bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Human Femoral Vein Diameter and Topography of Valves and Tributaries: A Post Mortem Analysis
Authors: Keiler Jonas , Schulze Marko , Claassen Horst , Wree Andreas
Published: September 2018

The femoral vein (FV) is a clinically important vessel. Failure of its valves can lead to chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) with severe manifestations such as painful ulcers. Although they are crucial for identifying suitable implant sites for therapeutic valves, studies on the topography of FV tributaries and valves are rare. Moreover, the femoral vein diameter (FVD) must be known to assess the morphometric requirements for valve implants. To reassess the anatomical requirements for valve implants, 155 FVs from 82 human corpses were examined. FVDs and tributary and valve topographies were assessed using a laboratory straightedge. The FVD increased from 6 mm in the distal femoropopliteal vein to 11 mm in the iliofemoral vein proximal to the saphenofemoral junction (SFJ). Diameters were significantly bigger in males than females. Height correlated positively with FVD. Distal to the SFJ, within a distance of 38 cm, one to eight valves were present. Up to two valves were present within 10 cm proximal to the SFJ. Individual tributary and valve topography must be considered to ensure appropriate design and successful implantation of a venous valve for CVI therapy in the FV. A suitable implant site would be proximal to the SFJ via an infrainguinal transfemoral access. Clin. Anat. 31:1065–1076, 2018. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Gain insight into how Judge Kavanaugh could impact higher ed law
Authors: Rooksby Jacob H.
Published: September 2018

Justice Anthony Kennedy announced his retirement from the U.S. Supreme Court back in June, and he stepped down at the end of July. Facing a vacancy on the high court, President Trump nominated Judge Brett Kavanaugh to fill Justice Kennedy's seat. A graduate of Yale University and Yale Law School, Judge Kavanaugh is currently a federal appellate judge on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit.
Equip your campus community to anticipate, address doxing
Authors: McCarthy Claudine
Published: September 2018

A growing number of college students, faculty and staff members, and speakers continue to become embroiled in doxing incidents, knowingly or unknowingly, whether as perpetrators, victims, or bystanders.
Was student‐athlete wrongfully arrested?
Authors: Gelpi Aileen
Published: September 2018

Police officers in California, Pennsylvania, received a report in October 2014 that Lewis Campbell was severely beaten outside a restaurant by a group of California University of Pennsylvania football players.
Identification of tRNA‐derived small noncoding RNAs as potential biomarkers for prediction of recurrence in triple‐negative breast cancer
Authors: Feng Wanting , Li Yongfei , Chu Jiahui , Li Jun , Zhang Yanhong , Ding Xiaorong , Fu Ziyi , Li Wei , Huang Xiang , Yin Yongmei
Published: September 2018

Triple‐negative breast cancer (TNBC), an intrinsic subtype of breast cancer, is characterized by aggressive pathology and shorter overall survival. Yet there is no effective therapy for these patients. Breast cancer stem cells (BCSCs) in TNBC may account for treatment failure. It is urgent to identify new therapeutic targets for TNBC. tRNA‐derived small noncoding RNAs (tDRs) represent a new class of small noncoding RNAs (sncRNA), which have been reported in some human diseases and biological processes. However, there is no detailed information about the relationship between tDRs and BCSCs. In this study, a population of CD44+/CD24−/low cells was isolated and identified by reliable BCSC surface markers. tDR expression profiles in TNBC and non‐TNBC CSCs were performed by RNA sequencing. A total of 1327 differentially expressed tDRs contained 18 upregulated and 54 downregulated in TNBC group. Furthermore, the selected tDRs were validated by quantitative reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction (qRT‐PCR). tDR‐000620 expression level was consistently lower in TNBC cell lines CSCs (all P < 0.05) and serum samples (t = 2.597, P = 0.013). tDR‐000620 expression was significant association with age (P = 0.018), node status (P = 0.026) and local recurrence (P = 0.019) by chi‐square test. Kaplan‐Meier method with log‐rank test for comparison of recurrence curves. The results showed that the tDR‐000620 expression (P = 0.002) and node status (P = 0.001) group were statistically significant with recurrence‐free survival. Furthermore, multivariate Cox regression demonstrated that lymphatic metastasis (HR, 3.616; 95% CI, 1.234‐10.596; P = 0.019) and low tDR‐000620 expression (HR, 0.265; 95% CI, 0.073‐0.959; P = 0.043) were two independent adverse predictive factors for recurrence‐free survival. Finally, we found that tDR‐000620 participated in some important biological processes though GO and KEGG analysis. Taken together, our study reveals the expression profiles of tDRs in TNBC and non‐TNBC CSCs. It offers helpful information to understand the tDR‐000620 expression is responsible for the aggressive phenotype of BCSCs. It may provide predictive biomarkers and therapeutic targets for TNBC recurrence.
Radiotherapy improves the survival of patients with stage IV NSCLC: A propensity score matched analysis of the SEER database
Authors: Zhang Rui , Li Ping , Li Qin , Qiao Yunfeng , Xu Tangpeng , Ruan Peng , Song Qibin , Fu Zhenming
Published: September 2018

Objectives

The survival advantage of radiotherapy (RT) for patients with stage IV non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) has not been adequately evaluated.

Methods

We analyzed stage IV NSCLC patients enrolled from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) registry through January 2010 to December 2012. Propensity score (PS) analysis with 1:1 nearest neighbor matching method was used to ensure well‐balanced characteristics of all comparison groups by histological types and metastatic sites. Kaplan‐Meier and Cox proportional hazardous model were used to evaluate the overall survival (OS), cancer‐specific survival (CSS), and corresponding 95% confidence interval (95%CI).

Results

Generally speaking, there was a trend toward improved OS and CSS for using RT to stage IV NSCLC patients for any metastatic sites and for any histological types except adenocarcinoma (AD). Radiotherapy significantly improved the survival of NSCLC patients with metastasis to brain (P < 0.001), especially for AD (P < 0.001). For stage IV lung cancer patients with squamous cell carcinoma (SQC), RT for any metastatic sites could universally improve the OS (P < 0.001) and CSS (P < 0.001). In particular, RT was also associated with improving OS (P < 0.001) and CSS (P = 0.012) for stage IV patients with metastases of two or more sites, ie, polymetastatic disease. Furthermore, for those stage IV SQC patients without metastasis, RT, most likely to the primary site, also significantly improved the survival (P < 0.001).

Conclusions

The results support that RT might improve the survival of patients with metastatic NSCLC in a PS‐matched patient cohort from the large SEER database. It is prudent to carefully select patients for RT in metastatic NSCLC.
Tanshinone sensitized the antitumor effects of irradiation on laryngeal cancer via JNK pathway
Authors: Xu Hui , Hao Yu‐li , Xu Li‐na , Chen Liang , Xu Feng‐wei
Published: September 2018

Laryngeal cancer is a common cancer occurred in the head and neck. Irradiation sensitivity is a problem affecting the treatment of laryngeal cancer. Tanshinone IIA has been reported to play an important role in treating multiple diseases; yet, whether Tanshinone IIA can be an irradiation sensitizer has not been reported. Clonogenic assay, annexin‐V/propidium iodide double‐staining assay, and Cell Counting Kit‐8 assay were performed to detect cell survival, proliferation, apoptosis, and viability. Mouse laryngeal cancer xenograft model was established and subjected to tumor size analysis. Tanshinone IIA treatment increased the irradiation sensitivity of laryngeal cancer cells by reducing cell survival, viability and proliferation, and increasing cell apoptosis. Tanshinone IIA treatment increased the survival period of mice in the in vivo laryngeal cancer model, evidenced by decreased growth and weight of tumors, which was possibly mediated through the JNK pathway. Tanshinone IIA increases the sensitivity to irradiation in laryngeal cancer cells and in vivo laryngeal cancer model, suggesting that Tanshinone IIA can be a therapeutic antitumor agent for treating laryngeal cancer.
The Extraction Socket Management Continuum: A Hierarchical Approach to Dental Implant Site Development
Authors: Cheng Albert W. , Berridge Joshua P. , McGary Ryan T. , Erley Kenneth J. , Johnson Thomas M.
Published: September 2018

Focused Clinical Question

How should clinicians manage dental extraction sockets when immediate implant placement is contraindicated, and alveolar ridge preservation is expected to result in inadequate bone volume for implant placement?

Three fundamental options for extraction socket management form a hierarchical continuum in sites where dental implant placement is planned: place an immediate implant, perform ridge preservation, or perform ridge augmentation. The available volume and quality of bone and keratinized mucosa are the primary considerations driving the decision, and each tier in the continuum encompasses a variety of techniques with attendant advantages and disadvantages.

Conclusions

Some immediate implant protocols require no mucoperiosteal flap and possibly produce the most favorable clinical and patient‐centered outcomes compared with other extraction socket management approaches. Conversely, guided bone regeneration at dental extraction sites can result in substantial gains in alveolar ridge dimensions, although this treatment may adversely influence mucosal architecture and carry increased risk of postoperative morbidity. When favorable bone and mucosa are present at a dental extraction site, immediate implant placement may be the treatment of choice, barring unusual circumstances. Ridge preservation, typically associated with minimal postoperative morbidity, is a rational second choice when acceptable ridge dimensions are anticipated after healing.
Evaluation of In Situ Hardening β‐Tricalcium Phosphate/Poly(lactic‐co‐glycolide) Bone Substitute Used in Edentulous Ridge Preservation for Late Implant Placement: Case Series
Authors: Geivelis Miltiades M. , Lingen Mark W. , Takemura Akane
Published: September 2018

Introduction

The bioresorbable polymer poly(lactide‐co‐glycolic acid) (PLGA) coated β‐tricalcium phosphate (β‐TCP) (β‐TCP/PLGA) bone substitute hardens into a stable and porous hard tissue scaffold when exposed to body fluids. Effectiveness of the novel alloplast has been examined in edentulous ridge preservation (ERP) following tooth extraction with subsequent early endosseous dental implant placement; however, it is not clear that the biomaterial is capable of maintaining the edentulous ridge volume to allow for late implant placement due to the rapid bioresorption property of β‐TCP. The purpose of this case series is to determine if the β‐TCP/PLGA bone substitute is a desirable material for ERP followed by late implant placement.

Case Presentation

Two patients were treated with ERP and prepared for future endosseous dental implant placement. The β‐TCP/PLGA alloplast was placed in the extraction socket. The grafted site of one of the patients was covered by a bioresorbable membrane due to the critical loss of buccal plate. Endosseous dental implant fixtures were placed in both patients 10 months following ERP. Bone core specimens were taken at the time of endosseous dental implant fixture placement and were prepared for histologic assessment. The edentulous ridge volume was successfully maintained for dental implant placement in both cases. Histomorphometric analysis showed that the β‐TCP/PLGA alloplast was replaced by newly formed bone with or without guided bone regeneration membrane placement, 54.1% and 34.6%, respectively.

Conclusion

The β‐TCP/PLGA bone substitute exhibited effectiveness in edentulous ridge preservation followed by late endosseous dental implant placement.
Antibody‐Based Tracers for PET/SPECT Imaging of Chronic Inflammatory Diseases
Authors: Lee Hye Jin , Ehlerding Emily B. , Cai Weibo
Published: September 2018

Chronic inflammatory diseases are often progressive, resulting not only in physical damage to patients but also social and economic burdens, making early diagnosis of them critical. Nuclear medicine techniques can enhance the detection of inflammation by providing functional as well as anatomical information when combined with other modalities such as magnetic resonance imaging, computed tomography or ultrasonography. Although small molecules and peptides were mainly used for the treatment and imaging of chronic inflammatory diseases in the past, antibodies and their fragments have also been emerging for chronic inflammatory diseases as they show high specificity to their targets and can have various biological half‐lives depending on how they are engineered. In addition, imaging with antibodies or their fragments can visualize the in vivo biodistribution of the probes or help monitor therapeutic responses, thereby providing physicians with a greater understanding of drug behavior in vivo and another means of monitoring their patients. In this review, we introduce various targets and radiolabeled antibody‐based probes for the molecular imaging of chronic inflammatory diseases in preclinical and clinical studies. Targets can be classified into three different categories: 1) cell‐adhesion molecules, 2) surface markers on immune cells, and 3) cytokines or enzymes. The limitations and future directions of using radiolabeled antibodies for imaging inflammatory diseases are also discussed.
54‐cm enteric duplication cyst in a 13‐year‐old female
Authors: Elhasan Mohamed Elghazali Ahmed Basheer , Sirdab Younis A. , Bakheit Imad A.
Published: September 2018

Key Clinical Message

Enteric duplication cyst is a very rare condition, the affected individual may be asymptomatic. It has serious complications, on top of which is a malignant transformation tendency. To avoid these complications, resection of the duplication seems to be mandatory, even if it is an incidental finding.
Diagnostic pitfalls for GJB2‐related hearing loss: A novel deletion detected by Array‐CGH analysis in a Japanese patient with congenital profound hearing loss
Authors: Abe Satoko , Nishio Shin‐ya , Yokota Yoh , Moteki Hideaki , Kumakawa Kozo , Usami Shin‐ichi
Published: September 2018

Key Clinical Message

Here, we report a novel deletion (copy number variation: CNV) in the GJB2 gene observed in a Japanese hearing loss patient. The deleted segment started in the middle of the GJB2 gene, but the GJB6 gene remained intact. This partial deletion in the GJB2 gene highlights the need for further improvements in GJB2 screening.
Innovation of Expanded‐Bed Adsorption by Integrating Simulated Moving‐Bed Technology
Authors: Pathapati Trinath , Rutze Dennis N. , de Wit Pieter , den Boer Piet , Zaalberg Menne
Published: September 2018

Bio‐based industries need efficient downstream solutions to process complex streams. This was addressed through a technology integration approach, where expanded‐bed adsorption (EBA) is integrated with simulated moving‐bed (SMB) technology. Current work involved adaptation of an SMB apparatus and control principle to implement expanded‐bed level control. As an outcome, EBA‐SMB technology was successfully applied for purification of γ‐aminobutyric acid (GABA). This resulted in two‐fold increase in productivity and a GABA purity ≥ 92 % in one step from unclarified fermentation broth, compared to ≥ 93 % purity in case of clarified broth and packed‐bed SMB. These results proved that EBA‐SMB technology is able to enhance process efficiency and economics of bioprocesses.
Membrane‐Freeze Concentration Hybrid for Temperature‐Sensitive Biomolecules. Investigation, Application, and Techno‐Economic Benefits
Authors: van Beek Timo , Budde Michael , van Esch Jan
Published: September 2018

In order to close the technology gap between membrane technologies and spray/freeze‐drying ideally with a technology that avoids thermal stress to sensitive enzyme solutions, the limits of freeze concentration for this application have been investigated. On laboratory scale it was found that average crystal sizes are > 300 µm despite high viscosity and ice separation is possible up to 42 % solids and > 1000 mm2s−1 viscosity. No activity loss was observed during concentration. A combination of two‐stage freeze concentration with a filter and wash column for ice liquid separation in an integrated setup with ultrafiltration has the greatest potential and was shown to be economically feasible in three out of four cases studied.
The Role of N‐Methyl Squaramides in a Hydrogen‐Bonding Strategy to Fold Peptidomimetic Compounds
Authors: Martínez‐Crespo Luís , Escudero‐Adán Eduardo C. , Costa Antonio , Rotger Carmen
Published: September 2018

Small peptides and peptomimetic compounds are valuable tools to probe and study biological systems. Small synthetic peptide analogues adopt a given secondary structure driven by structural modules that organize the compound architecture. Among them, β‐ and α‐turn mimetics are widely used. This work reports SQ4 and SQ5 squaramido‐based turn modules that combine tertiary and secondary squaramide bonds in their structure to control their conformational properties. The efficacy of this combination has been evaluated to promote folding in peptide‐like compounds to obtain parallel and antiparallel‐hairpin model compounds in hydrogen‐bonding competitive media. Crystallographic structures of model compounds and conformational studies based on NMR spectroscopic analysis of the squaramido‐peptides confirm that secondary‐tertiary squaramides are more prone to adopt the E,Z‐conformation than di‐secondary squaramides, and consequently are more suitable to gain conformational control over foldable peptidomimetic compounds.
Designing DNAzyme‐Powered Nanomachines Simultaneously Responsive to Multiple MicroRNAs
Authors: Zhong Xiaoxi , Yang Sishu , Yang Peng , Du Huan , Hou Xiandeng , Chen Junbo , Zhou Rongxing
Published: September 2018

Herein, a DNAzyme‐powered nanomachine responsive to multiple hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC)‐related miRNAs derived from clinical samples was designed. Initially, three types of nanomachines were constructed with dye molecule [(fluorescein (FAM), tetramethylrhodamin (TMR), and Cyanine 5 (Cy5)]‐labeled DNA–RNA chimeric substrates and a specific recognized probe for the corresponding miRNAs target. Once the target miRNAs were captured by two recognizing probes, the DNA nanomachine was initiated, leading to the hybridization between the DNAzyme and the substrates. With the help of a cofactor, the automatic operation of the nanomachine was driven by cyclic cleavage of the DNAzyme. Meanwhile, we also explored the recognition behavior between the recognizing probe and the target miRNA. Subsequently, these DNAzyme‐powered nanomachines were developed for the homogeneous and simultaneous detection of three target miRNAs at the femtomloar level. Furthermore, the potential in clinical diagnosis was proven by the successful determination of target miRNA in real clinical samples. Thus, this nanomachine‐based strategy possesses significant potential to be an innovation in miRNA analysis methodology.
Functional Conjugated Polymers for CO2 Reduction Using Visible Light
Authors: Yang Can , Huang Wei , da Silva Lucas Caire , Zhang Kai A. I. , Wang Xinchen
Published: September 2018

The reduction of CO2 with visible light is a highly sustainable method for producing valuable chemicals. The function‐led design of organic conjugated semiconductors with more chemical variety than that of inorganic semiconductors has emerged as a method for achieving carbon photofixation chemistry. Here, we report the molecular engineering of triazine‐based conjugated microporous polymers to capture, activate and reduce CO2 to CO with visible light. The optical band gap of the CMPs is engineered by varying the organic electron‐withdrawing (benzothiadiazole) and electron‐donating units (thiophene) on the skeleton of the triazine rings while creating organic donor–acceptor junctions to promote the charge separation. This engineering also provides control of the texture, surface functionality and redox potentials of CMPs for achieving the light‐induced conversion of CO2 to CO ambient conditions.
Quantitative Binding Behavior of Intrinsically Disordered Proteins to Nanoparticle Surfaces at Individual Residue Level
Authors: Xie Mouzhe , Li Da‐Wei , Yuan Jiaqi , Hansen Alexandar L. , Brüschweiler Rafael
Published: September 2018

The quantitative and predictive understanding how intrinsically disordered proteins (IDPs) interact with engineered nanoparticles has potentially important implications for new therapeutics as well as nanotoxicology. Based on a recently developed solution 15N NMR relaxation approach, the interactions between four representative IDPs with silica nanoparticles are reported at atomic detail. Each IDP possesses distinct binding modes, which can be quantitatively explained by the local amino‐acid residue composition using a “free residue interaction model”. The model was parameterized using the binding affinities of free proteinogenic amino acids along with long‐range effects, derived by site‐specific mutagenesis, that exponentially scale with distance along the primary sequence. The model, which is accessible through a web server, can be applied to predict the residue‐specific binding affinities of a large number of IDPs.
S⋅⋅⋅Sn Tetrel Bonds in the Activation of Peroxisome Proliferator‐Activated Receptors (PPARs) by Organotin Molecules
Authors: Frontera Antonio , Bauzá Antonio
Published: September 2018

In this study, a PDB (Protein Data Bank) analysis and theoretical calculations (PBE0‐D3/def2‐TZVP level of theory) were combined to analyze the impact of S⋅⋅⋅Sn tetrel‐bonding interactions in the activation mechanism of peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptors (PPARs) by two organotin derivatives, triphenyltin (TPT) and tributyltin (TBT). The presence of a covalently bonded CYS285 to the organotin molecule was found to be key to enhance the σ‐hole‐donor ability of the tin atom, thus strengthening the tetrel‐bonding interaction with a sulfur atom belonging to a vicinal methionine residue (MET364).
Experimental methods in chemical engineering: Ultraviolet visible spectroscopy—UV‐Vis
Authors: Rocha Fellipy S. , Gomes Anderson J. , Lunardi Claure N. , Kaliaguine Serge , Patience Gregory S.
Published: September 2018

UV‐vis spectroscopy is an inexpensive, simple, flexible, non‐destructive, analytical method appropriate for a wide class of organic compounds and some inorganic species. UV‐vis spectrophotometers measure the absorbance or transmittance of light passing through a medium as a function of the wavelength. Chemical engineers apply it for quantitative analysis, to derive liquid phase reaction kinetics, and to identify the mechanism at the molecular scale. High performance liquid chromatography and ultra‐high performance liquid chromatography integrate UV‐vis detectors to identify and quantify the concentration of compounds in liquid streams. Combining these techniques with mass spectrometry facilitates identifying all species. UV‐vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy is a variant with enhanced scattering properties that measures the properties of solids and powders. A bibliometric analysis of the 10 000 most cited papers referring to UV‐vis (2016 and 2017) groups research in four major clusters: nanoparticles and nanostucutres; photocatalysis and water treatment; crystals, complexes, and derivatives; and Ag and Au nanoparticles biological interaction.
Prss56 expression in the rodent hypothalamus: Inverse correlation with pro‐opiomelanocortin suggests oscillatory gene expression in adult rat tanycytes
Authors: Wittmann Gábor , Lechan Ronald M.
Published: September 2018

We recently reported that the number of hypothalamic tanycytes expressing pro‐opiomelanocortin (Pomc) is highly variable among brains of adult rats. While its cause and significance remain unknown, identifying other variably expressed genes in tanycytes may help understand this curious phenomenon. In this in situ hybridization study, we report that the Prss56 gene, which encodes a trypsin‐like serine protease and is expressed in neural stem/progenitor cells, shows a similarly variable mRNA expression in tanycytes of adult rats and correlates inversely with tanycyte Pomc mRNA. Prss56 was expressed in α1, β1, subsets of α2, and some median eminence γ tanycytes, but virtually absent from β2 tanycytes. Prss56 was also expressed in vimentin positive tanycyte‐like cells in the parenchyma of the ventromedial and arcuate nuclei, and in thyrotropin beta subunit‐expressing cells of the pars tuberalis of the pituitary. In contrast to adults, Prss56 expression was uniformly high in tanycytes in adolescent rats. In mice, Prss56‐expressing tanycytes and parenchymal cells were also observed but fewer in number and without significant variations. The results identify Prss56 as a second gene that is expressed variably in tanycytes of adult rats. We propose that the variable, inversely correlating expression of Prss56 and Pomc reflect periodically oscillating gene expression in tanycytes rather than stable expression levels that vary between individual rats. A possible functional link between Prss56 and POMC, and Prss56 as a potential marker for migrating tanycytes are discussed.
A novel comparative study on breast cancer detection using different types of classification techniques
Authors: Vijayarajan Subramanian Maruthathurai , Jaganathan P.
Published: September 2018

To recognize the breast cancer in the beginning stage, we make use of a technique called Mammography. By enforcing the different image Classification techniques like preprocessing, image enhancement, segmentation, morphological smoothening, features detection, feature extraction, and classification, we can enhance the accuracy and efficiency of the breast cancer detection. In every technique, different methods were utilized and major classifiers like KNN, J48, Naïve Bayes, and SVM classifiers, respectively. The acquired details were gathered and executed on a Weka tool to proceed further. The experimental analyses were done with the mammogram images, and those information's were enforced in the Weka tool as a training set. The Naïve Bayes classifier provides good results when distinguished with the current existing SVM classifier, and it is confirmed that Naïve Bayes works much better than SVM.
An improved particle swarm optimization algorithm for AVO elastic parameter inversion problem
Authors: Wu Qinghua , Zhu Zhixin , Yan Xuesong , Gong Wenyin
Published: September 2018

The elastic parameter inversion technique for prestack seismic data, which combines the intelligent optimization algorithms with Amplitude Variation with Offset (AVO) technology, is an effective method for oil and gas exploration. However, when certain biological‐evolution–based optimization algorithms, eg, genetic algorithms, are used to solve this problem, the computation exhibits fast convergence and a strong tendency to be trapped to a local optimum, thereby leading to unsatisfactory inversion results. To address this issue, this paper proposes a swarm‐intelligence‐based method‐Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) algorithm to handle the elastic parameter inversion problem. Based on the Aki‐Richards approximation to the Zoeppritz equations, the improved PSO algorithm adopts a special initialization strategy, which can enhance the smoothness of the initialization parametric curves. Extensive experimental research confirms the superiority of the proposed algorithm. Specifically, the improved PSO algorithm is able to not only markedly enhance inversion precision but also render remarkably high correlation coefficients associated with the elastic parameters.
Hospital‐Acquired Hyperkalemia Events in Older Patients Are Mostly Due to Avoidable, Multifactorial, Adverse Drug Reactions
Authors: Robert Laurine , Ficheur Grégoire , Décaudin Bertrand , Gellens Juliette , Luyckx Michel , Perichon Renaud , Gautier Sophie , Puisieux François , Chazard Emmanuel , Beuscart Jean‐Baptiste
Published: September 2018

Drug‐induced hyperkalemia is a frequent and severe complication in the hospital setting. Other risk factors may also induce hyperkalemia but the combination of drugs and precipitating factors has not been extensively studied. The aim was to identify drug‐induced hyperkalemia events in hospitalized older patients and to describe their combinations with precipitating factors. Two experts independently analyzed retrospective data of patients aged 75 years or more. Experts identified 471 hyperkalemia events and concluded that 379 (80.5%) were induced by drugs. The cause was multifactorial (i.e., at least one drug with a precipitating factor) in 300 (79.2%) of the 379 drug‐induced hyperkalemia. Most of the drug‐induced hyperkalemia events were avoidable (79.9%)—mainly because of the multifactorial cause (e.g., dosage adaptation during acute kidney injury). Drug‐induced hyperkalemia events are frequently combined with precipitating factors in hospitalized older patients and their prevention should focus on these combinations.
Characterization of Rutile SnO2 Epitaxial Films Grown on MgF2 (001) Substrates by MOCVD
Authors: He Linan , Luan Caina , Cao Qiong , Feng Xianjin , Zhao Wei , Ma Jin
Published: September 2018

Rutile SnO2 epitaxial films are deposited on MgF2 (001) substrates at different substrate temperatures (540–660 °C) by metal organic chemical vapor deposition. Structural, optical, and electrical properties of the films as well as the epitaxial mechanism are investigated in detail. The structure analyses manifest that the film deposited at 620 °C is rutile phase SnO2 and exhibits the best crystallinity. The epitaxial relationships are determined as SnO2 (110) || MgF2 (001) with SnO2 [001] || MgF2 [110] and [10]. The Hall mobility, resistivity, and carrier concentration of the 620 °C‐deposited film are 10.4 cm2 · V−1 · s−1, 0.75 Ω · cm, and 8.1 × 1017 cm−3 respectively. The average transmittance in the visible range of the SnO2 film deposited at 620 °C exceeds 88% and the optical band gap is about 3.93 eV.
Socially responsible companies: Are they the best workplace for millennials? A cross‐national analysis
Authors: Alonso‐Almeida María Del Mar , Llach Josep
Published: September 2018

Millennials is the name given to the generation of young people that are currently joining companies and are destined to be the worldwide leaders in the near future. This study analyses how they perceive companies as a workplace. Their specific preferences and personal values could influence organizational behaviour to be more responsible or not. The study is based on 1,833 respondents conducted on millennials from six Ibero–American mixed high‐ and low‐income countries. The results demonstrate that, regardless of whether their profile is more or less individualistic or collectivist, this generation is attracted to sustainable companies. However, differences are detected when the sample is controlled by the wealth of the country of origin. Then, the differences between the individualist and collectivist millennials are accentuated. This article concludes with some useful reflections for human resources departments and management teams in charge of establishing their companies' sustainable policies.
Catalytic Transfer Hydrogenation of Biomass‐Derived Substrates to Value‐Added Chemicals on Dual‐Function Catalysts: Opportunities and Challenges
Authors: Jin Xin , Yin Bin , Xia Qi , Fang Tianqi , Shen Jian , Kuang Liquan , Yang Chaohe
Published: September 2018

Aqueous‐phase hydrodeoxygenation (APH) of bioderived feedstocks into useful chemical building blocks is one the most important processes for biomass conversion. However, several technological challenges, such as elevated reaction temperature (220–280 °C), high H2 pressure (4–10 MPa), uncontrollable side reactions, and intensive capital investment, have resulted in a bottleneck for the further development of existing APH processes. Catalytic transfer hydrogenation (CTH) under much milder conditions with non‐fossil‐based H2 has attracted extensive interest as a result of several advantageous features, including high atom efficiency (≈100 %), low energy intensity, and green H2 obtained from renewable sources. Typically, CTH can be categorized as internal H2 transfer (sacrificing small amounts of feedstocks for H2 generation) and external H2 transfer from H2 donors (e.g., alcohols, formic acid). Although the last decade has witnessed a few successful applications of conventional APH technologies, CTH is still relatively new for biomass conversion. Very limited attempts have been made in both academia and industry. Understanding the fundamentals for precise control of catalyst structures is key for tunable dual functionality to combine simultaneous H2 generation and hydrogenation. Therefore, this Review focuses on the rational design of dual‐functionalized catalysts for synchronous H2 generation and hydrogenation of bio‐feedstocks into value‐added chemicals through CTH technologies. Most recent studies, published from 2015 to 2018, on the transformation of selected model compounds, including glycerol, xylitol, sorbitol, levulinic acid, hydroxymethylfurfural, furfural, cresol, phenol, and guaiacol, are critically reviewed herein. The relationship between the nanostructures of heterogeneous catalysts and the catalytic activity and selectivity for C−O, C−H, C−C, and O−H bond cleavage are discussed to provide insights into future designs for the atom‐economical conversion of biomass into fuels and chemicals.
A Large‐Sized Reduced Graphene Oxide with Low Charge‐Transfer Resistance as a High‐Performance Electrode for a Nonflammable High‐Temperature Stable Ionic‐Liquid‐Based Supercapacitor
Authors: Ma Li , Gao Qiuming , Tian Weiqian , Zhang Qiang , Xiao Hong , Li Zeyu , Zhang Hang , Tian Xuehui
Published: September 2018

Large‐sized reduced graphene oxide prepared was prepared by combined microwave intermittent heating and an extraction process (e.g., 900 W for 10 min (MRG‐900‐10)) with a lateral size of several micrometers and a thickness of 4–6 monosheets . The MRG‐900‐10 has a high C/O molar ratio (5.89) and a sp2 C content of 69.0 %, which leads to a fast electronic transmission in the sample. In addition, MRG‐900‐10 possesses a large specific surface area of 568.2 m2 g−1, which increases the contact surface area between the active material and the electrolyte, thus enhancing the electron and ion transport in the interfaces when used as the electrode material in supercapacitors. MRG‐900‐10 possesses a low charge‐transfer resistance (≈0.36 Ω). Used as the electrode material for a supercapacitor in 6 m KOH aqueous electrolyte, MRG‐900‐10 produces a high specific capacity of 327.6 F g−1 at the current density of 0.5 A g−1. A specific capacity of 248.3 F g−1 was obtained at a high current density of 100 A g−1, which indicated its high‐rate ability. The initial capacity of 92 % can be maintained after 40 000 cycles at 5 A g−1, which indicated its high cycling stability. As for the MRG‐900‐10 symmetric supercapacitors, the energy densities of 11.0 and 36.2 Wh kg−1 were obtained in 6 m KOH aqueous and 1 m tetraethylammonium tetrafluoroborate ([TEA]BF4)/acetonitrile (ACN) electrolytes, respectively. Importantly, a high energy density of 68.6 Wh kg−1 was achieved in the nonflammable ionic liquid 1‐ethyl‐3‐methylimidazolium bis(trifluoromethane)sulfonimide ([EMIM][TFSI])/ACN (80 vol % [EMIM][TFSI]), and the supercapacitor was effective from room temperature to 100 °C.
Biomass Sucrose‐Derived Cobalt@Nitrogen‐Doped Carbon for Catalytic Transfer Hydrogenation of Nitroarenes with Formic Acid
Authors: Yuan Man , Long Yu , Yang Jin , Hu Xiwei , Xu Dan , Zhu Yangyang , Dong Zhengping
Published: September 2018

Fabrication of non‐noble metal‐based heterogeneous catalysts by a facile and cost‐effective strategy for ecofriendly catalytic transfer hydrogenation (CTH) is of great significance for organic transformations. A cobalt@nitrogen‐doped carbon (Co@NC) catalyst was prepared from renewable biomass‐derived sucrose, harmless melamine, and earth‐abundant Co(AcO)2 as the precursor materials by hydrothermal treatment and carbonization. Co nanoparticles (NPs) were coated with NC shells and uniformly embedded in the NC framework. The as‐obtained Co@NC‐600 (carbonized at 600 °C) catalyst exhibited excellent catalytic efficiency for CTH of various functionalized nitroarenes with formic acid (FA) as hydrogen donor in aqueous solution. The uniformly incorporated N atoms in the C matrix and the encapsulated Co NPs showed synergistic effects in the CTH reactions. A mechanistic analysis indicated that the protons from FA were activated by Co sites after being captured by N atoms, and then reacted with nitroarenes adsorbed on the surface of the catalysts to generate the corresponding aromatic amines. Moreover, the catalyst showed excellent durability and reusability without obvious decrease in activity even after five reaction cycles. Thus, the study reported herein provides a cost‐effective, sustainable strategy for fabrication of biomass‐derived non‐noble metal‐based catalysts for green and efficient catalytic transformations.
Spectrally and spatially resolved laser‐induced photobleaching of endogenous flavin fluorescence in cardiac myocytes
Authors: Marcek Chorvatova Alzbeta , Kirchnerova Jana , Cagalinec Michal , Mateasik Anton , Chorvat Dusan
Published: September 2018

Naturally occurring endogenous fluorescence of flavins, arising in response to excitation by visible light, offers broad opportunity to investigate mitochondrial metabolic state directly in living cells and tissues, including in clinical settings. However, photobleaching, the loss of the autofluorescence intensity following prolonged exposure to light is an inherent phenomenon occurring during the fluorescence acquisition, which can have a negative impact on the recorded data, particularly in the context of measurement of metabolic modulations in pathophysiological conditions. In the presented study, we present a detailed analysis of endogenous flavins fluorescence photobleaching arising in living cardiac cells during spectrally‐resolved confocal imaging. We demonstrate significant nonuniform photobleaching related to different bleaching rates of individual flavin components, resolved by linear spectral unmixing of the recorded signals. Induced photodamage was without effect on the cell morphology, but lead to significant modifications of the cell responsiveness to metabolic modulators and its contractility, suggesting functional metabolic alterations in the recorded cells. These findings point to the necessity of inducing limited photobleaching during metabolic screening in all studies involving visible light excitation and fluorescence acquisition in living cells. © 2018 The Authors Cytometry Part A published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of International Society for Advancement of Cytometry
Accurate quantification of fourteen normal bone marrow cell subsets in infants to the elderly by flow cytometry
Authors: Pont Julie , Souvignet Alice , Campos Lydia , Plesa Adriana , Bulabois Bénédicte , Pernollet Martine , Raskovalova Tatiana , Dumestre‐Perard Chantal , Cesbron Jean‐Yves , Jacob Marie‐Christine
Published: September 2018

Background

Studies of normal bone marrow (BM) cell composition by flow cytometry are scarce. Presently, we aimed to quantify 14 cell subsets from infants to elderly patients.

Methods

Cell subsets in BM samples from 180 individuals without morphologically abnormal leukocytes were analyzed using a single combination of eight antibodies: CD3/CD10/CD38/CD19/CD36/CD16/CD34/CD45.

Results

By comparison with the Holdrinet score, we first validated the immature granulocyte/neutrophil (IGRA/N) ratio as a readily obtainable criterion of BM sample purity in 145 cases. Then, the 115 highly pure samples were selected (IGRA/N ≥ 1.2) and analyzed according to age group. CD34+ myeloblasts became progressively more infrequent with age: median 1.4% in infancy to 0.5% in the elderly. Neutrophils increased: 10.7% to 22.8%; all other myeloid subsets, IGRA, eosinophils, basophils and monocytes remained stable: respectively 40.3% to 46.7%, 2.0% to 2.8%, 0.2% to 0.3%, and 4.4% to 5.0% throughout life. Erythroblasts were lower in children (8.4% to 10.3%) than in adults (12.5% to 15.1%). For lymphoid cells, hematogones and transitional B‐cells decreased: 15.5% to 0.6% and 3.6% to 0.1%, respectively; mature lymphocytes remained stable: B‐cells: 1.4% to 2.8%, T‐cells: 5.8% to 8.7%, and NK‐cells: 0.7% to 1.4%. Plasma cells varied slightly: 0.1% to 0.5%. Differences of about 40% were seen in moderately pure (IGRA/N: 0.5 to 1.2) BM samples.

Conclusion

We thus provide the first values for 14 myeloid and lymphoid subsets characterizing BM cell composition in 5 age ranges. They should provide important information when screening patients for hematological disorders or abnormal bone marrow development. © 2018 International Clinical Cytometry Society
Inter‐laboratory validation of a harmonized PNH flow cytometry assay
Authors: Payne Daniel , Johansson Ulrika , Bloxham David , Couzens Stephen , Carter Anthony , Holtom Pamela , Baker Bronia , Hughes Mark , Knill Tara , Milne Tim , Morilla Alison , Morilla Ricardo , O'Brien David , Thomas Lisa
Published: September 2018

Background

A network comprising 11 laboratories aimed to consolidate PNH testing by developing and validating an assay guided by previous guidelines and studies. Network analyses of >20 native samples yielded key findings that were used to create and reshape the final protocol.

Methods

Twenty‐seven native samples were distributed to all participating laboratories for blind testing, local analysis, and subsequent re‐analysis by a central laboratory. Inter‐laboratory clone size precision (coefficient of variation [CV]) was monitored for each sample, and the findings used to refine the test protocol. Linearity and precision tests were performed, assay limits of blank and detection were calculated, and limits of quantification were determined.

Results

When using the final protocol, enumeration of cells with a PNH phenotype by all participating laboratories was comparable, with no clinically significant discrepancies or false‐positive or false‐negative results reported. Of note, the biological characteristics of the sample affected precision. For example, CVs were higher when PNH and normal cells showed contiguous expression of GPI‐linked antigens. A red cell gating strategy that eliminated non‐specific type II PNH phenotypic events was devised, enabling reliable reporting of events in the type II red cell gate. The final protocol provided an assay with a Limit of Quantification of 0.01% for neutrophils and red cells, and 0.1% for monocytes.

Conclusions

We describe a robust network‐validated PNH assay that may aid other laboratories to set up and validate high resolution PNH analysis. © 2018 International Clinical Cytometry Society
Lomerizine, trimetazidine and bis‐(4‐fluorophenyl)‐methylpiperazine in human urine after oral administration of lomerizine dihydrochloride: analysis by liquid chromatography‐high resolution‐tandem mass spectrometry
Authors: Okano Masato , Sato Mitsuhiko , Kageyama Shinji
Published: September 2018

In sports drugs testing, the differentiation between the abuse of the prohibited substance trimetazidine and that of the permitted drug lomerizine is required because trimetazidine is one of the metabolites of lomerizine. Therefore, it is important to identify a lomerizine‐specific metabolite in urine that allows making the distinction. In this study, a simple dilute‐and‐shoot method employing liquid chromatography–high resolution–tandem mass spectrometry for the quantification of trimetazidine, lomerizine and the specific metabolite bis‐(4‐fluorophenyl)‐methylpiperazine (M6) in urine was developed. An oral dose of 15 mg was administered to 10 male volunteers, after which urine samples collected during the following 276 hours were analyzed using the developed method, allowing for examination of the target analytes' excretion profile. The limit of detection of all target analytes was <0.02 ng/mL. In all volunteers, the metabolite M6 was detected up to 276 hours after administration. After more than 12 hours, all volunteers were found to have higher concentrations of the metabolite M6 than of trimetazidine. The concentrations of trimetazidine, lomerizine, M6, and the M6/trimetazidine ratio in the final sample collected after 276 hours were 0.2–0.9 ng/mL, <0.05–0.1 ng/mL, 14.1–38.3 ng/mL, and 28.8–122.9, respectively. The urinary excretion of trimetazidine, unchanged lomerizine, and the metabolite M6 within the first 276 hours was 0.64%, 0.006%, and 6.1%, respectively. Consequently, the absence of the metabolite M6 in doping control urine samples corroborates the conclusion that lomerizine is unlikely to be the source of trimetazidine. The results confirm that the M6 metabolite is the longest‐lasting urinary metabolite of lomerizine currently known.
Pharmacokinetic study of Sudaxine in dog plasma using novel LC–MS/MS method
Authors: Altawallbeh Ghaith , Smith Laura , Lewis Stephen J. , Authier Simon , Bujold Kim , Gaston Benjamin , Bederman Ilya
Published: September 2018

Context

Sudaxine is a novel respiratory stimulant that increases ventilatory drive via NO+‐thiolate signaling and is under development for reversal of opioid‐induced respiratory depression and other critical care indications.

Objective

This study investigates the pharmacokinetic characteristics after intravenous administration of Sudaxine by using a simple liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (LC–MS/MS) method.

Materials and methods

A sensitive LC–MS/MS method was validated to determine the concentration of Sudaxine in beagle dog plasma after intravenous administration of Sudaxine at (3, 10, 30, and 100 mg/kg). Blood samples (1 mL) were collected at designated time points and SDX concentration was measured for pharmacokinetic study.

Results

The calibration curve was linear within the range of 50–5,000 ng/mL with the lower limit of quantification at 50 ng/mL. The CTmax for all doses was reached at 10 minutes (Tmax). Over the dose range studied, average concentration – time curves and systemic exposure (CTmax and AUC0–t) increased to Sudaxine dose. The terminal half‐life of Sudaxine in dogs ranged from 10 to 30 minutes and about 17.3 ± 1.0% of Sudaxine was protein‐bound in dog plasma.

Discussion and conclusions

We developed a novel LC–MS/MS method of Sudaxine detection and quantification and determined its pharmacokinetic profiles after intravenous administration in canine subjects. Sudaxine followed first‐order kinetics with rapid dose‐dependent clearance rates and short half‐life making it an ideal candidate for use in a critical care setting with intramuscular or IV administration.