presents a sensitive electroanalytical method for the determination of capsaicinoids in chili extracts using flow injection with coulometric array detector. Flow injection method was developed based on the coulometric signal of capsaicinoids obtained by high performance liquid chromatography with coulometric detector (HPLC‐ECD). Capsaicinoids concentration in 18 chili samples from Yucatán México cultivated in different types of soils was quantified using UHPLC‐DAD and HPLC‐ECD and expressed in Scoville units. The plants were cultivated in a greenhouse on three types of limestone soils, namely, red, black and brown. Chili peppers were harvested in two stages of maturity: immature (green), and mature (orange). HPLC‐ECD method showed ten times higher sensitivity compared to the UHPLC‐DAD. Capsaicinoid content in 18 chili samples was measured by flow injection method. The best correlation with the Scoville units was obtained by the analysis of the current signal of the sensor poised at +450 mV (R2=94). ANOVA analysis showed that the soil type and the harvest date were significant for the capsaicinoid content. Chili plants cultivated in red soil had higher capsaicinoid content. In addition, the capsaicinoid content was increasing at later harvest dates. In summary, the suggested flow injection method with coulometric array detector decreased the time of analysis from 15 min to 30 s. Therefore it can be successfully applied for the routine capsaicinoid analysis in chili.
Electrochemical Sensing of Ascorbic Acid, Hydrogen Peroxide and Glucose by Bimetallic (Fe, Ni)−CNTs Composite Modified Electrode
Authors: Naqvi Sayed Tayyab Raza , Shirinfar Bahareh , Hussain Dilshad , Majeed Saadat , Ashiq Muhammad Naeem , Aslam Yasin , Ahmed Nisar
Published: February 2019

In this research, bimetallic supported CNT modified electrode (Fe,Ni/CNTs/GCE) has been developed for sensitive, stable and highly elctroactive sensing of glucose, ascorbic acid and hydrogen peroxide. Transition metals such as Iron (Fe) and Nickel (Ni) offer high electrical and thermal conductance, high active surface‐to‐volume ratio and presence of d‐band electrons gives enhanced electrocatalytic behavior. While, CNTs provide high surface area, stability and excellent conductivity. Synthesized material is characterized by SEM, EDS, XRD and FTIR to access morphology, elemental composition and structure. This unique combination is employed for the electrochemical sensing of ascorbic acid, glucose and hydrogen peroxide and different experimental parameters are optimized. Fe,Ni/CNTs/GCE shows good sensing efficiency at pH 7.4 which is ideally suitable for variety of analytes. The modified electrode also show good reproducibility and sensitivity under optimized conditions and can be reused upto 30 cycles without compromising the efficiency. With good linearity, reproducibility and limit of detection, this material possess significant potential as non‐enzymatic biosensor for variety of analytes.
Using a butt joint test to evaluate photovoltaic edge seal adhesion
Authors: Kempe Michael , Korkmaz Kaan , Postak Lori , Booth Dennis , Lu Jerry , Kotarba Casimir , Rupert Lindsay , Molnar Tawana , Aoki Tsutomu
Published: February 2019

Many photovoltaic (PV) technologies have been found to be sensitive to moisture that diffuses into a PV package. Even with the use of impermeable frontsheets and backsheets, moisture can penetrate from the edges of a module. To limit this moisture ingress pathway from occurring, manufacturers often use a low permeability polyisobutylene (PIB)‐based edge seal filled with desiccant to further restrict moisture ingress. Moisture ingress studies have shown that these materials are capable of blocking moisture for the 25‐year life of a module; but to do so, they must remain well‐adhered and free of cracks. This work investigates the potential use of a butt joint test for evaluating the long‐term durability of adhesion by looking for significant changes in the failure mode or quantitative value of a butt joint test. A round robin experiment was conducted using six different materials and two sample constructions, with and without effort to control edge pinch. Tests were evaluated looking at the strength of the bond, and the type of failure observed in a round robin test involving five laboratories. It was found that both the measured values, and the observed failure modes were repeatable and reproducible within at 95% confidence interval.
Regression model for seamless mobility in LTE‐A HetNets
Authors: Saraswathi Priyadharshini A. , Bhuvaneswari P.T.V.
Published: February 2019

The heterogeneous network (HetNet) deployment in Long‐Term Evolution Advanced networks poses serious handover (HO) performance issues when compared to the homogeneous deployment. The solution being the proper configuration of the HO control parameters (HCP), namely, hysteresis margin, A3Offset, cell‐specific offset, and TTT in consideration with various characteristics. In the literature, the presented methods rely on either optimization rules or on the unstable network characteristics. The objective of the proposed work is to develop a model for HCP configuration. Initially, sensitivity analysis has been made to investigate the dependency of the abovementioned HCPs with respect to the characteristics, namely, intersite distance and offloading benefit with respect to the HO scenario. Finally, the dependency has been modeled as a regression‐based prediction model. Model with the highest prediction accuracy is identified based on the goodness of fit metrics, namely, R‐square, adjusted R‐square, the sum of square errors, and root‐mean‐square error, respectively. Among the models explored, the polynomial P44 shows the highest prediction accuracy of 99.29% in macro‐pico HO scenario and of 98.61% in pico‐macro HO scenario.
A generalized many‐objective optimization approach for scenario discovery
Authors: Kwakkel Jan H.
Published: February 2019

Scenario discovery is a model‐based approach for scenario development, aimed at finding one or more subspaces within the uncertainty space associated with a model that is decision‐relevant. These identified subspaces can subsequently be translated into narratives or shared in other ways a broader participatory process. Finding such as subspace involves solving a three‐objective optimization problem. A subspace should cover many of the decision relevant model runs, while containing as few as possible nondecision relevant model runs, and being easy to interpret. Existing techniques for scenario discovery, however, focus only on finding a subspace that minimizes the number of nondecision relevant model runs. Adopting a single objective optimization approach for a many‐objective optimization problem implies that the full trade‐off space is not identified. In this paper, we introduce a many‐objective optimization approach for scenario discovery. We compare this with an improved usage of Patient Rule Induction Method (PRIM) for identifying the multidimensional trade‐offs amongst coverage, density, and interpretability. We find that the many‐objective optimization approach produces results which slightly dominate those of the improved version of PRIM on all three objectives. Qualitatively, however, both approaches identify essentially the same subspaces. The prime benefits of the many‐objective optimization approach are its potential in bringing additional scenario relevant concerns such as consistency or diversity into the scenario discovery framework, as well as its ability to avoid overfitting. Potentially more important, it also paves the way for future work on using more sophisticated metaheuristic optimization approaches for scenario discovery.
Assessing time series models for forecasting international migration: Lessons from the United Kingdom
Authors: Bijak Jakub , Disney George , Findlay Allan M. , Forster Jonathan J. , Smith Peter W.F. , Wiśniowski Arkadiusz
Published: February 2019

Migration is one of the most unpredictable demographic processes. The aim of this article is to provide a blueprint for assessing various possible forecasting approaches in order to help safeguard producers and users of official migration statistics against misguided forecasts. To achieve that, we first evaluate the various existing approaches to modelling and forecasting of international migration flows. Subsequently, we present an empirical comparison of ex post performance of various forecasting methods, applied to international migration to and from the United Kingdom. The overarching goal is to assess the uncertainty of forecasts produced by using different forecasting methods, both in terms of their errors (biases) and calibration of uncertainty. The empirical assessment, comparing the results of various forecasting models against past migration estimates, confirms the intuition about weak predictability of migration, but also highlights varying levels of forecast errors for different migration streams. There is no single forecasting approach that would be well suited for different flows. We therefore recommend adopting a tailored approach to forecasts, and applying a risk management framework to their results, taking into account the levels of uncertainty of the individual flows, as well as the differences in their potential societal impact.
Oil financialization and volatility forecast: Evidence from multidimensional predictors
Authors: Ma Yan‐ran , Ji Qiang , Pan Jiaofeng
Published: February 2019

Using the generalized dynamic factor model, this study constructs three predictors of crude oil price volatility: a fundamental (physical) predictor, a financial predictor, and a macroeconomic uncertainty predictor. Moreover, an event‐triggered predictor is constructed using data extracted from Google Trends. We construct GARCH‐MIDAS (generalized autoregressive conditional heteroskedasticity–mixed‐data sampling) models combining realized volatility with the predictors to predict oil price volatility at different forecasting horizons. We then identify the predictive power of the realized volatility and the predictors by the model confidence set (MCS) test. The findings show that, among the four indexes, the financial predictor has the most predictive power for crude oil volatility, which provides strong evidence that financialization has been the key determinant of crude oil price behavior since the 2008 global financial crisis. In addition, the fundamental predictor, followed by the financial predictor, effectively forecasts crude oil price volatility in the long‐run forecasting horizons. Our findings indicate that the different predictors can provide distinct predictive information at the different horizons given the specific market situation. These findings have useful implications for market traders in terms of managing crude oil price risk.
Can the unemployed be trained to care for the elderly? The effects of subsidized training in elderly care
Authors: Dauth Christine , Lang Julia
Published: February 2019

Demographic change has increased the need for elderly care. Training unemployed workers might be one way to increase the supply of elderly care nurses. This study analyzes the effectiveness of subsidized training for unemployed individuals in the elderly care professions in Germany over 11.5 years. We find that short further training and long retraining courses significantly increase workers' long‐term employment. As approximately 25% to 50% of trained nurses have permanent jobs in the care sector, we estimate that approximately 5% of all employed nurses are formerly trained unemployed workers.
The role of organ‐ and function‐preserving radiotherapy in the treatment of adenoid cystic carcinoma of the larynx
Authors: Akbaba Sati , Lang Kristin , Bulut Olcay Cem , Held Thomas , Rieken Stefan , Plinkert Peter , Jensen Alexandra , Herfarth Klaus , Debus Juergen , Adeberg Sebastian
Published: February 2019

Background

To evaluate clinical outcome and functional larynx preservation after radiotherapy (RT) for adenoid cystic carcinoma (ACC) of the larynx.

Methods

Eleven patients with primary ACC of the larynx, who received RT definitely (n = 5/11) or postoperatively (n = 6/11), were analyzed regarding survival and treatment‐related toxicity with the focus on functional larynx preservation.

Results

Median follow‐up was 45 months. RT offered an excellent 5‐year local control (LC) rate of 100%. Eight of 11 patients were treated with a laryngeal preservation approach (LPA). At last follow‐up, only one of these eight patients developed a local recurrence requiring a total laryngectomy 11 years after treatment. Severe toxicity was uncommon, with only one patient with LPA, requiring a temporary tracheostomy during therapy.

Conclusions

RT is an effective treatment method for laryngeal ACC with excellent LC rates, preservation of the laryngeal function and voice formation, representing a valuable therapy alternative to total laryngectomy.
Dysphagia optimized radiotherapy to reduce swallowing dysfunction severity in patients undergoing treatment for head and neck cancer: A systematized scoping review
Authors: Hutchison Alana R. , Cartmill Bena , Wall Laurelie R. , Ward Elizabeth C.
Published: February 2019

This study involved a systematized scoping review to coalesce current evidence on dysphagia outcomes achieved through active sparing of the swallowing structures in patients receiving radiotherapy for head and neck cancer.

Eligible publications between 2007 and 2017 were reviewed and synthesized regarding participant demographics, treatment regimens, swallowing structures chosen for optimization, dosimetric constraints, and dysphagia measures.

Nine prospective cohort studies were included. Key structures routinely spared included pharyngeal constrictor muscles (PCMs), glottic larynx (GL), supraglottic larynx (SGL), and esophageal inlet muscle.

Shorter enteral feeding times and reductions in Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Event (CTCAE) grade 3 dysphagia toxicity were observed when dose to the larynx (GL and SGL) and PCMs was constrained to < 50 and < 60 Gy, respectively.

Emerging evidence supports “active” sparing of the swallowing structures at the time of radiotherapy planning to reduce dysphagia severity, with no compromise to planning target volumes and locoregional control rates.
Comparison of two serum free light chain assays for the diagnosis of primary plasma cell malignant proliferative disease
Authors: Yang Yang , Han Xiaoyan , Zheng Gaofeng , Cai Zhen
Published: February 2019

Background and aims

The serum free light chain assay (sFLC) is well established for aiding in the diagnosis, prognosis, and monitoring of plasma cell proliferative disorders. There are currently two commercially available sFLC immunoassays, Freelite, based on polyclonal antibody technology, and N Latex FLC, based on monoclonal antibodies. This study aimed to compare the analytical and clinical performance of these two assays in a Chinese population.

Methods

This study included 74 consecutive patients who were newly diagnosed with monoclonal gammopathies (MGs) including multiple myeloma (MM), AL amyloidosis, and light chain deposition disease (LCDD) between January 2014 and May 2015 at the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University. Alongside serum and urine electrophoresis analysis, the serum samples were retrospectively tested with both sFLC assays according to the manufacturers' instructions.

Results

The two sFLC assays showed a moderate correlation for κFLC (Passing‐Bablok slope = 0.645, coefficient of determination (R2) = 0.83, and Spearman coefficient = 0.904). However, for λFLC, a poor correlation was found (Passing‐Bablok slope = 0.690, R2 = 0.39, and Spearman coefficient = 0.852). The concordance rate of κFLC, λFLC, and κ/λ FLC ratio were 83.78%, 75.68%, and 86.49%, respectively. The clinical sensitivity of the κ/λ ratios were 83.8% for the Freelite assay and 75.7% for the N Latex FLC assay.

Conclusion

Although the concordance and the clinical sensitivity of the two assays appeared comparable, a number of discrepancies were observed. There is a low correlation between the two assays in clinical practice, suggesting that the assays are not equivalent and, thus, current IMWG guidelines, based on Freelite, cannot be cross‐applied to N Latex FLC.
A geomorphology‐based integrated stream–aquifer interaction model for semi‐gauged catchments
Authors: Sahoo Soumyaranjan , Sahoo Bhabagrahi
Published: February 2019

Many of the existing stream–aquifer interaction models available in the literature are very complex with limited applicability in semi‐gauged and ungauged catchments. In this study, to estimate the influent and effluent subsurface water fluxes under limited geo‐hydrometeorological data availability conditions, a simple stream–aquifer interaction model, namely, the variable parameter McCarthy–Muskingum (VPMM) hillslope‐storage Boussinesq (hsB) model, has been developed. This novel model couples the VPMM streamflow transport with the hsB groundwater flow transport modules in online mode. In this integrated model, the surface water–groundwater flux exchange process is modelled by the Darcian approach with the variable hydraulic heads between the river stage and groundwater table accounting for the rainfall forcing. Considering the exchange fluxes in the hyporheic zone and lateral overland flow contribution, this approach is field tested in a typical 48‐km stretch of the Brahmani River in eastern India to simulate the streamflow and its depth with the minimum Nash–Sutcliffe efficiency of 94% and 88%; the maximum root mean square error of 134 m3/s and 0.35 m; and the minimum index of agreement of 98% and 97%, respectively. This modelling approach could be very well utilized in data‐scarce world‐river basins to estimate the stream–aquifer exchange flux due to rainfall forcings.
Identification of groundwater exfiltration, interflow discharge, and hyporheic exchange flows by fibre optic distributed temperature sensing supported by electromagnetic induction geophysics
Authors: Gaona Jaime , Meinikmann Karin , Lewandowski Jörg
Published: February 2019

Water exchange across the sediment–water interface of streams impresses a characteristic thermal pattern at the interface. The use of fibre optic distributed temperature sensing at the sediment–water interface in a small sand‐bed stream identifies such temperature patterns. Groundwater and interflow can be differentiated based on the temporal evolution of temperature patterns. Additionally, sudden temperature changes at the sediment–water interface observed during the transit of floods enable spatial identification of local up and downwelling. Electromagnetic induction geophysics can detect subsurface texture structures that support groundwater–surface water exchange. Our results show that areas of permanent temperature anomalies observed with fibre optic distributed temperature sensing match areas of comparatively homogeneous electrical conductivity. This indicates groundwater discharge and enables differentiating groundwater discharge from interflow and local downwelling.
Assessment of potential mercury toxicity to native invertebrates in a high-gradient stream
Authors: Flanders JR , Long Gary , Reese Bill , Grosso Nancy R , Clements William , Stahl Ralph G
Published: February 2019

This study evaluated potential effects of mercury (Hg) on benthic macroinvertebrates in the South River, Virginia, USA. The study used a multiple lines of evidence approach, including spatially and temporally matched sediment chemistry, biological, and toxicological information (Sediment Quality Triad), exposure and effect analysis in bulk and interstitial sediment and interstitial water, and critical body residue analysis. Ten-day Chironomus dilutus and Hyalella azteca toxicity tests established site-specific no-effect concentrations (NOEC) at 18.9 μg/g total Hg (THg) and 102 ng/g methylmercury (MeHg). However, the benthic community at these locations was impaired, with lower mayfly and caddisfly composition. Few locations had concentrations of THg and MeHg that exceeded the NOEC in bulk or interstitial sediment. The THg concentrations in interstitial water were far below concentrations expected to reduce survival in benthic invertebrates, and only a low percentage of samples exceeded sublethal (growth) low-effect concentrations (LOEC) for THg or MeHg. The THg concentrations in invertebrate tissue did not exceed the NOEC or LOEC in the South River, and MeHg concentrations exceeded the LOEC at all locations, including those with no evidence of benthic impairment, illustrating the uncertainty associated with this line of evidence. Finally, statistical modeling that evaluated diversity of sensitive invertebrate species as a function of Hg exposure, geomorphological parameters, and physicochemical variables indicated that physicochemical and geomorphological parameters were most predictive of benthic community; where Hg was indicated, we were unable to distinguish between models with or without interstitial water Hg. Overall, the lines of evidence indicate that Hg, while clearly toxic to invertebrates at sufficiently high exposure concentrations, is not negatively impacting invertebrate communities in the South River. This study illustrates the difficulty of assessing risks to invertebrates using traditional tools of risk assessment and identifies critical gaps in knowledge that complicate the management of Hg risk. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2019;00:000–000. © 2019 SETAC
Influence of in utero exposure to maternal depression and natural disaster‐related stress on infant temperament at 6 months: The children of Superstorm Sandy
Authors: Nomura Yoko , Davey Kei , Pehme Patricia M. , Finik Jackie , Glover Vivette , Zhang Wei , Huang Yonglin , Buthmann Jessica , Dana Kathryn , Yoshida Sachiko , Tsuchiya Kenji J. , Li Xiao Bo , Ham Jacob
Published: February 2019

This study examined the effects of in utero exposure to maternal depression and Superstorm Sandy, a hurricane that hit metropolitan New York in 2012, on infant temperament at 6 months. Temperament was assessed using the Infant Behavior Questionnaire‐Revised. Maternal depression was measured by the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale. The main effects and the interaction of maternal depression and Sandy exposure on infant temperament were examined using a multivariable generalized linear model. Results show that prenatal maternal depression was associated with lower emotion regulation and greater distress. Stratification and interaction analyses suggested that the adverse effects of prenatal maternal depression on problematic temperament were amplified by in utero Sandy exposure. This study underscores the importance of providing prenatal screening and treatment for maternal depression during pregnancy while also identifying high‐risk families who may have suffered from disaster‐related traumas to provide necessary services. As the frequency of natural disasters may increase due to climate change, it is important to understand the consequences of in utero stress on child development and to formulate plans for early identification.
Benzo fury: A new trend in the drug misuse scene
Authors: Roque Bravo Rita , Carmo Helena , Carvalho Félix , Bastos Maria de Lourdes , Dias da Silva Diana
Published: February 2019

Benzofurans, also known by users as benzo fury or benzofury, are synthetic phenethylamines and constitute the third most prominent group of new psychoactive substances (NPS). As the use of these substances has been spread as an alternative to the classic illicit psychostimulants, such as amphetamines, their legal status was reviewed, resulting in an utter prohibition of these NPS in many countries worldwide. Herein, the prevalence of abuse, chemistry, biological effects, metabolism, and the potential harms and risky behaviors associated with the abuse of benzofurans are reviewed. The congeners of this group are mainly consumed recreationally at electronic dance music parties, in polydrug abuse settings. Benzofurans preferentially act by disturbing the functioning of serotonergic circuits, which induces their entactogenic and stimulant effects and is the reason behind the considerable number of recent benzo fury‐related deaths. The slight interaction of these drugs with the dopaminergic system justifies the rewarding effects of these drugs. To date, published evidence on the mechanisms of toxicity of benzo fury is very limited but a body of research is now beginning to emerge revealing an alarming public health threat regarding the abuse of these NPS.
Potential core–shell designed scaffolds with a gelatin‐based shell in achieving controllable release rates of proteins for tissue engineering approaches
Authors: Ghasemkhah Farzaneh , Latifi Masoud , Hadjizadeh Afra , Shokrgozar Mohammad Ali
Published: February 2019

The biomaterials design as core–shell structures opens a new door to the release of susceptible biomolecules in a controllable manner and enables to place natural biomaterials as shell layers to impart the effective biofunctional features at surfaces. In this study, core–shell designed scaffolds were prepared using coaxial electrospinning with hybrid of gelatin (GT)/polycaprolactone (PCL) at different weight ratios as their shell and protein solution as their core, followed by cross‐linking to impart controllable release rates, tunable mechanical properties, and enhanced cytocompatibility. SEM, FM, and TEM confirmed the successful production of uniform core–shell nanofibers and homogeneous protein distribution. Results showed that an increase in GT proportion in the shell resulted in a decrease in fiber diameter, an increase of Young's modulus, and an intense burst release of BSA 0.2% which could be controlled through cross‐linking. The mechanical tests revealed that the GT/PCL combining and cross‐linking improved mechanical properties which correlated with an increase in spreading and proliferation of HUVECs. A slight burst release was also detected from BSA 0.05% and EGF encapsulated GT73P‐cross‐linked scaffold which demonstrated their applicability for a controlled release of dilute proteins. We were able to successfully incorporate two types of protein with different concentrations without supporting polymer into the GT shell to provide scaffolds possessing tunable mechanical properties and controllable release rates through blending with PCL at different ratios and/or cross‐linking. These findings are promising to promote delivery systems of angiogenic growth factors that are needed a sustained release with different rates at each angiogenesis stage. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A, 2019.
Gelatin–chitosan–PVA hydrogels and their application in agriculture
Authors: López‐Velázquez Julio César , Rodríguez‐Rodríguez Rogelio , Espinosa‐Andrews Hugo , Qui‐Zapata Joaquín Alejandro , García‐Morales Soledad , Navarro‐López Diego Eloyr , Luna‐Bárcenas Gabriel , Vassallo‐Brigneti Ettore Ciro , García‐Carvajal Zaira Yunuen
Published: February 2019

BACKGROUND

Hydrogels are materials with great potential in agricultural applications. Biodegradable hydrogels are used as preparations, for example to increase the substratum water capacity, and improve soil structure or agrochemical‐controlled release. This work aimed to develop biodegradable hydrogels based on chitosan, gelatin and polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) for releasing inulin isolated from Dahlia tubers to induce protection in chili plants against Phytophthora capsici. The hydrogels were characterized by water absorption capacity, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and stereomicroscopy microscopy, and degradation capacity using the soil burial test with sterile and inoculated soil.

RESULTS

This work demonstrated the ability of a fabrication process in the preparation of gelatin‐chitosan‐PVA hydrogels for potential agricultural applications. The hydrogels showed a dense, tridimensional, interconnected and reticulated structure that was more evident in the hydrogel loaded with inulin. The hydrogels showed a water absorption capacity of ≤12 times its mass. FTIR and light microscopy demonstrated that the hydrogels were biodegradable. The percentage of degradation of hydrogels in inoculated soil was higher than in sterile soil using the soil burial test. Hydrogel loaded with inulin was found to be capable of inducing resistance in chili plants against Phytophthora capsici.

CONCLUSION

The hydrogels prepared for the described methodology have great potential for use in the agricultural sector as a reservoir for agrochemicals and inductors in plant resistance treatments. Furthermore, the hydrogels were proven to be biodegradable, offering a promising tool in crop protection. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
Large‐scale student programs increase persistence in STEM fields in a public university setting
Authors: Ikuma Laura H. , Steele Adrienne , Dann Summer , Adio Oluwakemi , Waggenspack Warren N.
Published: February 2019

Background

Louisiana State University's (LSU) STEM Talent Expansion Program (STEP) was established to increase students' persistence in first‐year, declared engineering majors (a project priority), in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) majors (an NSF goal), and in all majors at LSU (an institutional goal). Over 8 years, 3,097 (27%) engineering students participated in one or more STEP activities including a residential college, a student mentoring program, an introductory engineering design course, and a summer bridge camp for first‐year students.

Purpose

This paper describes the influence of the STEP activities on persistence, while accounting for demographic and academic preparation variables.

Design/Method

Data collected over 8 years from first‐year engineering students include demographics, academic preparation, participation in STEP activities, and yearly status regarding major and graduation. Descriptive statistics, correlation analysis, and multiple logistic regression determine which factors significantly impact persistence in engineering majors, in STEM majors, and in all majors at LSU.

Results

STEP participants have higher persistence levels than nonparticipants by at least 11% in engineering, 9% in STEM, and 5% in all majors at LSU. Gender, ACT math scores, and, in some cases, ethnicity significantly impact persistence. Participation in the residential college, introductory course, and mentoring programs significantly increased persistence in engineering majors, in STEM majors, and at the university, while the summer bridge camp did not show as much influence on persistence overall.

Conclusion

STEP was successful at increasing persistence in engineering and STEM majors. Specific STEP activities continue to evolve in the College of Engineering and should continue to reap positive results in the persistence of engineering students.