bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A generic Private Information Retrieval scheme with parallel multi‐exponentiations on multicore processors
Authors: Topcuoğlu Cem , Kaya Kamer , Savaş Erkay
Published: May 2018

Private Information Retrieval (PIR) enables the data owners to share and/or retrieve data on remote repositories without leaking any information as to which a data item is requested. Although it is always possible to download the entire dataset, this is clearly a waste of bandwidth. A fundamental approach in the literature for PIR is exploiting homomorphic cryptosystems. In these approaches, not one but many modular exponentiations need to be computed and multiplied to obtain the desired result. This multi‐exponentiation operation can be implemented by exponentiating the bases to their corresponding exponents one‐by‐one. However, when the operation is considered as a whole, it can be performed in a more efficient way. Although individual exponentiations are pleasingly parallelizable, the combined multi‐exponentiation requires a careful parallel implementation. In this work, we propose a generic tensor‐based PIR scheme and efficient and novel techniques to parallelize multi‐exponentiations on multicore processors with perfect load balance. The experimental results show that our load balancing techniques make a parallel multi‐exponentiation up to %27 faster when the size of the bases and the exponents are 4096 bits and the number of threads is 16.
Energy‐aware load balancing of parallel evolutionary algorithms with heavy fitness functions in heterogeneous CPU‐GPU architectures
Authors: Escobar Juan José , Ortega Julio , Díaz Antonio Francisco , González Jesús , Damas Miguel
Published: May 2018

By means of the availability of mechanisms such as Dynamic Voltage and Frequency Scaling (DVFS) and heterogeneous architectures including processors with different power consumption profiles, it is possible to devise scheduling algorithms that are aware of both runtime and energy consumption in parallel programs. In this paper, we propose and evaluate a multi‐objective (more specifically, a bi‐objective) approach to distribute the workload among the processing cores in a given heterogeneous parallel CPU‐GPU architecture. The aim of this distribution may be either to save energy without increasing the running time or to reach a trade‐off among time and energy consumption. The parallel programs considered here are master‐worker evolutionary algorithms where the evaluation of the fitness function for the individuals in the population demands the most part of the computing time. As many useful bioinformatics and data mining applications exhibit this kind of parallel profile, the proposed energy‐aware approach for workload scheduling could be frequently applied.
Fast parallel image reconstruction for cone‐beam FDK algorithm
Authors: Zhang Shunli , Geng Guohua , Zhao Jian
Published: May 2018

FDK algorithm is a popular analytical reconstruction method for practical cone‐beam CT scanners. Compared with iterative methods, the FDK algorithm is computationally efficient. However, the reconstruction speed remains a limitation for its application when dealing with high resolution images. In this paper, we propose a fast method for parallel implementation of the FDK algorithm by the use of multi‐GPU. First, we optimize the backprojection operation of FDK according to the property of geometric symmetry and the correlation between adjacent slices. Then, we utilize the multi‐thread technology to realize the parallel implementation of the optimized FDK algorithm on multi‐GPU. Finally, we implement the proposed method on a multi‐GPU platform. Numerical experiment shows that the proposed multi‐GPU‐based approach can reconstruct a 512 cubed volume in 1.9 seconds from 360 projections of resolution 512 ×512, which is 511 times faster than a traditional CPU–based approach and 5 times faster than a single GPU–based approach. In addition, the reconstruction results also indicate that the proposed method can maintain the same precision with traditional method.
Experimental Evidence for Azeotrope Formation from Protic Ionic Liquids
Authors: Ribeiro Filipe M. S. , Lima Carlos F. R. A. C. , Silva Artur M. S. , Santos Luís M. N. B. F.
Published: May 2018

Herein, we present experimental evidence that protic ionic liquids (PILs), derived from 1 : 1 liquid mixtures of the organic superbases 1,5‐diazabicyclo[4.3.0]non‐5‐ene (DBN) and 1,8‐diazabicyclo[5.4.0]undec‐7‐ene (DBU) with carboxylic acids, form azeotropic mixtures with acid/base molar fractions different from 1 : 1. The ability of the carboxylic acids to form strong hydrogen bonds with the PIL ion pair leads to an azeotropic composition richer in the acid component. The results show that the azeotropic composition is ruled by the extent of acid‐base equilibrium and the relative volatility of the neutral species in the PIL medium. The PILs show marked negative deviations from Raoult's Law with the stronger superbase (DBU) leading to an azeotropic composition closer to the equimolar 1 : 1 ratio.
Using remote sensing to assess the impact of beaver damming on riparian evapotranspiration in an arid landscape
Authors: Fairfax Emily , Small Eric E.
Published: May 2018

Beaver damming creates and maintains riparian ecosystems in arid regions, which are often afflicted by seasonal and multi‐year droughts. We hypothesize that beaver ponds act as buffers against the effects of drought on nearby riparian vegetation via the following mechanism: Beaver ponds formed upstream of each dam retain water during wetter parts of the year, then during drier parts of the year, they gradually release that water into nearby soil where it is accessible to the roots of riparian vegetation. We calculated the evapotranspiration (ET) and normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) of riparian vegetation on Susie and Maggie Creeks in north‐eastern Nevada from 2013 to 2016 and then compared the ET and NDVI to the location and intensity of beaver damming on the creeks. We found that the ET of riparian areas with beaver damming was 50–150% higher than the ET in riparian areas without beaver damming and that NDVI in dammed riparian areas was 6–88% higher than that in undammed areas. These differences peaked in mid‐summer when the landscape is at its hottest and driest state. There was no apparent loss of beaver pond drought buffering as a multi‐year drought (2013–2015) progressed. Our results indicate that riparian areas with beaver damming in arid landscapes are better able to maintain vegetation productivity than areas without beaver damming during both short and extended periods of drought.
Synthetic and Structural Study on Orthometallated Ferrocene Complexes: Non‐Planar Metallabenzene and Five‐Membered Metallacycle Complexes with Closed Os3 Triangles
Authors: Tauqeer Mohd. , Ji Radhe Shyam , Singh Amrendra K. , Mobin Shaikh M. , Lahiri Goutam K. , Mathur Pradeep
Published: May 2018

Thermolysis of (Z)‐1‐ferrocenyltelluro‐1‐ferrocenyl‐4‐ferrocenyl‐1‐buten‐3‐yne with [Os3(CO)12] in toluene gave two new clusters: non‐planar six‐membered metallacycle complex [Os3H(CO)7(µ3‐Te){η1:η1:η2:η2‐FcCCC(H)(Fc)2}] (1, Fc = ferrocenyl) and five‐membered cyclometallated ring complex [Os3(CO)7(µ3‐Te){η1:η1:η3‐FcC(H)C(H)CC(Fc)2}] (2). Compounds 1 and 2 may be thought to form by orthometallation of ferrocene with a closed Os3 triangle by intramolecular rearrangement of atoms within the cluster complexes. Typically the formation of a non‐planar metallabenzene such as 1 may involve the orthometallation of another aromatic ring. Also, conversion of 1 to 2 shows the initial step required for alkene hydrogenation by a tellurium‐bridged triosmium cluster. Both compounds were characterized by IR and 1H NMR spectroscopy, and their structures established by single‐crystal XRD.
Synthesis of a Leiodermatolide Analogue with a Dienyl Side Chain
Authors: Reiss Anita , Maier Martin E.
Published: May 2018

We explored the possibility of attaching a side chain to a leiodermatolide fragment by forming the C18/C19 double bond via Julia/Kocienski olefination. This worked with a δ‐lactone surrogate, the meta‐anisole derivative 17 in reasonable yield to give the acyclic pentaene 32. However, due to problems during cleavage of the silyl ether at the 15‐OH, the corresponding macrolactone could not be obtained. Instead, it was possible to convert enal 31 by Tebbe olefination to pentaene 37. This compound could be converted to macrolactone 41 from where the side chain truncated leiodermatolide analogues 42 (9‐O‐carbamoyl) and 43 (7‐O‐carbamoyl) were obtained. Both isomers were moderately cytotoxic highlighting the importance of the side chain with the δ‐lactone.
O‐Alkylation of 3‐Formyl‐BINOL and Its Strong Effect on the Fluorescence Recognition of 1,3‐Diaminopropane
Authors: Wang Ping , Wang Li , Yu Shanshan , Wang Qin , Pu Lin
Published: May 2018

Systematic alkylation of the hydroxyl groups of 3‐formyl‐1,1′‐bi‐2‐naphthol (3‐formyl‐BINOL) has been conducted to generate four BINOL‐based aldehydes 2–5. These compounds differ in the number and position of ethyl group at the two BINOL hydroxyl groups. Their fluorescence response toward various amines and diamines has been studied. It is found that when the hydroxyl group ortho to the aldehyde is alkylated, the resulting compounds 3 and 4 become highly selective molecular probes for 1,3‐diaminopropane (DAP), a biologically significant diamine, with large fluorescence enhancement. However, compound 2 that has no O‐alkyl group and compound 5 that is only alkylated at the hydroxyl group distal to the aldehyde do not show large fluorescence enhancement. Through NMR and mass spectroscopic analyses, it is revealed that the imine products formed from the reactions of 2 and 5 with DAP can be stabilized by an intramolecular bonding interaction and give only weak fluorescence. Compounds 3 and 4 whose ortho‐hydroxyl groups are alkylated react with DAP to form cyclic aminals to give greatly enhanced fluorescence.
1,4,7‐Trithiacyclononane as a Tridentate Ligand for Complexation of Heavy‐Metal Ions: Synthesis and Complexation Studies of Mesocyclic and Macrocyclic Polythioethers IV
Authors: Setzer William N. , Guo Qin , Grant Gregory J. , Hubbard John L. , Glass Richard S. , VanDerveer Donald G.
Published: May 2018

Bis octahedral complexes of 1,4,7‐trithiacyclononane (9‐ane‐S3) with Group 12 metal ions Zn(II), Cd(II), and Hg(II), as well as Pb(II), have been prepared. Two equivalents of 9‐ane‐S3 react with Zn(BF4)2·6H2O, Cd(ClO4)2·6H2O, Hg(ClO4)2·3H2O, and Pb(ClO4)2. 3H2O, respectively, to give stable crystalline complexes of the formula [M(9‐ane‐S3)2]2+ 2X−. Single‐crystal X‐ray structures of the zinc and mercury complexes have been determined. The zinc complex crystallizes in the orthorhombic space group Pbca with four molecules per unit cell (a = 9.219(3) Å, b = 15.400(5) Å, and c = 19.965(10)Å; R = 7.6%) whereas the mercury complex crystallizes in the monoclinic space group P21/c with two molecules per unit cell (a = 10.400(3) Å, b = 15.190(4) Å, c = 9.533(3) Å, and p = 99.09(3)°; R = 5.2%). In each structure, the metal atom is located on a crystallographic center of inversion and is octahedrally surrounded by six sulfur atoms provided by the two facially coordinating tridentate ligands. Reaction of 9‐ane‐S3 with RuCl3·xH2O displaces chloride ions with concomitant reduction of Ru(III) to Ru(II), giving the octahedral thioether complex, [Ru(9‐ane‐S3)2]Cl2·4H2O. Reaction of the ligand with RhCl3, on the other hand, gives (9‐ane‐S3)RhCl3. A single‐crystal X‐ray structure determination has been done on the Ru(II) complex (triclinic space group P1̅; a = 7.652(1) Å, b = 8.946(1) Å, c = 9.042(1) Å, α = 93.43(1)°, β = 103.43(1)°, and γ = 107.79(1)°; R = 2.8%) and this complex is also octahedral with the metal center at an inversion center.
Identification and characterization of bladder cancer by low‐resolution fiber‐optic Raman spectroscopy
Authors: Chen Hao , Li Xin , Broderick Neil , Liu Yuewen , Zhou Yajun , Han Jianda , Xu Weiliang
Published: May 2018

Raman spectroscopy has been proved to be a promising diagnostic technique for various cancers detection. A major drawback for its clinical translation is the intrinsic weakness of Raman effects. Highly sensitive equipment and optimal measurement conditions are generally applied to overcome this drawback. However, these equipment are usually bulky, expensive and may also be easily influenced by surrounding environment. In this preliminary work, a low‐resolution fiber‐optic Raman sensing system is applied to evaluate the diagnostic potential of Raman spectroscopy to identify different bladder pathologies ex vivo. A total number of 262 spectra taken from 32 bladder specimens are included in this study. These spectra are categorized into 3 groups by histopathological analysis, namely normal bladder tissues, low‐grade bladder tumors and high‐grade bladder tumors. Principal component analysis fed artificial neural network are used to train a classification model for the spectral data with 10‐fold cross‐validation and an overall prediction accuracy of 93.1% is obtained. The sensitivities and specificities for normal bladder tissues, low‐grade bladder tumors and high‐grade bladder tumors are 88.5% and 95.1%, 90.3% and 98%, and 97.5% and 96.4%, respectively. These results demonstrate the potential of using a low‐resolution fiber‐optic Raman system for in vivo bladder cancer diagnosis.
Modulatory effects of some natural products on hepatotoxicity induced by combination of sodium valproate and paracetamol in rats
Authors: Zaky Hanan S. , Gad Amany M. , Nemr Ekram , Hassan Wedad , Abd El‐Raouf Ola M. , Ali Aza A.
Published: May 2018

Possible hepatoprotective effect of Curcuma longa and/or Nigella sativa against hepatotoxicity induced by coadministration of sodium valproate (SV) and paracetamol was studied. Rats were divided into 10 groups, control groups 1, 2, 3, and 4 received vehicles, C. longa (200 mg/kg, p.o.), N. sativa (250 mg/kg, p.o.), or both herbs for 21 days, respectively. Toxicity groups 5, 6, and 7 received SV (300 mg/kg, i.p.), paracetamol (1000 mg/kg, p.o.) for the last 4 days or both for 21 days, respectively. Protection groups 8, 9, and 10 received C. longa, N. sativa, or both, respectively, 1 h before the administration of both the drugs for 21 days. SV and/or paracetamol significantly increased aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), total bilirubin, relative liver/body weight ratio, malondialdehyde (MDA), tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF‐α), and caspase‐3 (Casp‐3) while significantly decreased albumin, total protein, glutathione (GSH) reduced, GSH peroxidase, and superoxide dismutase (SOD). Preadministration of C. longa and/or N. sativa caused protective effect against the hepatotoxicity induced by both drugs.
When hydroquinone meets methoxy radical: Hydrogen abstraction reaction from the viewpoint of interacting quantum atoms
Authors: Petković Milena , Nakarada Đura , Etinski Mihajlo
Published: May 2018

Interacting Quantum Atoms methodology is used for a detailed analysis of hydrogen abstraction reaction from hydroquinone by methoxy radical. Two pathways are analyzed, which differ in the orientation of the reactants at the corresponding transition states. Although the discrepancy between the two barriers amounts to only 2 kJ/mol, which implies that the two pathways are of comparable probability, the extent of intra‐atomic and inter‐atomic energy changes differs considerably. We thus demonstrated that Interacting Quantum Atoms procedure can be applied to unravel distinct energy transfer routes in seemingly similar mechanisms. Identification of energy components with the greatest contribution to the variation of the overall energy (intra‐atomic and inter‐atomic terms that involve hydroquinone's oxygen and the carbon atom covalently bound to it, the transferring hydrogen and methoxy radical's oxygen), is performed using the Relative energy gradient method. Additionally, the Interacting Quantum Fragments approach shed light on the nature of dominant interactions among selected fragments: both Coulomb and exchange‐correlation contributions are of comparable importance when considering interactions of the transferring hydrogen atom with all other atoms, whereas the exchange‐correlation term dominates interaction between methoxy radical's methyl group and hydroquinone's aromatic ring. This study represents one of the first applications of Interacting Quantum Fragments approach on first order saddle points. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Insights into geometries, stabilities, electronic structures, reactivity descriptors, and magnetic properties of bimetallic NimCun–m (m = 1, 2; n = 3–13) clusters: Comparison with pure copper clusters
Authors: Singh Raman K. , Iwasa Takeshi , Taketsugu Tetsuya
Published: May 2018

A long‐range corrected density functional theory (LC‐DFT) was applied to study the geometric structures, relative stabilities, electronic structures, reactivity descriptors and magnetic properties of the bimetallic NiCun–1 and Ni2Cun–2 (n = 3–13) clusters, obtained by doping one or two Ni atoms to the lowest energy structures of Cun, followed by geometry optimizations. The optimized geometries revealed that the lowest energy structures of the NiCun–1 and Ni2Cun–2 clusters favor the Ni atom(s) situated at the most highly coordinated position of the host copper clusters. The averaged binding energy, the fragmentation energies and the second‐order energy differences signified that the Ni doped clusters can continue to gain an energy during the growth process. The electronic structures revealed that the highest occupied molecular orbital and the lowest unoccupied molecular orbital energies of the LC‐DFT are reliable and can be used to predict the vertical ionization potential and the vertical electron affinity of the systems. The reactivity descriptors such as the chemical potential, chemical hardness and electrophilic power, and the reactivity principle such as the minimum polarizability principle are operative for characterizing and rationalizing the electronic structures of these clusters. Moreover, doping of Ni atoms into the copper clusters carry most of the total spin magnetic moment. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Implementing Attachment and Biobehavioral Catch‐Up with birth parents: Rationale and case example
Authors: Hoye Julie R. , Dozier Mary
Published: May 2018

Attachment and Biobehavioral Catch‐Up (ABC) is an intervention designed for vulnerable children and their parents. This intervention enhances parental sensitivity and nurturance with the goal of promoting secure, organized attachments and strong self‐regulatory capabilities among children. Here, we provide a brief rationale for the need for such interventions to be delivered to parent‐child dyads in the child welfare system. Next, we review specific intervention targets of ABC. We include a case example of two birth parents and their daughter who became involved in Child Protective Services due to domestic violence.
An Evaluation of Efficacy and Safety of Commonly Prescribed Drugs and Effect of These Drugs on Quality of Sleep in Patients Suffering From Zoster‐Associated Pain
Authors: Nayak Mithilesh K. , Kapadia Jigar D. , Desai Chetna K. , Desai Mira K. , Shah Bela J.
Published: May 2018

This observational, prospective, single‐center study was conducted to evaluate the efficacy and safety of commonly prescribed drugs for zoster‐associated pain and their impact on quality of sleep at a tertiary care hospital in western India. Patients ≥18 years of age, newly diagnosed with zoster‐associated pain were evaluated on days 0, 7, 14, 30, 60, 90, 120, 150, and 180 or until resolution of pain, whichever was earlier, using the Wong Baker FACES Pain Rating Scale, Neuropathic Pain Scale, and Insomnia Severity Index for intensity of pain, quality of pain, and quality of sleep, respectively. A total of 78 patients (46.0 [16.3] years) completed the study. They received nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs (65), gabapentin (30), amitriptyline (27), and amitriptyline + gabapentin (21) for mean durations of 7.7 (3.0), 89.2 (7.2), 107.6 (46.3), and 104.5 (46) days, respectively. Improvement in the Wong Baker FACES Pain Rating Scale and Neuropathic Pain Scale score was similar among treatment groups except for a greater fall in Wong Baker FACES Pain Rating Scale score at days 7 and 120 and that in deep pain score at day 7 in combination treatment group vs the amitriptyline group. Clinically significant insomnia was detected in 35 patients at baseline and demonstrated progressive and similar improvement among groups. Treatment modification was required in 20 patients. Zoster‐associated pain resolved in 69 patients. Nine adverse drug reactions, mostly mild, nonserious, and nonpreventable, were reported. To conclude, drugs commonly used for zoster‐associated pain are effective and well tolerated. These have a similar effect on pain and quality of sleep, except for a possible greater effect of combination treatment in the early phase of intense and deep pain.
Antifibrogenic effect of melatonin in rats with experimental liver cirrhosis induced by carbon tetrachloride
Authors: Bona Silvia , Rodrigues Graziella , Moreira Andrea J , Di Naso Fábio C , Dias Alexandre S , Da Silveira Thêmis R , Marroni Claudio A , Marroni Norma P
Published: May 2018

Background and Aim

Liver diseases are a major public health problem, accounting for a significant number of hospital visits and admissions and an increasing mortality rate. Melatonin (MLT) is a powerful antioxidant molecule that has been shown to be beneficial under various conditions. The objective was to evaluate the effect of MLT on experimental liver cirrhosis induced by carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) in rats.

Methods

Twenty male Wistar rats (230–250 g) were divided into four groups. I: control group (CO); II: CO + MLT; III: CCl4; and IV: CCl4 + MLT. CCl4 was administered intraperitoneally (i.p.) as follows: 10 doses every 5 days, 10 doses every 4 days, and 7 doses every 3 days. MLT was administered i.p. at a dose of 20 mg/kg from the 10th week to the end of the experiment (16th week).

Results

In the CCl4 + MLT group, we found that MLT caused a decrease in the level of F2‐isoprostanes and NQO1 expression. We also found that MLT reduced the inflammatory process as shown by decreased expressions of NF‐KB/p65 and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and a smaller amount of inflammatory infiltrate. MLT reduced the expression of transforming growth factor beta1 (TGF‐β1), alpha‐smooth muscle actin (α‐SMA), and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). Picrosirius staining showed that MLT decreases fibrosis.

Conclusion

MLT has a potent antifibrogenic effect, modulating the parameters of oxidative stress, angiogenesis, and inflammation.
Palmitoylated phosphodiester gapmer designs with albumin binding capacity and maintained in vitro gene silencing activity
Authors: Cai Yunpeng , Makarova Anna‐Marie , Wengel Jesper , Howard Kenneth A.
Published: May 2018

Background

Antisense gapmer oligonucleotide drugs require delivery and biodistribution enabling technologies to increase in vivo efficacy. An attractive approach is their binding and consequent transport by the endogenous human serum albumin pool as mediated by fatty acid incorporation into the gapmer design.

Methods

The present study investigated the effect of palmitoyl modification and position on albumin‐binding, cellular uptake and in vitro gene silencing of gapmers with either a phosphorothioate (PS) or phosphodiester (PO) backbone.

Results

Two palmitoyls positioned exclusively at the 5′ end, or a single palmitoyl at both the 3′ and 5′ positions, showed similar binding to human serum albumin as demonstrated by a gel‐shift assay. Decreased cellular uptake determined by flow cytometry (27% compared to nonpalmitoyl gapmers) was observed for palmitoylated Cy5.5 labelled gapmers. However, HER3 (human epidermal growth factor receptor 3) gene silencing was exhibited by the palmitoylated gapmers with transfection agent in PC‐3 and Caco‐2 cells (68% and 62%, respectively), which was comparable to nonpalmitoyl gapmers (68% and 82%, respectively). Importantly, PO gapmers with a single palmitoyl positioned at both the 3′ and 5′ positions showed high silencing efficiencies (68% and 66% in PC‐3 and Caco‐2 cells, respectively) similar to those of PS nonpalmitoylated gapmers (67% and 66% in PC‐3 and Caco‐2 cells, respectively) in the absence of a transfection agent.

Conclusions

The present study defines phosphodiester gapmer design criteria exhibiting high gene silencing activity and albumin binding that may be utilized with potentially less in vivo toxicity that can be associated with phosphorothioate gapmer designs.
Histological effects and pharmacokinetics of lipopolysaccharide derived from Porphyromonas gingivalis on rat maxilla and liver concerning with progression into non‐alcoholic steatohepatitis
Authors: Fujita Miyako , Kuraji Ryutaro , Ito Hiroshi , Hashimoto Shuichi , Toen Toshiyuki , Fukada Tetsuya , Numabe Yukihiro
Published: May 2018

Background

Non‐alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is one of the chronic liver diseases that can develop into hepatocirrhosis. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the impact of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) from Porphyromonas gingivalis (P. gingivalis) on NASH onset, and to determine the biodistribution of double‐radiolabeled LPS (R‐LPS) biosynthesized in P. gingivalis.

Methods

Rats fed a basal diet (BD) or a high‐fat diet (HD) were injected with P. gingivalis‐LPS or R‐LPS into the palatine gingiva around the right maxillary first molar, and were classified into the following 4 groups: BD/LPS (‐), BD/LPS (+), HD/LPS (‐), and HD/LPS (+) or 2 groups: BD/R‐LPS and HD/R‐LPS.

Results

Inflammation in the gingiva of the LPS (+) groups progressed significantly more than the LPS (‐) groups. Furthermore, in the HD/LPS (+) liver, histologic analysis confirmed the presence of NASH, characterized by large fat droplets, ballooning degeneration, and infiltration of inflammatory cells. When 3H, 14C‐R‐LPS was injected into the palatine gingiva, radioactivity in the right palatal mucosa of HD/R‐LPS rats was the highest in comparison with other regions and was significantly elevated after 24 hours compared to BD/R‐LPS rats. Autoradiographic analysis of the maxilla showed distributions from the palatal mucosa to the hard palate and the interdental region. Radioactivity in organs of both BD/R‐LPS and HD/R‐LPS rats were mostly localized to the liver even after 24 hours.

Conclusion

The present study suggests that the transfer of P. gingivalis‐LPS from the oral cavity to the liver plays an important role in disease exacerbation of NASH.
Immunological and microbiological periodontal profiles in isolated growth hormone deficiency
Authors: Araújo I.M.P. , Albuquerque‐Souza E. , Aguiar‐Oliveira M.H. , Holzhausen M. , Oliveira‐Neto L.A. , Salvatori R. , Saraiva L. , Mayer M.P.A. , Pannuti C.M. , Ribeiro A.O. , Romito G.A. , Pustiglioni F.E.
Published: May 2018

Background

Growth hormone (GH) has been identified as an important regulator of the immune response. We have previously shown that adults with isolated GH deficiency (IGHD) due to a mutation in the GH releasing hormone receptor (GHRHR) gene, have a greater chance of having periodontitis. However, the interaction of GH with periodontal tissues is still unknown, and this population has emerged as a unique model to investigate this issue. Therefore, we evaluated the microbiological and immunological periodontal profiles of such individuals.

Methods

Nineteen IGHD and 19 controls matched by age, sex, diabetes, and smoking status, were enrolled in this case‐control study. Periodontal clinical parameters (probing depth [PD] and clinical attachment loss [AL]) were measured at six sites per tooth. Immune mediators (C‐reactive protein, matrix metalloproteinase [MMP]‐8, MMP‐9, interleukin [IL]‐1α, IL‐6, IL‐8, tumor necrosis factor [TNF]‐α, adiponectin, and leptin) were analyzed by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) in the gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) in four non‐adjacent sites for each participant (two with PD ≤3 mm [shallow sites] and two with PD ≥7 mm or the worst PD found in the mouth [deep sites]). Bacterial quantification (Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans, Porphyromonas gingivalis, Treponema denticola, and Tannerella forsythia) of subgingival biofilm samples collected from these same sites was performed by quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR).

Results

IGHD individuals presented higher values of PD and AL, and increased levels of CRP, IL‐8, MMP‐8, and adiponectin in the GCF. Bacterial quantification did not identify differences between the two groups.

Conclusion

IGHD alters the local immune response in periodontal pockets leading to greater attachment loss, and GH stands out as an important hormone to be evaluated in the pathogenesis of periodontitis.
Determination of Sodium Dodecyl Sulfate by Means of Photometric Titration with o‐Toluidine Blue Dye
Authors: Ziółkowska Dorota , Lamkiewicz Jan , Shyichuk Alexander
Published: May 2018

A convenient technique for the determination of sodium dodecyl sulfate is titration with a metachromatic dye using in situ absorbance measurements. A suitable color reagent is ortho‐Toluidine Blue dye. Commercially available immersion optical probe Optrode® possesses a working wavelength of 640 nm, well matching the dye spectrum. The surfactant concentration is linearly related to the titrant volume at a certain solution absorbance. Optimal values of end point absorbance fall in the range from 0.7 to 2. The lower limit of quantitation is equal to 29 mg L−1. The highest concentration determined in this study was 52 g L−1. The required determination range may be adjusted by the appropriate selection of analyte volume and titrant concentration. The developed method is intended for routine process control in the surfactant industry. This method needs minimal manual efforts due to the lack of the dilution stage. Application of an automatic titrator looks to be a suitable solution for any industrial lab.
Preoperative radiation therapy in the surgical management of gastric and junctional adenocarcinoma: Should lymph node retrieval guidelines be altered?
Authors: Lane Whitney O. , Nussbaum Daniel P. , Sun Zhifei , Blazer Dan G.
Published: May 2018

Background

Although surgery remains the cornerstone of gastric cancer therapy, the use of radiation therapy (RT) is increasingly being employed to optimize outcomes. We sought to assess outcomes following use of RT for the treatment of gastric adenocarcinoma.

Methods

Using the National Cancer Data Base (NCDB) from 1998 to 2012, all patients with resected gastric adenocarcinoma were identified. Patients were stratified into four groups based on preoperative therapy: RT alone, chemotherapy only, chemoradiotherapy (CRT), and no preoperative therapy. Overall survival was estimated using multivariate Cox proportional hazards model. Adjusted secondary outcomes include margin positivity, lymph node harvest, LOS, 30‐day readmission and mortality.

Results

A total of 10 019 patients met study criteria. In the unadjusted analysis, patients undergoing CRT compared to chemotherapy alone had fewer positive margins (7.9% vs 15.9%; P < 0.001), increased negative LNs (54.6% vs 37.7%; P < 0.001) with reduced LN retrieval (mean: 13.5 vs 19.6; P < 0.01). After multivariate adjustment, there was no survival benefit to any preoperative therapy; however, preoperative RT/CRT remained associated with decreased LN retrieval.

Conclusions

The results support previous reports on preoperative RT resulting in decreased margin positivity. This study highlights the need to reconsider practice guidelines regarding appropriate lymphadenectomy in the setting of preoperative RT given reduced LN retrieval.
Identification of volatile markers for the detection of adulterants in red ginseng (Panax ginseng) juice using headspace stir‐bar sorptive extraction coupled with gas chromatography and mass spectrometry
Authors: Lee Jangho , Shibamoto Takayuki , Ha Jaeho , Jang Hae Won
Published: May 2018

Red ginseng (Panax ginseng) products are frequently adulterated by manufacturers with cheaper medicinal plant products including deodeok (Codonopsis lanceolata) and doraji (Platycodon grandiflorum) to increase profits. To identify possible volatile markers for the adulteration of red ginseng juices with deodeok or doraji, a headspace stir‐bar sorptive extraction method was developed. Gas chromatography with mass spectrometry and untargeted metabolomics analysis revealed that 1‐hexanol, cis‐3‐hexen‐1‐ol, and trans‐2‐hexen‐1‐ol are abundantly present in deodeok and doraji but not red ginseng. The peak area ratios in gas chromatograms of these compounds in red ginseng juices mixed with deodeok or doraji indicate that these volatile chemicals can be used as markers to detect the adulteration of red ginseng juice.
Evaluating the waterfowl breeding population and habitat survey for scaup
Authors: Schummer Michael L. , Afton Alan D. , Badzinski Shannon S. , Petrie Scott A. , Olsen Glenn H. , Mitchell Mark A.
Published: May 2018

Potential bias in breeding population estimates of certain duck species from the Waterfowl Breeding Population and Habitat Survey (WBPHS) has been a concern for decades. The WBPHS does not differentiate between lesser (Aythya affinis) and greater (A. marila) scaup, but lesser scaup comprise 89% of the combined scaup population and their population estimates are suspected to be biased. We marked female lesser scaup (i.e., marked scaup) in the Mississippi and Atlantic Flyways, Canada and United States, with implantable satellite transmitters to track their spring migration through the traditional and eastern survey areas of the WBPHS, 2005–2010. Our goal was to use data independent of the WBPHS to evaluate whether breeding population estimates for scaup were biased and identify variables that might be used in the future to refine population estimates. We found that the WBPHS estimates of breeding scaup are biased because, across years, only 30% of our marked scaup had settled for the breeding period when the strata in which they settled were surveyed, 43% were available to be counted in multiple survey strata as their migration continued during the WBPHS, 32% settled outside the WBPHS area, the number of times a marked scaup was available to be counted by survey crews varied positively with the latitude that a marked scaup settled on breeding areas, the probability of a marked scaup being in a stratum while it was surveyed varied among years, and these probabilities were positively correlated with the traditional and eastern breeding population estimates for scaup. Annual population estimates derived from banding data provide a less biased and preferable method of monitoring scaup population status and trend. Development of models that include metrics such as survey stratum latitude and annual spring environmental conditions might potentially be used to improve scaup breeding population estimates derived from the WBPHS, but independent estimates from banding data would be important to evaluate such models. © 2018 The Wildlife Society.
Middle ear irrigation using a hydrodebrider decreases biofilm surface area in an animal model of otitis media
Authors: Abi Hachem Ralph , Goncalves Stefania , Walker Thomas , Angeli Simon
Published: May 2018

Objective

To compare the safety and efficacy of manual and powered irrigation of the middle ear using saline or 1% baby shampoo to treat biofilm‐forming bacterial middle ear infections.

Background

Biofilms play a major role in recalcitrant otitis media and are challenging to treat. Many therapeutic strategies have been attempted and the role of topical therapies is still being investigated. Topical irrigation using saline or 1% baby shampoo and the use of a hydrodebrider have been investigated in biofilms involved in chronic rhinosinusitis and their role within the middle ear is yet to be determined.

Methods

Twenty‐two adult chinchillas underwent bilateral trans‐bullar inoculation of non‐typable biofilm forming Haemophilus influenza followed by unilateral middle ear irrigation 5 days later using saline administered via a powered hydrodebrider or manual irrigation of saline or 1% baby shampoo. Contralateral inoculated ears served as control and were not irrigated. Two days following irrigation, the bullae were harvested and processed for scanning electron microscopy to assess biofilm surface area. Auditory brainstem responses were performed before bacterial inoculation and prior to euthanasia.

Results

Manual and powered irrigation were effective in reducing the surface area of biofilm when compared to the control group. The hydrodebrider demonstrated to be more effective at eradicating biofilm than manual irrigation, especially in areas of difficult access, such as the ventral portion of the chinchillas' bullae. There was no difference in manual irrigation of saline when compared to 1% baby shampoo. Irrigations either manually or using the hydrodebrider did not affect hearing, the vestibular system or facial function.

Conclusion

Middle ear biofilms can be treated safely and effectively with rinses using either normal saline or 1% baby shampoo administered manually or with a powered hydrodebrider.

Level of Evidence

NA.
Anapole Mode Sustaining Silicon Metamaterials in Visible Spectral Range
Authors: Ospanova Anar K. , Stenishchev Ivan V. , Basharin Alexey A.
Published: May 2018

This paper is dedicated to a type of perforated silicon metamaterials, possessing anapole mode in visible spectral range due to destructive interference between electric and toroidal dipole moments. The proposed structure gains both in attainable material and simplified fabrication. Such a material exhibits a desirable physical effect and has obvious practical application: it supports the anapole mode without complicated 3D toroidal geometry and can be processed in one step by nanofabrication methods. The metamaterial paves the way for advanced optical devices on the base of all‐dielectric metamaterials. Besides inherently low dissipative losses and strong anapole response, such an optical metamaterial can demonstrate subtle sensing, nonradiative data transfer, Aharonov‐Bohm effect and other tempting applications in nanophotonics.
OCT‐based angiography of human dermal microvascular reactions to local stimuli: Implications for increasing capillary blood collection volumes
Authors: Men Shaojie , Wong Jennifer Manyu , Welch Emily J. , Xu Jingjiang , Song Shaozhen , Deegan Anthony J. , Ravichander Aarthi , Casavant Benjamin , Berthier Erwin , Wang Ruikang K.
Published: May 2018

Objectives

To measure and compare microvascular responses within the skin of the upper arm to local stimuli, such as heating or rubbing, through the use of optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA), and to investigate its impact on blood volume collection.

Materials and Methods

With the use of heat packs or rubbing, local stimulation was applied to the skin of either the left or right upper arm. Data from the stimulated sites were obtained using OCTA comparing pre‐ and post‐stimulation microvascular parameters, such as vessel density, mean vessel diameter, and mean avascular pore size. Additionally, blood was collected using a newly designed collection device and volume was recorded to evaluate the effect of the skin stimulation.

Results

Nineteen subjects were recruited for local stimulation study (including rubbing and heating) and 21 subjects for blood drawn study. Of these subjects, 14 agreed to participate in both studies. OCTA was successful in monitoring and measuring minute changes in the microvasculature of the stimulated skin. Compared to baseline, significant changes after local heating and rubbing were respectively found in vessel density (16% [P = 0.0004] and 33% [P < 0.0001] increase), mean vessel diameter (14% and 11% increase) and mean avascular pore size (5% [P = 0.0068] and 8% [P = 0.0005] decrease) after stimulations. A gradual recovery was recorded for each parameter, with no difference being measured after 30 minutes. Blood collection volumes significantly increased after stimulations of heating (48% increase; P = 0.049) and rubbing (78% increase; P = 0.048). Significant correlations were found between blood volume and microvascular parameters except mean avascular pore size under the heating condition.

Conclusions

OCTA can provide important information regarding microvascular adaptations to local stimuli. With that, both heating and rubbing of the skin have positive effects on blood collection capacity, with rubbing having the most significant effect. Lasers Surg. Med. 50:908–916, 2018. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Local uniform stability for the semilinear wave equation in inhomogeneous media with locally distributed Kelvin–Voigt damping
Authors: Astudillo M. , Cavalcanti M. M. , Fukuoka R. , Gonzalez Martinez V. H.
Published: May 2018

We consider the semilinear wave equation posed in an inhomogeneous medium Ω with smooth boundary subject to a local viscoelastic damping distributed around a neighborhood ω of the boundary according to the Geometric Control Condition. We show that the energy of the wave equation goes uniformly and exponentially to zero for all initial data of finite energy taken in bounded sets of finite energy phase‐space. As far as we know, this is the first stabilization result for a semilinear wave equation with localized Kelvin–Voigt damping.
Mesoscale Simulations of the Rheology of Filled Styrene–Butadiene Compounds
Authors: Fitzgerald Barry W. , den Otter Wouter K. , Luding Stefan , Briels Wim J.
Published: May 2018

The ability of a highly coarse‐grained polymer model is explored to simulate the impact of carbon black (CB) filler concentration on the rheological properties of unvulcanized styrene–butadiene melts—an intermediate stage in the production of styrene–butadiene rubber (SBR) commonly used in tyres. Responsive particle dynamics (RaPiD), previously used to study dilute polymeric systems, models entire polymers as single particles interacting through a combination of conservative interactions and transient entanglement‐mimicking forces. The simulation parameters are tuned to the linear rheology of the unfilled melt, as measured using a rubber process analyzer (RPA). For the filled compounds, only the interaction between the polymers and fillers is varied. On top of excluded volume interactions, a slight attraction (≈0.1kBT) between polymers and fillers is required to attain agreement with RPA measurements. The physical origins of the small strength of this interaction are discussed. This method offers potential for future numerical investigations of filled melts.
pH and Heat Resistance of the Major Celery Allergen Api g 1
Authors: Rib‐Schmidt Carina , Riedl Philipp , Meisinger Veronika , Schwaben Luisa , Schulenborg Thomas , Reuter Andreas , Schiller Dirk , Seutter von Loetzen Christian , Rösch Paul
Published: May 2018

Scope

The major celery allergen Api g 1 is a member of the pathogenesis‐related 10 class protein family. This study aims to investigate the impact of heat and pH on the native protein conformation required for Immunoglobulin E (IgE) recognition.

Methods and results

Spectroscopic methods, MS and IgE‐binding analyses are used to study the effects of pH and thermal treatment on Api g 1.0101. Heat processing results in a loss of the native protein fold via denaturation, oligomerization, and precipitation along with a subsequent reduction of IgE recognition. The induced effects and timescales are strongly pH dependent. While Api g 1 refolds partially into an IgE‐binding conformation at physiological pH, acidic pH treatment leads to the formation of structurally heat‐resistant, IgE‐reactive oligomers. Thermal processing in the presence of a celery matrix or at pH conditions close to the isoelectric point (pI = 4.63) of Api g 1.0101 results in almost instant precipitation.

Conclusion

This study demonstrates that Api g 1.0101 is not intrinsically susceptible to heat treatment in vitro. However, the pH and the celery matrix strongly influence the stability of Api g 1.0101 and might be the main reasons for the observed temperature lability of this important food allergen.
Polarized x‐ray excitation for scatter reduction in x‐ray fluorescence computed tomography
Authors: Vernekohl Don , Tzoumas Stratis , Zhao Wei , Xing Lei
Published: May 2018

Purpose

X‐ray fluorescence computer tomography (XFCT) is a new molecular imaging modality which uses x‐ray excitation to stimulate the emission of fluorescent photons in high atomic number contrast agents. Scatter contamination is one of the main challenges in XFCT imaging which limits the molecular sensitivity. When polarized x rays are used, it is possible to reduce the scatter contamination significantly by placing detectors perpendicular to the polarization direction. This study quantifies scatter contamination for polarized and unpolarized x‐ray excitation and determines the advantages of scatter reduction.

Methods

The amount of scatter in preclinical XFCT is quantified in Monte Carlo simulations. The fluorescent x rays are emitted isotropically, while scattered x rays propagate in polarization direction. The magnitude of scatter contamination is studied in XFCT simulations of a mouse phantom. In this study, the contrast agent gold is examined as an example, but a scatter reduction from polarized excitation is also expected for other elements. The scatter reduction capability is examined for different polarization intensities with a monoenergetic x‐ray excitation energy of 82 keV. The study evaluates two different geometrical shapes of CZT detectors which are modeled with an energy resolution of 1 keV FWHM at an x‐ray energy of 80 keV. Benefits of a detector placement perpendicular to the polarization direction are shown in iterative and analytic image reconstruction including scatter correction. The contrast to noise ratio (CNR) and the normalized mean square error (NMSE) are analyzed and compared for the reconstructed images.

Results

A substantial scatter reduction for common detector sizes was achieved for 100% and 80% linear polarization while lower polarization intensities provide a decreased scatter reduction. By placing the detector perpendicular to the polarization direction, a scatter reduction by factor up to 5.5 can be achieved for common detector sizes. The image reconstruction showed that for a scatter magnitude decrease by a factor of 2.4, the molecular sensitivity could almost be doubled.

Conclusion

Scatter reduction lowers the amount of noise in the projection datasets and reconstructed images which enhance molecular sensitivity at equal dose. The results support the use of linear polarized x rays to reduce scatter in XFCT imaging.