bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Tesia: A trusted efficient service evaluation model in Internet of things based on improved aggregation signature
Authors: Li Fengyin , Ge Rui , Zhou Huiyu , Wang Yilei , Liu Zhongxing , Yu Xiaomei
Published: March 2020

Service evaluation model is an essential ingredient in service‐oriented Internet of things (IoT) architecture. Generally, traditional models allow each user to submit their comments with respect to IoT services individually. However, these kind of models are fragile to resist various attacks, like comment denial attacks, and Sybil attacks, which may decrease the comments submission rate. In this article, we propose a new aggregation digital signature scheme to resolve the problem of comments aggregation, which may aggregate different comments into one with high efficiency and security level. Based on the new aggregation digital signature scheme, we further put forward a new service evaluation model named Tesia allowing specific users to submit the comments as a group in IoT networks. More specifically, they aggregate comments and assign one user as a submitter to submit these comments. In addition, we introduce the synchronization token mechanism into the new service evaluation model, to assure that all users in the group may sign their comments one by one, and the last one who receives the token is assigned as the final submitter. Tesia has more acceptable robustness and can greatly improve the comments submission rate with rather lower submission delay
time.
Annealing of Strontium Titanate Based Thermoelectric Materials by Graphite: Mechanistic Analysis by Spectroscopic and Chromatographic Techniques
Authors: Lee Alex Chinghuan , Qin Mengjie , Li Haoran , Shi Zongmo , Xu Jie , Gao Feng , Chen Yongsheng
Published: March 2020

Strontium titanate (SrTiO3) based materials are promising for high‐temperature thermoelectric applications. In order to enhance their performance, annealing is usually required and carried out under various atmospheres. Annealing with graphite is quite effective, but the mechanism is not yet clear. In this work, we use IR spectroscopy and gas chromatography (GC) to monitor the chemical environment under the annealing conditions (1350 °C for 8 h under 16.9 mL/min N2 with graphite) and quantify the various gases evolved in the process. It is shown that reducing agents, H2 and CO (concentrations peaked at ca. 0.4–0.5 %), are generated from graphite in the annealing process. H2 is produced in carbon gasification reaction, which also generates CO. Additional CO is produced from incomplete combustion of carbon. In the annealing of a La‐doped SrTiO3‐based ceramic with graphite, higher levels of H2O and CO2 are detected, which is resulted from the reduction of the ceramic by H2 and CO, respectively. About 67 % of the oxygen vacancies were created by CO reduction while about 33 % by H2 reduction. The conclusions are well supported by direct weight loss measurements with a difference of less than 6 %.
E‐health education interventions on HbA1c in patients with type 1 diabetes on intensive insulin therapy: A systematic review and meta‐analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Feigerlová Eva , Oussalah Abderrahim , Zuily Stéphane , Sordet Stéphanie , Braun Marc , Guéant Jean‐Louis , Guerci Bruno
Published: March 2020

Aims

Patient‐centered education improves glycemic control in subjects with type 1 diabetes (T1D). E‐health technologies are widely used to support medical decision‐making, patient advising or teleconsultations; however, the active participation of a patient is missing. Challenges remain whether e‐health education can be effectively incorporated into clinical pathways. The purpose of the study was to examine the effects of e‐health education, compared to standard care, on HbA1c.

Material and methods

We conducted a literature search (EMBASE, MEDLINE, The Cochrane Library and Web of Science) up to February 2018 for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of Internet−/ mobile application‐based educational interventions, with the active involvement of patients, provided in addition to, or substituting usual care in patients with T1D on intensive insulin therapy. The primary outcome was the standardized difference in means (SDM) of HbA1c change from baseline between intervention and comparator groups.

Results

Eight RCTs involving 757 subjects were included on 6335 screened citations. After excluding two trials with a high risk of bias from the meta‐analysis, the HbA1c change from baseline did not significantly differ between intervention and comparator groups (SDM = −0.154, 95% CI: −0.335 to 0.025; P = 0.01, random‐effect model). The number of studies is limited with a relatively short duration. Reporting of educational outcomes was not rigorous.

Conclusions

The effect of e‐health educational interventions on HbA1c in patients with T1D is comparable to the standard care. This review highlights the need for further well‐designed RCTs that will investigate the opportunities of incorporating e‐health education into clinical pathways.
Different processes shape the patterns of divergence in the nuclear and chloroplast genomes of a relict tree species in East Asia
Authors: Tian Xiang‐Yu , Ye Jun‐Wei , Wang Tian‐Ming , Bao Lei , Wang Hong‐Fang
Published: March 2020

Isolation by spatial distance (IBD), environment (IBE), and historical climatic instability (IBI) are three common processes assessed in phylogeographic and/or landscape genetic studies. However, the relative contributions of these three processes with respect to spatial genetic patterns have seldom been compared. Moreover, whether the relative contribution differs in different regions or when assessed using different genetic markers has rarely been reported. Lindera obtusiloba has been found to have two sister genetic clades of chloroplast (cpDNA) and nuclear microsatellite (nSSR), both of which show discontinuous distribution in northern and southern East Asia. In this study, we used the Mantel test and multiple matrix regression with randomization (MMRR) to determine the relative contributions of IBD, IBE, and IBI with respect to L. obtusiloba populations. Independent Mantel tests and MMRR calculations were conducted for two genetic data sets (cpDNA and nSSR) and for different regions (the overall species range, and northern and southern subregions of the range). We found a significant IBI pattern in nSSR divergence for all assessed regions, whereas no clear IBI pattern was detected with respect to cpDNA. In contrast, significant (or marginal) divergent IBD patterns were detected for cpDNA in all regions, whereas although a significant IBE was apparent with respect to the overall range, the effect was not detected in the two subregions. The differences identified in nSSR and cpDNA population divergence may be related to differences in the heredity and ploidy of the markers. Compared with the southern region, the northern region showed less significant correlation patterns, which may be related to the shorter population history and restricted population range. The findings of this study serve to illustrate that comparing between markers or regions can contribute to gaining a better understanding the population histories of different genomes or within different regions of a species' range.
Impairment of myocardial perfusion correlates with heart failure severity in patients with non‐compaction cardiomyopathy
Authors: Cerar Andraz , Jaklic Martina , Frljak Sabina , Poglajen Gregor , Zemljic Gregor , Guzic Salobir Barbara , Dolenc Novak Maja , Stalc Monika , Zbacnik Rok , Kozelj Mirta
Published: March 2020

Aims

Non‐compaction cardiomyopathy (NCM) is a congenital heart disease characterized by an arrest of the myocardial compaction process. Although NCM patients have impaired formation of microvasculature, the functional impact of these changes remains undefined. We sought to analyse a potential correlation between myocardial ischemia and heart failure severity in NCM patients.

Methods and results

We enrolled 41 NCM patients (28 male and 13 female), aged 21–70 years. In all patients, we have determined left ventricular end‐diastolic volume (LVEDV), left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), and global longitudinal strain (GLS) by echocardiography. At the same time, serum levels of N‐terminal pro‐B‐type natriuretic peptide (NT‐proBNP) have been measured, and myocardial single‐photon emission computed tomography at rest and on stress was used to define significant myocardial ischemia defined as summed difference score ≥ 2. Myocardial ischemia has been demonstrated in 11 patients (27%, Group A), and 30 patients showed no significant ischemic changes (73%, Group B). The groups did not differ in sex, age, kidney, or liver function. When compared with Group B, Group A had significantly lower LVEF (35 ± 15% in Group A vs. 53 ± 11% in Group B, P < 0.001), higher LVEDV (188 ± 52 mL vs. 136 ± 52 mL, P = 0.007), lower GLS (−9.9 ± 5.2% vs. −14.5 ± 4.1%, P = 0.001), and higher NT‐proBNP levels (1691 ± 1883 pg/mL vs. 422 ± 877 pg/mL, P = 0.006). Overall, higher summed difference score was associated with lower LVEF (r = −0.48, P = 0.001), higher LVEDV (r = 0.39, P = 0.012), lower GLS (r = 0.352, P = 0.024), and higher levels of NT‐proBNP (r = 0.66, P < 0.001).

Conclusions

The presence of myocardial ischemia in patients with NCM is associated with worse left ventricular function, dilation of the left ventricle, and more pronounced neurohumoral activation.
Rehospitalization burden and morbidity risk in patients with heart failure with mid‐range ejection fraction
Authors: Santas Enrique , de la Espriella Rafael , Palau Patricia , Miñana Gema , Amiguet Martina , Sanchis Juan , Lupón Josep , Bayes‐Genís Antoni , Chorro Francisco Javier , Núñez Villota Julio
Published: March 2020

Aims

Heart failure with mid‐range ejection fraction (HFmrEF) has been proposed as a distinct HF phenotype, but whether patients on this category fare worse, similarly, or better than those with HF with reduced EF (HFrEF) or preserved EF (HFpEF) in terms of rehospitalization risks over time remains unclear.

Methods and results

We prospectively included 2961 consecutive patients admitted for acute HF (AHF) in our institution. Of them, 158 patients died during the index admission, leaving the sample size to be 2803 patients. Patients were categorized according to their EF: HFrEF if EF ≤ 40% (n = 908, 32.4%); HFmrEF if EF = 41–49% (n = 449, 16.0%); and HFpEF if EF ≥ 50% (n = 1446, 51.6%). Covariate‐adjusted incidence rate ratios (IRRs) were used to evaluate the association between EF status and recurrent all‐cause and HF‐related admissions. At a median follow‐up of 2.6 years (inter‐quartile range: 1.0–5.3), 1663 (59.3%) patients died, and 6035 all‐cause readmissions were registered in 2026 patients (72.3%), 2163 of them HF related. Rates of all‐cause readmission per 100 patients‐years of follow‐up were 150.1, 176.9, and 163.6 in HFrEF, HFmrEF, and HFpEF, respectively (P = 0.097). After multivariable adjustment, when compared with that of patients with HFrEF and HFpEF, HFmrEF status was not significantly associated with a different risk of all‐cause readmissions (IRR = 0.99; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.77–1.27; P = 0.926; and IRR = 0.93; 95% CI, 0.74–1.18; P = 0.621, respectively) or HF‐related readmissions (IRR = 1.06; 95% CI, 0.77–1.46; P = 0.725; and IRR = 1.11; 95% CI, 0.82–1.50; P = 0.511, respectively).

Conclusions

Following an admission for AHF, patients with HFmrEF had a similar rehospitalization burden and a similar risk of recurrent all‐cause and HF‐related admissions than had patients with HFrEF or HFpEF. Regarding morbidity risk, HFmrEF seems not to be a distinct HF phenotype.
Synthesis of Indenyl Triazenes by Rhodium‐Catalyzed Annulation Reactions
Authors: Bormann Carl T. , Abela Florian G. , Scopelliti Rosario , Fadaei‐Tirani Farzaneh , Severin Kay
Published: March 2020

The synthesis of vinyl triazenes by metal‐catalyzed processes is attractive, but only few examples have been described so far. Here, we describe Rh‐catalyzed [3+2] annulation reactions of arylboronic acid derivatives and alkynyl triazenes. These reactions provide access to functionalized indenyl triazenes. The regioselectivity of the annulations is mostly high, but strongly dependent on the substituents on the alkyne. The triazene group in the products can be cleaved under acidic condition. In contrast to what has been reported for other vinyl triazenes, rearrangements are observed instead of direct substitution reactions.
Deacylative Alkylation vs. Photoredox Catalysis in the Synthesis of 3,3'‐Bioxindoles
Authors: Moreno‐Cabrerizo Cristina , Ortega‐Martínez Aitor , Esteruelas Miguel A. , López Ana M. , Nájera Carmen , Sansano José M.
Published: March 2020

The synthesis of 3,3'‐bioxindoles employing deacylative alkylations (DaA) in one‐pot process, where the 3‐bromooxindoles are generated in situ, is described. Good yields and moderate diastereoselections are obtained. By the modification of this procedure the synthesis of pure 3‐bromooxindoles through a deacylative bromination (DaB) is achieved. These bromides are efficiently employed in a photoredox dimerization process to get the desired 3,3'‐bioxindoles in good yields and low diastereoselections. In this single‐electron‐transfer (SET) mechanism the presence of a high quantum‐yield iridium(III) complex ensures high conversions in short reaction times.
para‐Selective Benzylation of Aryl Iodides by the in situ Preparation of ArIF2: a Hypervalent Iodine‐Guided Electrophilic Substitution
Authors: Noorollah Jennifer , Im Haram , Siddiqi Fatima , Singh Nirvanie , Spatola Nicholas R. , Chaudhry Azka , Jones Taro J. , Hyatt I. F. Dempsey
Published: March 2020

Hypervalent iodine‐guided electrophilic substitution (HIGES) was described previously for the para‐selective benzylation of aryl‐λ3‐iodane diacetates. One drawback of the method was the synthesis and isolation of hypervalent iodine starting materials. An improvement is reported herein in which the benzylation product can be afforded from an aryl iodide via an in situ oxidation. The metal‐like properties of hypervalent iodine have been demonstrated in the transmetallation of metalloid groups such as silicon and boron and are compatible with multiple Lewis acid activators. A desirable facet of both the previous method and the newly reported procedure is that the iodine atom is incorporated into the product thus providing greater atom economy and a valuable functional group handle for further transformations. The following communication contributes to other articles in the field that imply there is a general HIGES mechanism yet to be fully understood.
The dual path of the rejection (dis)identification model: A study on adolescents with a migrant background
Authors: Mazzoni Davide , Pancani Luca , Marinucci Marco , Riva Paolo
Published: March 2020

Ethnic‐based rejection, especially when prolonged over time, can result in withdrawal (e.g., resignation) and antisocial (e.g., delinquent) behaviors. Rejection (dis)identification literature suggests that identification with the minority (ethnic) group and disidentification with the majority (national) group mediate the relationship between rejection and different dimensions of well‐being. Through secondary analyses of survey data from an international sample of adolescents with a migrant background (N = 1,163) we tested the predictions that, following chronic experiences of rejection, disidentification from the national (rejecting) group will increase withdrawal and feelings of resignation whereas identification with the ethic (rejected) group will have a protective role toward delinquent behaviors. Results of the path analysis were consistent with these hypotheses without significant differences between immigrant generations. The study sheds light on the multifaceted nature of identification processes following social rejection and contributes to the integration of the rejection‐identification model with classical theorizations of social exclusion.
Study of statistical methods for texture analysis and their modern evolutions
Authors: Ramola Ayushman , Shakya Amit Kumar , Van Pham Dai
Published: March 2020

Texture analysis is widely performed in the current time as it is considered as an intimate property of the surface. It is widely used in the field of image processing, remote sensing applications, biomedical analysis, document processing, and so on. In this investigation, we present a detailed study of four different methodologies that have been developed for texture classification. These methodologies include gray level cooccurrence matrix (GLCM), local binary pattern (LBP), autocorrelation function (ACF), and histogram pattern. The detailed investigation on these methods suggests that GLCM is best for analyzing the surface texture, land‐use/landcover classification, and satellite data processing. LBP is widely used to analyze the facial features of an individual. The autocorrelation is used to identify the regularity of the textured surface. Finally, through histograms, one can visually identify the changes developed while analyzing the texture of the image data. Furthermore, we present a brief summary for newly developed texture classification techniques such as binary Gabor pattern, local spiking pattern, SRITCSD method, scale inversion, and deep perception models for texture analysis. Some benchmark texture datasets used in image processing are also discussed in this
work.
The influence of charging process on trigenerative performance of compressed air energy storage system
Authors: He Yang , Zhou Shenghui , Xu Yujie , Chen Haisheng , Deng Jianqiang
Published: March 2020

Adiabatic compressed air energy storage system (ACAES) has a natural advantage on trigeneration combined cooling, heating and power. A dynamic model coupled with exergy calculation is developed and the charging strategy for trigenerative application is focused on. The dynamic characteristic of ACAES is performed and the effects of charging mode, number of compression stages and thermal energy storage on the characteristic of trigenerative application are obtained. The sliding‐pressure charging mode is suggested for the trigeneration due to 3.92% higher exergy efficiency than that of constant‐pressure charging mode. Asymmetrical arrangement of ACAES with more compression stages is efficient for its trigenerative application especially increasing heating and cooling supplies with 2.9% exergy efficiency improvement. Furthermore, changing mass flow rate of thermal energy storage medium (ie, water) shows an outstanding ability to vary the cooling, heating, and power supply ratios in a very wide range. Besides, the economic analysis is carried out which addresses the obvious economic improvement by trigenerative application of ACAES. Accordingly, joint regulation of compression stages and water mass flow rate is suggested to be an efficient and economic approach to adjust the distribution of cooling, heating and electricity supplies according to the user's demand.
Emotional and non‐emotional facets of impulsivity in eating disorders: From anorexia nervosa to bulimic spectrum disorders
Authors: Mallorquí‐Bagué Núria , Testa Giulia , Lozano‐Madrid María , Vintró‐Alcaraz Cristina , Sánchez Isabel , Riesco Nadine , Granero Roser , Perales Jose C. , Navas Juan F. , Megías‐Robles Alberto , Martínez‐Zalacaín Ignacio , Veciana de las Heras Misericordia , Jiménez‐Murcia Susana , Fernández‐Aranda Fernando
Published: March 2020

Objective

Impulsivity and difficulties in regulating emotions are considered to be transdiagnostic characteristics of patients with eating disorders (EDs). The study aimed to investigate trait impulsivity and inhibitory components of impulsivity, related or unrelated to emotions in patients with EDs.

Method

A total of 17 patients with anorexia nervosa (AN), 16 patients with bulimic‐spectrum EDs (BSD) and 20 healthy control (HC) participants completed an impulsivity scale (UPPS‐P) before performing an emotional inhibitory control task during electroencephalography (EEG) acquisition.

Results

Higher trait impulsivity in EDs than HC (with higher scores among BSD patients) was observed. However, no differences in behavioural measures or neural indexes [event‐related potential (ERP)] of emotional and non‐emotional inhibitory control were observed between patients and HC.

Conclusion

The present results highlighted negative urgency, an impulsive personality trait related to emotions, as a common feature of AN and BSD. Lack of perseverance, a trait which is less related to emotions, specifically characterises patients with BSD. On the other hand, behavioural and ERP data did not show altered inhibitory control in EDs, for either general or emotional‐related response inhibition.
Enzymatic hydrolysis pretreatment for enhancing the protein solubility and physicochemical quality of Cordyceps militaris chicken soup
Authors: Dong Hao , Liu Jialing , Zeng Xiaofang , Bai Weidong , Yu Limei
Published: March 2020

Chicken soup is one of the most popular Chinese‐style soups due to its high nutritional value and special flavor. However, the nutrients, mainly soluble protein, in the soup are relatively low. The aim of the present work was to enhance the protein solubility and other physicochemical properties of Cordyceps militaris chicken soup by enzymatic hydrolysis pretreatment. Results indicated that the soluble protein dissolution rate and flavor nucleotides (I+G) of Cordyceps militaris chicken soup had 1.6‐fold and 0.5‐fold increase, respectively, after enzymatic hydrolysis pretreatment. Not only the contents of total amino acids (TAA) and essential amino acids (EAA) in Cordyceps militaris chicken soup significantly increased, the organoleptic quality was also markedly improved after the enzymatic hydrolysis pretreatment. The present work provides a potential approach, which is enzymatic hydrolysis pretreatment of chicken meat, to enhance the protein solubility and physicochemical quality of Cordyceps militaris chicken soup.
Decoupling between Ti‐in‐zircon and Zr‐in‐rutile thermometry during ultrahigh temperature metamorphism of the Dabie Orogen, China
Authors: Lei Hengcong , Xu Haijin , Liu Penglei
Published: March 2020

The Ti‐in‐zircon (TIZ) and Zr‐in‐rutile (ZIR) geothermometers record metamorphic temperatures. In theory, their results should be consistent when zircon and rutile equilibrate as they form. However, we show that these geothermometers were decoupled during ultrahigh temperature (UHT) metamorphism of the Dabie Orogen, China. The TIZ geothermometer records a peak temperature of 927 ± 38°C for the granulite‐facies metamorphism. Rutile occurs as inclusions in UHT metamorphic zircon domains, and they were syn‐crystallised. Rutile records ZIR temperatures of 783 to 798°C. We infer that diffusion of Ti and Zr between zircon and rutile is the main cause of decoupling between the TIZ and ZIR geothermometers. Diffusion of Zr in rutiles is closely related to the distribution of elements, the duration of UHT metamorphism, and rutile grain size.
Abnormal body composition is a predictor of adverse outcomes after autologous haematopoietic cell transplantation
Authors: Armenian Saro H. , Iukuridze Aleksi , Teh Jennifer Berano , Mascarenhas Kristen , Herrera Alex , McCune Jeannine S. , Zain Jasmine M. , Mostoufi‐Moab Sogol , McCormack Shana , Slavin Thomas P. , Scott Jessica M. , Jones Lee W. , Sun Can‐Lan , Forman Stephen J. , Wong F. Lennie , Nakamura Ryotaro
Published: March 2020

Background

The number of patients undergoing autologous haematopoietic cell transplant (HCT) is growing, but little is known about the factors that predict adverse outcomes. Low muscle mass and obesity are associated with disability and premature mortality in individuals with non‐malignant diseases and may predict outcomes after autologous HCT.

Methods

This was a retrospective cohort study of 320 patients who underwent autologous HCT for Hodgkin or non‐Hodgkin lymphoma between 2009 and 2014. Sarcopenia {skeletal muscle index male: <43 cm/m2 [body mass index (BMI) < 25 kg/m2] or < 53 cm/m2 [BMI ≥ 25 kg/m2] and female: <41 cm/m2 [regardless of BMI]) and obesity [total abdominal adiposity ≥450.0 cm2 (male), ≥396.4 cm2 (female)] were assessed from single‐slice abdominal pre‐HCT computed tomography images. Length of hospital stay, first unplanned intensive care unit admission, and 30‐day unplanned readmission were evaluated based on body composition using multivariable regression analysis, and mortality was evaluated with Kaplan–Meier analysis and Gray's test.

Results

Median age at HCT was 53.3 years (range, 18.5 to 78.1 years); 26.3% were sarcopenic and an additional 7.8% were sarcopenic obese pre‐HCT. Sarcopenic obesity was associated with increased risk of prolonged hospitalization [odds ratio (OR) = 3.6, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.3–9.8], intensive care unit admission (OR = 4.7, 95% CI 1.5–16.1), and unplanned readmission after HCT (OR = 13.6, 95% CI 2.5–62.8). Patients who were sarcopenic obese also had the highest mortality risk at 1 year [hazard ratio (HR): 3.9, 95% CI 1.1–11.0] and 5 years (HR: 2.5, 95% CI 1.1–5.5), compared with patients with normal body composition. Sarcopenia alone, but not obesity alone, was associated with an increased risk of these outcomes, albeit with a lower magnitude of risk than in patients who were sarcopenic obese.

Conclusions

Sarcopenic obesity was an important predictor of outcomes in patients undergoing autologous HCT. These findings could inform targeted prevention strategies in patients at highest risk of complications after HCT.
Leaching of exhausted LNCM cathode batteries in ascorbic acid lixiviant: a green recycling approach, reaction kinetics and process mechanism
Authors: Munir Huma , Srivastava Rajiv Ranjan , Kim Hyunjung , Ilyas Sadia , Khosa Muhammad Kaleem , Yameen Basit
Published: March 2020

BACKGROUND

Critical metals (lithium, cobalt and nickel) used in Li‐ion batteries have been estimated to face a supply crunch by the end of 2020 due to their limited natural reserves and complex metallurgy. A green recycling approach to treat the exhausted batteries may potentially mitigate supply risks of metals and environmental burden of metal toxicity.

RESULTS

The maiden application of bio‐producible/degradable ascorbic acid for the leaching of LiNi
xCo
yMn
zO2 (LNCM) cathode batteries was investigated while performing parametric variations. Inhibited leaching at high temperature and long contact time showed the adversity caused by the possible decomposition of ascorbic acid. The low leaching of cobalt as a function of acid concentration indicated the hindrance in dissolution of Co(III) compound. A quantitative leaching of metals (≥96%) could be achieved under the following optimal conditions: agitation speed, 500 rpm; acid concentration, 2.0 mol L−1; temperature, 75 °C; time, 90 min; and pulp density, 6%. The apparent activation energy of metals was calculated to be more than 40 kJ mol−1.

CONCLUSION

Ascorbic acid could potentially dissolve the cathode material without introducing any additional reducing agent into the system. The leaching kinetics fitted with an empirical model {−ln(1 − x)}2 versus t could reveal that the overall dissolution process follows a chemically controlled mechanism. The present study leads towards sustainable metallurgy using a biodegradable reagent instead of applying harsh and hazardous mineral acids. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry
Direct monitoring of drug‐induced mechanical response of individual cells by atomic force microscopy
Authors: Bui Van‐Chien , Nguyen Thi‐Huong
Published: March 2020

Mechanical characteristics of individual cells play a vital role in many biological processes and are considered as indicators of the cells’ states. Disturbances including methyl‐β‐cyclodextrin (MβCD) and cytochalasin D (cytoD) are known to significantly affect the state of cells, but little is known about the real‐time response of single cells to these drugs in their physiological condition. Here, nanoindentation‐based atomic force microscopy (AFM) was used to measure the elasticity of human embryonic kidney cells in the presence and absence of these pharmaceuticals. The results showed that depletion of cholesterol in the plasma membrane with MβCD resulted in cell stiffening whereas depolymerization of the actin cytoskeleton by cytoD resulted in cell softening. Using AFM for real‐time measurements, we observed that cells mechanically responded right after these drugs were added. In more detail, the cell´s elasticity suddenly increased with increasing instability upon cholesterol extraction while it is rapidly decreased without changing cellular stability upon depolymerizing actin cytoskeleton. These results demonstrated that actin cytoskeleton and cholesterol contributed differently to the cell mechanical characteristics.
Desmoid tumor mimics local recurrence of extremity sarcoma on MRI
Authors: Sabharwal Samir , Ahlawat Shivani , Levin Adam S. , Meyer Christian F. , Brooks Eugene , Ligon John , Morris Carol D.
Published: March 2020

Background and Objectives

The development of desmoid fibromatosis after tumor resection may mimic local recurrence. To our knowledge, this phenomenon has not been reported after extremity sarcoma resection. We report four cases of desmoid‐type fibromatosis (“desmoid tumors”) mimicking local recurrence after extremity sarcoma resection.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed the records of patients treated for extremity sarcoma by our orthopedic oncology service from 2014 to 2019 and identified four patients with biopsy‐proven desmoid tumors. We extracted clinical, pathologic, radiographic, and operative data for the primary neoplasms and desmoid tumors.

Results

Four patients with postresection surveillance magnetic resonance imaging suspicious for local recurrence underwent further analysis showing desmoid tumors. Patients underwent image‐guided needle biopsy, with specimens demonstrating fibromatosis‐type histologic characteristics. Two cases were β‐catenin positive. Desmoid tumors were managed with observation. No patient had experienced local or distant recurrence of the primary tumor at a mean follow‐up of 30 months after resection (range, 23‐34 months); none underwent surgery for symptoms of desmoid tumors.

Conclusions

Desmoid tumors should be considered part of the differential diagnosis when assessing patients with radiographic concern for postresection local recurrence of extremity bone and soft‐tissue sarcoma. An image‐guided needle biopsy can inform diagnosis and management.
The First Commercial 730 nm Picosecond‐Domain Laser is Safe and Effective for Treating Multicolor Tattoos
Authors: Bernstein Eric F. , Schomacker Kevin T. , Shang Xiaoming , Alessa Dana , Algzlan Haitham , Paranjape Amit
Published: March 2020

Background and Objectives

Laser‐pumped lasers enable driving a secondary wavelength through pumping with a primary device. Here we investigate the first 730 nm laser‐pumped laser for efficacy in tattoo removal.

Study Design/Materials and Methods

Fifteen subjects with 20 tattoos were enrolled to investigate the effect of a new 730 nm, titanium‐sapphire laser‐pumped laser at removing decorative tattoos. A total of four treatments were administered and photographic improvement of pre‐ and post‐treatment cross‐polarized digital images was evaluated by four blinded physician observers using an 11‐point scale.

Results

Blinded assessment of pre‐ and post‐treatment images found 70%, 77%, 83%, 83%, 26%, and 8% clearance from baseline images for black, green, blue, purple, red and yellow pigments, respectively. Side effects were limited to pinpoint bleeding and erythema immediately after treatment and some crusting and scale up to 1–2 weeks following treatment, and a localized allergic reaction in a single subject. There was no scarring or pigmentary alteration visible in any follow‐up images.

Conclusion

The new 730 nm, picosecond‐domain, titanium‐sapphire, laser‐pumped laser is safe and effective for removing multicolored tattoos. Green, blue, and purple pigments cleared the most as expected, but black ink cleared more completely than was predicted. Lasers Surg. Med. © 2020 The Authors. Lasers in Surgery and Medicine published by Wiley Periodicals LLC
Ultrasound‐Guided Laser Ablation Versus Microwave Ablation for Patients With Unifocal Papillary Thyroid Microcarcinoma: A Retrospective Study
Authors: Zhou Wei , Ni Xiaofeng , Xu Shangyan , Zhang Lu , Chen Yudong , Zhan Weiwei
Published: March 2020

Background and Objectives

The objective of this study is to compare the efficacy and the safety of ultrasound‐guided microwave ablation (MWA) and laser ablation (LA) for the treatment of papillary thyroid microcarcinoma (PTMC).

Study Design/Materials and Methods

A total of 67 patients with unifocal PTMC were studied retrospectively, including 33 cases who underwent MWA (MWA group) and 34 cases who received LA (LA group). The follow‐up consisted of thyroid function tests, ultrasonography, contrast‐enhanced ultrasonography (CEUS), and chest X‐ray or computed tomography scan. The treatment response and complications were compared between the two groups.

Results

The follow‐up time for the MWA and LA group was 23.3 ± 4.4 and 22.8 ± 4.1 months, respectively. All the ablations were successfully performed as planned without complementary ablations, and it was confirmed by CEUS after treatment in both groups. It was observed that, at the last follow‐up, the mean largest diameter decreased from 5.0 ± 1.4 mm to 0.1 ± 0.4 mm (MWA group) and from 4.5 ± 1.6 mm to 0.6 ± 1.2 mm(LA group) (P < 0.05 for both). The average volume reduced from 51.9 ± 40.8 to 0.2 ± 1.0 mm3 (MWA group) and from 38.5 ± 43.0 to 1.3 ± 3.8 mm3 (LA group) (P < 0.05 for both). The complication rates did not differ between the MWA group (9.1%) and the LA group (2.9%) (P > 0.05). No local recurrence or distant metastasis occurred in either group.

Conclusions

During the short‐term follow‐up period, ultrasound‐guided MWA and LA were both safe and effective methods in treating patients with unifocal PTMC. Lasers Surg. Med. © 2020 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The Sobolev stability threshold of 2D hyperviscosity equations for shear flows near Couette flow
Authors: Luo Xiang
Published: March 2020

We consider the 2D hyperviscosity equations on
. We show that if the initial data of 2D hyperviscosity equations are ϵ‐close to the shear flows (U(y),0), which are sufficiently small perturbations of Couette flow (y,0), then the solution will stay ϵ‐close to
for all t>0, where
and ν denotes the kinematic viscosity coefficient. What is more, by the mixing‐enhanced effect, the solutions converge to decaying shear flows for
, which is faster than the heat‐equation timescale. Hence, we conclude that the stability threshold of 2D hyperviscosity equations with initial data (U(y),0) is not worse than
.
Effect of Pulsed DC Frequency on Capture Efficiency and Spinal Injury of Trout in Small Streams
Authors: Chiaramonte Luciano V. , Meyer Kevin A. , Branigan Philip R. , Reynolds James B.
Published: March 2020

Electrofishing studies in the 1990s established that higher frequencies of pulsed DC (e.g., 60 Hz) generally result in more spinal injury to fish in comparison with lower pulse frequencies (e.g., 30 Hz). In response to those findings, some agencies adopted low pulse frequency standards to minimize fish injury. However, those earlier studies did not assess whether capture efficiency (CE) was also influenced by pulse frequency. We sampled small trout streams (1–6-m average width; SE = 0.14 m) by backpack electrofishing with settings of 30 and 60 Hz to evaluate the effect of pulse frequency on both CE and spinal injury rates for Cutthroat Trout Oncorhynchus clarkii, Rainbow Trout O. mykiss, and Brook Trout Salvelinus fontinalis. Duty cycle was held constant at 24% and average power output was held at approximately 100 W. Using a four-pass removal protocol, cumulative CE (all four passes) averaged 0.84 for 30-Hz reaches and 0.94 for 60-Hz reaches. Capture efficiency in pass 1 averaged 0.59 for 30-Hz reaches and 0.75 for 60-Hz reaches and declined with successive passes using both pulse frequencies. X-ray images revealed vertebral compressions and misalignments for 4% of fish captured with 30 Hz (n = 230) and 4% of those captured with 60 Hz (n = 222); no fractured vertebrae were observed. No spinal injuries were observed in control fish that were captured via angling (n = 92). Our results indicate that in small streams where trout are generally less than 300 mm TL, backpack electrofishing with 60 Hz will result in greater CE, improved trout occupancy and abundance estimates, and no increase in spinal injury.
What urologists need to know about ketamine‐induced uropathy: A systematic review
Authors: Castellani Daniele , Pirola Giacomo M. , Gubbiotti Marilena , Rubilotta Emanuele , Gudaru Kalyan , Gregori Andrea , Dellabella Marco
Published: March 2020

Aims

Ketamine is a general anesthetic. Dissociative effects and low cost led ketamine becoming an illegal recreational drug in young adults. Ketamine‐induced uropathy (KIU) is one of the complications observed in abusers. This study aimed to provide a systematic literature review on KIU clinical presentation, pathophysiology, and treatments.

Methods

We performed the literature search in PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, and Embase using the terms ketamine and bladder. English papers on human and animal studies were accepted.

Results

A total of 75 papers were selected. Regular ketamine users complain about severe storage symptoms and pelvic pain. Hydronephrosis may develop in long‐term abusers and is correlated to the contracted bladder, ureteral stenosis, or vesicoureteral reflux due to ureteral involvement and/or bladder fibrosis. Cystoscopy shows ulcerative cystitis. Ketamine in urine might exert direct toxicity to the urothelium, disrupting its barrier function and enhancing cell apoptosis. The presence of ketamine/ions in the bladder wall result in neurogenic/IgE‐mediated inflammation, stimulation of the inducible nitric oxide synthase‐cytokines‐cyclooxygenase pathway with persistent inflammation and fibrosis. Abstinence is the first therapeutic step. Anti‐inflammatory drugs, analgesics and anticholinergics, intravesical instillation of hyaluronic acid, hydrodistension and intravesical injection of botulin toxin‐A were helpful in patients with early‐stage KIU. In patients with end‐stage disease, the control of intractable symptoms and the increase of bladder capacity were the main recommendations to perform augmentation enterocystoplasty.

Conclusions

KIU is becoming a worldwide health concern, which should be taken into account in the differential diagnosis of ulcerative cystitis.
Electricity consumption, urbanization, and economic growth in Nigeria: New insights from combined cointegration amidst structural breaks
Authors: Nathaniel Solomon P. , Bekun Festus V.
Published: March 2020

The study explores the link between electricity consumption, urbanization, and economic growth in Nigeria from 1971 to 2014. The bounds test and the Bayer and Hanck (Journal of Time Series Analysis, 2013, 34(1), 83–95) cointegration tests affirm cointegrating relationship. Electricity consumption increases economic growth in both time periods, while the impact of urbanization appears to inhibit growth. The fully modified OLS, dynamic OLS, and the canonical cointegrating regression confirm the robustness of the findings. The vector error correction model Granger causality test supports the neutrality hypothesis in the short run and the feedback hypothesis among the variables in the long run. Therefore, policies to ensure efficient electricity supply, curb rapid urbanization, and promote sustainable economic growth were suggested.
Factor productivity and marketed surplus of non‐timber forest products in Similipal forest of Odisha
Authors: Jena Pratap K.
Published: March 2020

The article examined the factor productivity and the marketed surplus of non‐timber forest products (NTFPs) in the Smilipal forest of Mayurbhanj district of Odisha, India by using the econometric models. It is found that more than 90% of households earned their livelihood from NTFPs in the study area, where the women's participation is more than the male in the production/collection of NTFPs. Most of the households are illiterate, working‐age people, and have more than 30 years of experience in the production of NTFPs. The production of NTFPs is highly seasonal and households produce or collect NTFPs during the winter season. Households having more family members produce or collect higher quantities of NTFPs than others. The marked surplus of NTFPs depends on the production or collection of NTFPs as well as the retention amount and wastes. The higher factor productivity indicates the NTFPs are the best source of livelihood in this area.
Exploration of an arabinogalactan isolated from Odina wodier Roxb.: Physicochemical, compositional characterisations and functional attributes
Authors: De Arnab , Das Bhaskar , Mitra Debmalya , Sen Asish K , Samanta Amalesh
Published: March 2020

Exudate gum polysaccharides have a diverse range of functionalities in food, cosmetics, textiles, biomedical, pharmaceutical and other industries for centuries. The potentiality of gum odina as tablet binder, coacervates (chitosan‐gum odina complex) for colon‐targeted drug delivery system and also as prebiotic with immunomodulating properties was reported earlier. Since no detail study of the physicochemical, functional properties of the gum has been reported, the present investigation deals with physicochemical, compositional and functional characterisations of purified gum odina (PGO) for adopting in food and pharmaceutical industry. PGO, an arabinogalactan, was obtained by ethanol precipitation from exudates (gum odina) of tropical deciduous plant Odina wodier Roxb. Colour profiling of PGO including L* (87.74 ± 0.42), a* (1.73 ± 0.65) and b* (7.79 ± 0.58) was determined. Physicochemical parameters revealed good flow ability and compressibility desired for an excipient. Concentration‐dependent surface tension was measured by du Noüy ring method. Rheological study showed pseudoplastic behaviour of PGO dispersion. Sugar analysis by gas liquid chromatography indicated presence of arabinogalactan in PGO. Size exclusion chromatography of PGO revealed two high‐molecular‐weight components PGO‐I (95%, Arabinose:Galactose :: 1:1.6) and PGO‐II (5%, Arabinose:Galactose :: 1:4). Further characterisations of PGO by means of CHNS, FTIR, differential scanning calorimetry, X‐ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, scanning electron microscopy and energy‐dispersive X‐ray diffraction, conductivity, pH, zeta potential analysis and antioxidant activity indicated typical polysaccharide characteristics. Collectively, this work established the fundamental properties of PGO and the results presented here will facilitate the applications of PGO as sustainable food additive, pharmaceutical excipient for commercial adoption.
Antibacterial Ag containing core‐shell polyvinyl alcohol‐poly (lactic acid) nanofibers for biomedical applications
Authors: Maleki Homa , Mathur Sanjay , Klein Axel
Published: March 2020

Core‐shell‐structured polyvinyl alcohol (PVA)‐poly (lactic acid) (PLA) nanofibers combining the hydrophilic trait of PVA and the biocompatibility of PLA were produced using coaxial electrospinning. This allowed the incorporation of AgNO3 in the PVA core of the distinct fibers as shown through transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) showed relatively uniform and bead‐free fibers with smooth surfaces. Ag‐containing fibers show significantly decreased diameters compared with Ag‐free samples as a result of the increased conductivity of the spinning solutions with increasing amounts of AgNO3. In a postsynthetic treatment, the AgNO3 was reduced forming silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs). Ag NPs of 45 to 90 nm size were located in the PVA core but also on the surface of the core‐shell fibers and as individual, agglomerated, and polymer‐coated particles of 100‐200 nm. Powder X‐ray diffraction (PXRD), energy dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy (EDX), and UV‐vis absorption spectroscopy confirmed the increasing amounts of Ag in the core‐shell fibers when using increasing amounts of AgNO3 in the spinning solutions. The antibacterial activity of the nanofiber mats against two prokaryotes Escherichia coli (Gram‐negative) and Staphylococcus aureus (Gram‐positive) increased with increasing amounts of Ag, as expected and produces inhibition zones of 1 to 2 mm.
Regional ventilation inhomogeneity in survivors of extremely preterm birth
Authors: Arigliani Michele , Valentini Elena , Stocco Chiara , De Pieri Carlo , Castriotta Luigi , Barbato Vincenzo , Cuberli Elisa , Orsaria Maria , Cattarossi Luigi , Cogo Paola
Published: March 2020

Introduction

Survivors of extreme prematurity may have disrupted lung development. We hypothesized that the multiple breath washout (MBW) index Scond, which is intended to reflect ventilation inhomogeneity from the conducting airways, could be a sensitive marker of respiratory impairment in this group.

Methods

Spirometry, TLco, and MBW were cross‐sectionally evaluated at 8 to 14 years of age in children born at <28 weeks between 2004 and 2010 in Udine, Italy. Age‐matched controls born at term were also included. Bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) was defined as oxygen‐dependence at 36 weeks postmenstrual age. The limits of normal were the 5th percentile of the reference population (Global Lung Initiative) for spirometry and TLco and the 95th percentile of controls for Lung Clearance Index, Scond, and Sacin from MBW.

Results

Results were obtained in 47 extremely preterm children (53% boys, mean ± standard deviation age 11.3 ± 2.0 years, 40% with BPD) and 60 controls (50% boys, 11.6 ± 1.9 years). There were significant differences between preterm children and controls in all lung function outcomes, except for Sacin. Among children born <28 weeks, Scond tended to be frequently abnormal than FEV1 z‐score (29% vs 14%, P = .06). At multivariable linear regression, in the preterm group, current asthma was significantly associated with a higher Scond (B = 0.019, 95% confidence interval, 0.000‐0.038), whereas BPD was not.

Conclusion

Almost a third of extremely preterm children at school age showed Scond alterations that affected also children without BPD. Longitudinal studies should clarify the prognostic meaning of Scond abnormalities in this group.
Selective Dinitramide Removal from Aqueous Solution by Crosslinked PolyDADMAC Gels
Authors: Turhan Hamza , Bicak Niyazi
Published: March 2020

Crosslinked poly(diallyldimethylammonium chloride) (DADMAC) was demonstrated as selective conjugate for near quantitative adsorption of dinitramide anions from water in a wide pH range (1‐10) and efficient replacement takes place even at 1 : 1 DADMAC/dinitramide molar ratio with short contact time and low concentration. Adsorption was determined to be highly selective over nitrate and sulfate ions. Colorimetric determination of potassium dinitramide based on UV absorption at 284 nm revealed nearly 90 % exchange of chloride counter ions with dinitramide ions under optimum conditions. The effect of gel amount, pH and dinitramide concentration was analyzed. The structural and thermal characteristics of the gel were investigated by FTIR, SEM, DSC, and TGA. In addition, the regeneration and reuse properties of crosslinked polyDADMAC were also assessed.
AdS3 solutions with from S3 × S3 fibrations
Authors: Legramandi Andrea , Macpherson Niall T.
Published: March 2020

We study warped AdS3 solutions in massive IIA supergravity preserving and supersymmetry. We consider solutions whose internal spaces decompose as an S3 × S3 fibration and a interval over which the rest of the solution is foliated. We present necessary and sufficient conditions for these solutions to exist, in terms of systems of ordinary differential equations and find several new analytic and numerical examples with internal spaces bounded between D‐brane and O‐plane behaviors.