bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Blue‐green neutrophilic inclusion bodies in the critically ill patient
Authors: Soos Michael P. , Heideman Caroline , Shumway Cameron , Cho Min , Woolf Andrew , Kumar Chintalapudi
Published: May 2019

Previously termed “Green Crystals of Death,” bright blue‐green inclusion bodies within neutrophils are a rare clinical finding. They have been reported as a predictive sign of mortality in critically ill patients and often accompany acute liver failure, lactic acidosis with multisystem organ failure, or septic shock due to Escherichia coli.
Carbon‐Limited Conversion of Molybdenum Carbide into Curved Ultrasmall Monolayer Molybdenum Disulfide under Effects of ZrO2 Crystal Phases for Efficient Sulfur‐Resistant Methanation
Authors: Zhao Jun , Wang Baowei , Yu Wenxia , Li Zhenhua , Xu Yan , Ma Xinbin
Published: May 2019

MoS2 has been regarded as a highly active catalyst for the sulfur‐resistant methanation because of its abundant active sites on defect and edge sites. A challenging problem is how to increase the density of the intrinsic active sites. It is a reasonable method to increase more active sites toward CO methanation by preparing ultrasmall monolayer molybdenum disulfide and curving them. Therefore, highly active ultrasmall and curved monolayer MoS2/ZrO2 catalysts are fabricated via carbon‐limited conversion Mo2C species in H2S atmosphere. The physical and chemical properties of the supports and catalysts were characterized by X‐ray diffraction, N2‐Physisorption, Raman spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and thermogravimetric. The results indicate that amorphous carbon on monoclinic zirconia (M−ZrO2) is the key for the formation of such MoS2 structure. The sulfided Mo2C/M−ZrO2 catalyst displays superior sulfur‐resistant methanation activity and stability compared with sulfided Mo2C/tetragonal zirconia (T−ZrO2), ascribed to curved ultrasmall monolayer MoS2 well dispersed on M−ZrO2 with more active sites. This synthetic strategy provides a new method for the preparation of well‐dispersed monolayer molybdenum disulfide catalysts.
Ruthenium(II)‐Catalyzed β‐Methylation of Alcohols using Methanol as C1 Source
Authors: Kaithal Akash , Schmitz Marc , Hölscher Markus , Leitner Walter
Published: May 2019

Selective introduction of methyl branches into the carbon chains of alcohols can be achieved with low loadings of ruthenium precatalyst [RuH(CO)(BH4)(HN(C2H4PPh2)2)] (Ru‐MACHO‐BH) using methanol both as methylating reagent and as reaction medium. A wide range of structurally divers alcohols was β‐methylated with excellent selectivity (>99 %) in fair to high yields (up to 94 %) under standard conditions, and turnover numbers up to 18,000 could be established. The overall reaction rate of the complex catalytic network appears to be governed by interconnection of the individual subcycles through availability of the reactive intermediates. The synthetic procedure opens pathways to important structural motifs following the Green Chemistry principles.
Cobalt‐Free Perovskite Cathodes for Solid Oxide Fuel Cells
Authors: Hashim Siti Salwa , Liang Fengli , Zhou Wei , Sunarso Jaka
Published: May 2019

The past decade has observed rapid growth in the development of cobalt‐free perovskite cathodes, which provide enhanced structure and operational stability at the operating temperature of intermediate temperature solid oxide fuel cells (IT‐SOFC, 600–800 °C) compared to its cobalt‐containing counterpart. This Review aims to present a comprehensive overview on the status and advances of the existing cobalt‐free perovskite cathodes for IT‐SOFCs by discussing electrochemical behaviors, thermal expansion properties, stabilities as well as the oxygen ionic and the electronic transport properties of these cobalt‐free perovskite cathode compositions, with primary emphasis on the relationship between the electrochemical performances and the materials science‐related factors. Among various cobalt‐free perovskite cathodes presented in this Review, niobium‐doped compositions generally show lower polarization resistances relative to other cathode compositions.
Organic–Inorganic Hybrid Gold Halide Perovskites: Structural Diversity through Cation Size
Authors: Murasugi Hideaki , Kumagai Shohei , Iguchi Hiroaki , Yamashita Masahiro , Takaishi Shinya
Published: May 2019

Crystal structures of a series of organic–inorganic hybrid gold iodide perovskites, formulated as A2[AuII2][AuIIII4] [A=methylammonium (MA) (1) and formamidinium (FA) (2)], A′2[I3]1−x[AuII2]x[AuIIII4] [A′=imidazolium (IMD) (3), guanidinium (GUA) (4), dimethylammonium (DMA) (5), pyridinium (PY) (6), and piperizinium (PIP) (7)], systematically changed depending on the cation size. In addition, triiodide (I3−) ions were partly incorporated into the AuI2− sites of 3–7, whereas they were not incorporated into those of 1 and 2. Such a difference comes from the size of the organic cation. Optical absorption spectra showed characteristic intervalence charge‐transfer bands from AuI to AuIII species, and the optical band gap increased as the size of the cation became larger.
Highly Proton‐Conductive Zinc Metal‐Organic Framework Based On Nickel(II) Porphyrinylphosphonate
Authors: Enakieva Yulia Y. , Sinelshchikova Anna A. , Grigoriev Mikhail S. , Chernyshev Vladimir V. , Kovalenko Konstantin A. , Stenina Irina A. , Yaroslavtsev Andrey B. , Gorbunova Yulia G. , Tsivadze Aslan Y.
Published: May 2019

The design of new solid‐state proton‐conducting materials is a great challenge for chemistry and materials science. Herein, a new anionic porphyrinylphosphonate‐based MOF (IPCE‐1Ni), which involves dimethylammonium (DMA) cations for charge compensation, is reported. As a result of its unique structure, IPCE‐1Ni exhibits one of the highest value of the proton conductivity among reported proton‐conducting MOF materials based on porphyrins (1.55×10−3 S cm−1 at 75 °C and 80 % relative humidity).
Gold‐Catalyzed C(sp2)−C(sp) Coupling by Alkynylation through Oxidative Addition of Bromoalkynes
Authors: Yang Yangyang , Schießl Jasmin , Zallouz Sirine , Göker Verena , Gross Jürgen , Rudolph Matthias , Rominger Frank , Hashmi A. Stephen K.
Published: May 2019

A gold(I)‐catalyzed cascade cyclization–alkynylation of allenoates using alkynyl bromide to generate β‐alkynyl‐γ‐butenolides was investigated. Whereas alkynyl iodides afforded significant amounts of the homo‐coupling of two lactone units, alkynyl bromides led to a selective reaction, and a broad functional group tolerance was observed. Under the optimized reaction conditions, it was possible to directly synthesize a large range of β‐alkynyl‐γ‐butenolides in moderate to good yields without the need for any external oxidant.
Untersuchung von lokalen Schichtdickenverteilungen in Fluiden mithilfe der Nahinfrarot‐Bildanalyse
Authors: Medina Isabel , Schmitt Lukas , Kapoustina Viktoria , Scholl Stephan , Rädle Matthias
Published: May 2019

Zum Inline‐Monitoring der Schichtdickenverteilung in Fluidfilmen aller Art wurde ein bildanalytisches Verfahren entwickelt, das den Einsatz von gepulst betriebenen Nahinfrarot‐LEDs zur Beleuchtung nutzt. In Kombination mit einer NIR‐Kamera wurde die Möglichkeit eröffnet, bewegte Flüssigkeitsfilme zu überwachen. Im Rahmen des Beitrags werden die Möglichkeiten und derzeitigen Grenzen dieser Methode am Beispiel der Bestimmung der Schichtdickenverteilung von Wasser und Glycerin im Fallfilm dargestellt.
Data challenges for evaluating new treatments
Authors: Nogueira Leticia M. , Yabroff K. Robin , Siegel Rebecca L. , Jemal Ahmedin
Published: May 2019

Comprehensive population‐based data are critical for evaluating the effectiveness of new cancer treatment options. Current gaps in health data infrastructure present challenges for monitoring uptake, selecting comparison groups, and investigating meaningful outcomes in the general population.
Surface‐Confined Self‐Assembly of Asymmetric Tetratopic Molecular Building Blocks
Authors: Nieckarz Damian , Szabelski Paweł
Published: May 2019

Surface‐confined self‐assembly of functional molecular building blocks has recently been widely used to create low‐dimensional, also covalent, superstructures with tailorable geometry and physicochemical properties. In this contribution, using the lattice Monte Carlo simulation method, we demonstrate how the structure‐property relation can be established for the 2D self‐assembly of a model tetrapod molecule with reduced symmetry. To that end, a rigid functional unit comprising a few interconnected segments arranged in different tetrapod shapes was used and its self‐assembly on a triangular lattice representing a (111) crystal surface was simulated. The results of our calculations show strong dependence of the structure formation on the molecular symmetry, in particular on the (pro)chiral nature of the building block. The simulations predicted the formation of unusual ordered racemic networks with unique aperiodic spatial distribution of the surface enantiomers. Molecular symmetry was also found to have significant influence on the enantiopure self‐assembly which resulted in the Kagome and brickwall networks and other less ordered extended superstructures with parallelogram pores. The theoretical findings of this contribution can be relevant to designing and on‐surface synthesis of molecular superstructures with predefined geometries and functions. In particular, the predicted molecular architectures can stimulate experimental efforts to fabricate and explore new nanostructures, for example graphitic, having the composition and geometry proposed in our study.
The risk of malignancy according to Milan reporting system of salivary gland fine‐needle aspiration with Becton Dickinson SurePath liquid‐based processing
Authors: Sadullahoğlu Canan , Yıldırım Hülya T. , Nergiz Döndü , Çekiç Bülent , Selçuk Ömer T. , Osma Üstün , Alparslan Ahmet Ş. , Sezer Cem
Published: May 2019

Background

Fine‐needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) is a noninvasive, safe, cost‐effective, diagnostic procedure for the evaluation of salivary gland lesions and the selection of patients for surgery. The aim of this study was to analyze the risk of malignancy (ROM) according to the Milan reporting system of salivary gland FNA specimens using a liquid‐based cytology (LBC) technique.

Methods

The cytological diagnosis of 459 cases between 2014 and 2017 was revised according to the Milan reporting system. The FNAC results of 129 cases with a histological diagnosis were compared with respect to the final diagnosis. The ROM for each category calculated.

Results

The ROM was high in the indeterminate and malignant categories, while the ROM in the benign neoplasm category was low. Sensitivity and specificity analyzed in two different ways were 95.1% and 88.8%, 81%, and 77.7%, respectively.

Conclusions

When salivary gland lesions are evaluated together with clinical and radiological data, the LBC technique can be applied to salivary gland specimens based on the high diagnostic sensitivity and specificity in liquid‐based samples reported according to the Milan system.
Pollinator parasites and the evolution of floral traits
Authors: Fouks Bertrand , Wagoner Kaira M.
Published: May 2019

The main selective force driving floral evolution and diversity is plant–pollinator interactions. Pollinators use floral signals and indirect cues to assess flower reward, and the ensuing flower choice has major implications for plant fitness. While many pollinator behaviors have been described, the impact of parasites on pollinator foraging decisions and plant–pollinator interactions have been largely overlooked. Growing evidence of the transmission of parasites through the shared‐use of flowers by pollinators demonstrate the importance of behavioral immunity (altered behaviors that enhance parasite resistance) to pollinator health. During foraging bouts, pollinators can protect themselves against parasites through self‐medication, disease avoidance, and grooming. Recent studies have documented immune behaviors in foraging pollinators, as well as the impacts of such behaviors on flower visitation. Because pollinator parasites can affect flower choice and pollen dispersal, they may ultimately impact flower fitness. Here, we discuss how pollinator immune behaviors and floral traits may affect the presence and transmission of pollinator parasites, as well as how pollinator parasites, through these immune behaviors, can impact plant–pollinator interactions. We further discuss how pollinator immune behaviors can impact plant fitness, and how floral traits may adapt to optimize plant fitness in response to pollinator parasites. We propose future research directions to assess the role of pollinator parasites in plant–pollinator interactions and evolution, and we propose better integration of the role of pollinator parasites into research related to pollinator optimal foraging theory, floral diversity and agricultural practices.
Multi‐Step Reactions Involving Iron‐Catalysed Reduction and Hydrogen Borrowing Reactions
Authors: Wei Duo , Netkaew Chakkrit , Darcel Christophe
Published: May 2019

Invited for the cover of this issue is part of the group of Christophe Darcel from Université de Rennes 1, France. The cover image shows an iron catalyst in action on the Moebius loop sculpture located in front of the main entrance of the Faculty of Sciences Campus in Rennes. Iron‐catalysed reduction of a double bond is one of the steps included in the multi‐step reaction.
Carboxylate Groups in a 90° Arrangement: 1,3‐Allenedicarboxylic Acid and Its Alkali Metal and Thallium(I) Coordination Compounds
Authors: Kahrs Christoph , Schmidtmann Marc , Wickleder Mathias S. , Christoffers Jens
Published: May 2019

With its two carboxylate functions arranged in an 90° angle, 1,3‐allenedicarboxylic acid (point group C1) possesses a symmetry distinguished from all other dicarboxylic acids which are generally utilized as linker compounds in coordination polymers or MOFs. Crystal structures of coordination compounds with the 1,3‐allenedicarboxylate dianion are reported herein for the first time. The diacid was converted with metal carbonates M2CO3 to furnish the crystalline lithium, sodium, rubidium, cesium and thallium(I) compounds. In the solid state, their structures differ significantly. Common motif is the dianion, which is linked by the cations to columns, layers or strands. The sodium compound exhibits an unusual structural feature: One of the three crystallographically different sodium ions coordinates to four instead of six oxygen atoms with seesaw geometry, i.e. two equatorial positions of an octahedral coordination are unoccupied. Thus, an almost linear (179°) O‐Na‐O unit holds two ancillary oxygen atoms with perpendicular geometry (angles 94° and 95°).
Synthesis, Structure, and Cytotoxicity of Urukthapelstatin A Polyazole Cyclopeptide Analogs
Authors: Oberheide Ansgar , Schwenk Sebastian , Ronco Cyril , Semmrau Lisa Maria , Görls Helmar , Arndt Hans‐Dieter
Published: May 2019

Analogs of the natural product urukthapelstatin A that belongs to the rare family of polyazole cyclopeptides were synthesized and their cytotoxic activities were determined to gather data toward structure–activity relationships. Crucial steps within the convergent syntheses were a macrothiolactonization and a subsequent aza‐Wittig reaction to install the heterocyclic backbone. The synthesis design was proven to be generally suitable for the formation of these azole containing cyclopeptides. Two analogs were structurally characterized by X‐ray crystallography which unveiled the planar assembly of the five catenated azoles as well as a unique hydrogen bond network. A conformational comparison to the known natural products was conducted. Cytotoxicity data showed the importance of key structural features with respect to the bioactivity including the phenyl ring attached to the eastern oxazole and the rigid, lipophilic tripeptide section.
Individual and Simultaneous Voltammetric Determination of Cd(II), Cu(II) and Pb(II) Applying Amino Functionalized Fe3O4@Carbon Microspheres Modified Electrode
Authors: Bai Fan , Zhang Xinhao , Hou Xinmei , Liu Huijuan , Chen Junhong , Yang Tao
Published: May 2019

Amino‐functionalized Fe3O4@carbon microspheres (NH2−Fe3O4@C) were prepared and the electrochemical sensor was constructed using NH2−Fe3O4@C modified glassy carbon electrodes (GCE) to determine toxic heavy metals in aqueous solution. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X‐ray diffraction (XRD) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) were used to characterize the structure and phase of NH2−Fe3O4@C. Cyclic voltammetry (CV) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) results indicate that NH2−Fe3O4@C modified GCE possesses large active area and excellent electron transfer. Under optimized electrochemical condition, Cd(II), Pb(II) and Cu(II) were determined using NH2−Fe3O4@C modified GCE. The electrode through amino functionalization exhibits higher sensitivity and lower detection limit toward Cd(II) and Cu(II) due to the acid‐base pairing interaction between the electron‐rich −NH2 ligand and the electron‐deficient heavy metal ions. Compared with other similar results reported in the literature, the NH2−Fe3O4@C modified electrode exhibits wider linear response range while with comparable lower detection limit. It also exhibits excellent stability, reproducibility and anti‐interference ability.
Mercury removal from water using deep eutectic solvents‐functionalized multi walled carbon nanotubes: Nonlinear autoregressive network with an exogenous input neural network approach
Authors: Fiyadh Seef S. , AlSaadi Mohammed A. , Binti Jaafar Wan Z. , AlOmar Mohamed K. , Fayaed Sabah S. , Hama Ako R. , Hin Lai S. , El‐Shafie Ahmed
Published: May 2019

This work presents the experimental and modeling process for mercury ions removal from water using functionalized multi‐walled carbon nanotube as adsorbent. The modeling procedure has been carried out using nonlinear autoregressive network with an exogenous input (NARX) neural network modeling technique is used for modeling the adsorbent's adsorption capacity using different parameters based on experimental data. The effect of different parameters including mercury ions concentration, pH, amount of adsorbent dosage, and contact time is studied. Three kinetics models such as intraparticle diffusion, pseudo first‐order, and pseudo second order are applied using the experimental and predicted outputs, the pseudo second order was the best to describe. A sensitivity study is conducted using different parameters. Various indicators are applied to examine the accuracy and efficiency of the NARX model such are mean square error (MSE), root mean square error, relative root mean square error, mean absolute percentage error, relative error (RE), and coefficient of determination (R2). The value of the maximum RE was 3.49%, the R2 was 0.9998, and the MSE was 4.28 × 10−6. Based on the used indicators, the NARX model was capable to predict the adsorbent's adsorption capacity by comparing the NARX model outputs to the experimental results.
Evaluating early warning and coincident indicators of business cycles using smooth trends
Authors: Bujosa Marcos , García‐Ferrer Antonio , de Juan Aránzazu , Martín‐Arroyo Antonio
Published: May 2019

We present a composite coincident indicator designed to capture the state of the Spanish economy. Our approach, based on smooth trends, guarantees that the resulting indicators are reasonably smooth and issue stable signals, reducing the uncertainty. The coincident indicator has been checked by comparing it with the one recently proposed by the Spanish Economic Association index. Both indexes show similar behavior and ours captures very well the beginning and end of the official recessions and expansion periods. Our coincident indicator also tracks very well alternative mass media indicators typically used in the political science literature. We also update our composite leading indicator (Bujosa et al., Journal of Forecasting, 2013, 32(6), 481–499). It systematically predicts the peaks and troughs of the new Spanish Economic Association index and provides significant aid in forecasting annual gross domestic product growth rates. Using only real data available at the beginning of each forecast period, our indicator one‐step‐ahead forecast shows improvements over other individual alternatives and different forecast combinations.
Effects of power ultrasound on the activity and structure of β‐D‐glucosidase with potentially aroma‐enhancing capability
Authors: Sun Yujing , Zeng Li , Xue Yuanzhong , Yang Tianbao , Cheng Zongming , Sun Peilong
Published: May 2019

β‐d‐glucosidase can release aroma precursors to improve the flavor of plant food, but the hydrolysis efficiency of the enzyme is low; the purpose of this study was to improve the enzyme activity using ultrasound. The effects of ultrasound parameters on β‐d‐glucosidase activity were investigated, and the respective structures of enzyme activated and enzyme inhibited were further analyzed. Low temperature (20–45°C), low ultrasonic intensity (<181.53 W/cm2), and short treatment time (<15 min) led to the activation of β‐d‐glucosidase, whereas high temperature (45–60°C), high ultrasonic intensity (>181.53 W/cm2), and long treatment time (>15 min) led to its inhibition. Application of ultrasound lowered the optimum temperature for β‐d‐glucosidase activity from 50 to 40°C. Ultrasound did not change the primary structures of the enzyme, but changed the secondary structures. When ultrasound activated β‐d‐glucosidase, the α‐helix contents were increased, the β‐fold and irregular coil content were reduced. When ultrasound inhibited β‐d‐glucosidase, the contents of β‐folds were increased, the α‐helix and irregular coil contents were reduced.. In summary, activation or inhibition of β‐d‐glucosidase under ultrasound was determined by the ultrasound conditions. This study suggests that ultrasound combined with β‐D‐glucosidase can be used in aroma‐enhancing.
Dual Roles of Mammalian Target of Rapamycin in Regulating Liver Injury and Tumorigenesis in Autophagy‐Defective Mouse Liver
Authors: Ni Hong‐Min , Chao Xiaojuan , Yang Hua , Deng Fengyan , Wang Shaogui , Bai Qingyun , Qian Hui , Cui Yue , Cui Wei , Shi Yinghong , Zong Wei‐Xing , Wang Zhengtao , Yang Li , Ding Wen‐Xing
Published: May 2019

Autophagy is a lysosomal degradation pathway that degrades cytoplasmic proteins and organelles. Absence of autophagy in hepatocytes has been linked to promoting liver injury and tumorigenesis; however, the mechanisms behind why a lack of autophagy induces these complications are not fully understood. The role of mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) in impaired autophagy‐induced liver pathogenesis and tumorigenesis was investigated by using liver‐specific autophagy related 5 knockout (L‐ATG5 KO) mice, L‐ATG5/mTOR, and L‐ATG5/Raptor double knockout (DKO) mice. We found that deletion of mTOR or Raptor in L‐ATG5 KO mice at 2 months of age attenuated hepatomegaly, cell death, and inflammation but not fibrosis. Surprisingly, at 6 months of age, L‐ATG5/mTOR DKO and L‐ATG5/Raptor DKO mice also had increased hepatic inflammation, fibrosis, and liver injury, similar to the L‐ATG5 KO mice. Moreover, more than 50% of L‐ATG5/mTOR DKO and L‐ATG5/Raptor DKO mice already developed spontaneous tumors, but none of the L‐ATG5 KO mice had developed any tumors at 6 months of age. At 9 months of age, all L‐ATG5/mTOR DKO and L‐ATG5/Raptor DKO had developed liver tumors. Mechanistically, L‐ATG5/mTOR DKO and L‐ATG5/Raptor DKO mice had decreased levels of hepatic ubiquitinated proteins and persistent nuclear erythroid 2 p45‐related factor 2 activation but had increased Akt activation compared with L‐ATG5 KO mice. Conclusion: Loss of mTOR signaling attenuates the liver pathogenesis in mice with impaired hepatic autophagy but paradoxically promotes tumorigenesis in mice at a relatively young age. Therefore, the balance of mTOR is critical in regulating the liver pathogenesis and tumorigenesis in mice with impaired hepatic autophagy.
Weak biophoton emission after laser surgery application in soft tissues: Analysis of the optical features
Authors: Boschi Federico , Basso Petra R. , Corridori Ilaria , Durando Giovanni , Sandri Angela , Segalla Gabriel , Raspanti Mario , Spinelli Antonello E.
Published: May 2019

Nowadays, laser scalpels are commonly used in surgery, replacing the traditional surgical scalpels for several applications involving cutting or ablating living biological tissue. Laser scalpels are generally used to concentrate light energy in a very small‐sized area; light energy is then converted in heat by the tissues. In other cases, the fiber glass tip of the laser scalpel is heated to high temperature and used to cut the tissues. Depending on the temperature reached in the irradiated area, different effects are visible in the tissues. In this study, we report the discovery and characterization of the light emitted by soft mammalian biological tissues from seconds to hours after laser surgery application. A laser diode (with hot fiber glass tip) working at 808 nm and commercially available for medical and dentistry applications was used. The irradiated tissues (red meat, chicken breast and fat) showed light emission in the visible range, well detectable with a commercial charge coupled device (CCD) camera. The time decay of the light emission, the laser power effects and the spectral features in the range 500 to 840 nm in the different tissues are here reported.
Dose‐dependent study of effects of 532‐nm continuous wave laser on rat skin: A mechanistic insight
Authors: Bora Kiran , Kumar Bhuvnesh , Prakash Satya , Rathi Ajay
Published: May 2019

Visible lasers emitting in the green spectral region are being routinely employed in various medical and defense fields namely treatment of pigmented lesions, tattoo inks, port wine stains, dazzling the target or mob dispersal. Despite their increasing applications, lasers also tend to pose occupational hazards to operators, ancillary personnel, individuals undergoing laser therapies. This study was aimed at investigating the effects of different doses of 532‐nm continuous wave laser on rat skin. The present study demonstrated that higher fluences of 532‐nm continuous wave (CW) laser induces significant tissue damage through induction of tumor necrosis factor‐α, cyclooxygenase‐2, tumor protein (p53), PARP 1, caspase3 which in turn leads to tissue damage and cell death. Furthermore, level of heat shock proteins, pAkt were found up‐regulated as a cope up response to laser‐induced stress. On the basis of the findings, irradiation with 532‐nm CW laser up to 2.5 J/cm2 was found within the safe exposure limits. Thus, it is probably the first attempt to demonstrate the tissue damage induced by 532‐nm CW laser on skin, which may help in choosing safe laser dose for certain skin‐based applications and evolving methods to ameliorate laser‐inflicted injuries.
Muscle radiodensity loss during cancer therapy is predictive for poor survival in advanced endometrial cancer
Authors: Lee Jie , Lin Jhen‐Bin , Wu Meng‐Hao , Jan Ya‐Ting , Chang Chih‐Long , Huang Chueh‐Yi , Sun Fang‐Ju , Chen Yu‐Jen
Published: May 2019

Background

Treatment‐related toxicities and decreased levels of patient performance during cancer therapy might contribute to body composition changes and thereby impact outcomes. However, the effect of longitudinal body composition changes on outcomes in patients with advanced endometrial cancer is unknown. This study investigated the association between body composition changes during staging surgery and adjuvant chemoradiotherapy and outcomes in patients with stage III endometrial cancer.

Methods

Pretreatment and post‐treatment computed tomography (CT) images of 131 patients with stage III endometrial cancer who were treated between 2008 and 2016 were analysed. All CT images were contrast enhanced and acquired according to the standardized protocol. The skeletal muscle index (SMI), skeletal muscle radiodensity (SMD), and total adipose tissue index were measured from two sets of CT images obtained at the level of the third lumbar vertebra. The skeletal muscle gauge was calculated by multiplying SMI by SMD (SMI × SMD). Predictors of overall survival and progression‐free survival were identified using Cox regression models.

Results

The median follow‐up was 50.6 (range 12.1–117.0) months. Overall, body mass index (BMI) changes during treatment were 0.4% per 210 days (95% confidence interval: −0.6 to 1.4; P = 0.41), and patients experienced an average SMD loss of 2.1% per 210 days (95% confidence interval: −4.0 to −0.2; P = 0.03). Weight loss and SMD loss ≥5% were observed in 23 (17.6%) and 54 (41.2%) patients, respectively. The changes in SMD did not correlate with those in BMI (Spearman's ρ for SMD, −0.13; P = 0.13). SMD change (per 1 Hounsfield unit/210 days decrease) was independently associated with poorer overall survival (hazard ratio: 1.32, 95% confidence interval: 1.14–1.52; P < 0.001) and progression‐free survival (hazard ratio: 1.28, 95% confidence interval: 1.12–1.43; P < 0.001). Our results did not show association between survival and pretreatment myosteatosis and sarcopenia or changes in SMI and total adipose tissue index during treatment. The pretreatment skeletal muscle gauge was associated with treatment modifications such as delays, dose reductions, and discontinuation of chemotherapy.

Conclusions

Skeletal muscle radiodensity decreased significantly during treatment and was independently associated with poorer survival in patients with stage III endometrial cancer who underwent staging surgery and adjuvant chemoradiotherapy. SMD loss was occult and occurred independently of BMI change.
Retracted: The fabrication of magnetic recyclable nitrogen‐doped titanium dioxide/calcium ferrite/diatomite heterojunction nanocomposite for improved visible‐light‐driven degradation of tetracycline
Authors: Chen Yan , Wu Qiong , Wang Jun , Song Youtao
Published: May 2019

BACKGROUND

Powdery photocatalysts have long been studied in various aspects, yet their low recovery in suspension systems remains the bottleneck hindering their practical application. An alternative method to overcome this shortcoming is to develop magnetic recyclable ferrite‐based hybrid photocatalysts. In this work, we prepared a nitrogen (N)‐doped titania (TiO2)/calcium ferrite (CaFe2O4)/diatomite (Dt) (N‐TCD) ternary hybrid via the sol–gel method. The physicochemical properties of various hybrid catalysts were characterized and studied, and their photocatalytic properties were evaluated via the degradation of the antibiotic tetracycline (TC) under visible light.

RESULTS

The photodegradation rate of TC was accelerated by the high adsorption ability of Dt, due to the adsorption and degradation synergistic effect between catalysts and substrate Dt. The ternary composite indicated higher degradation rate than binary ones, implying the interaction between three components. Based on the degradation results, the optimal N dopant amount and catalyst dosage were determined.

CONCLUSIONS

The formation of heterojunction between N‐doped TiO2 and CaFe2O4 hindered the recombination of photo‐induced charge carriers and improved the photocatalytic activity. The ternary N‐TCD composite could simply be recovered from TC solution via an external magnet, and repetition tests indicated no obvious decrease of photoactivity, even after five runs. This nanocomposite was considered appropriate for application in wastewater remediation processes, thanks to its high photocatalytic efficiency under visible light irradiation, as well as its good reusability and stability. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
Assessment of hepatic sinusoidal obstruction syndrome with intravoxel incoherent motion diffusion‐weighted imaging: An experimental study in a rat model
Authors: Hong Eun Kyoung , Joo Ijin , Park Juil , Lee Kyoungbun
Published: May 2019

Background

Intravoxel incoherent motion (IVIM) diffusion‐weighted imaging (DWI) parameters may reflect perfusion and diffusion changes in hepatic sinusoidal obstruction syndrome (SOS).

Purpose

To investigate the feasibility of IVIM‐DWI in the noninvasive assessment of hepatic SOS in an experimental rat model.

Study Type

Animal study.

Population/Subjects

Forty‐four rats were administered different doses (90 or 160 mg/kg) of monocrotaline by gavage either 48 or 72 hours before MRI to induce different degrees of hepatic SOS, and another 10 rats served as controls.

Field Strength/Sequence

3T scanner, IVIM‐DWI using nine b values (0–800 sec/mm2).

Assessment

Histologically, rats were classified as having none (n = 10), mild (n = 8), moderate (n = 19), or severe SOS (n = 17). The apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) and IVIM‐derived parameters (D: true diffusion coefficient, D*: pseudo‐diffusion coefficient, and f: perfusion fraction) of the liver parenchyma were measured.

Statistical Tests

IVIM‐DWI parameters were compared according to histologic grades of SOS (none, mild, moderate, and severe), and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was performed to determine the diagnostic accuracy.

Results

ADC, D, and f of the liver parenchyma were significantly different according to SOS severity groups (Ps < 0.01) and significantly decreased as SOS severity increased (rho = –0.323, –0.313, and –0.700; P = 0.017, 0.021, and <0.001, respectively). Means of f in none, mild, moderate, and severe SOS were 17.2%, 13.3%, 12.3%, and 11.1%, respectively. Among ADC and IVIM‐derived parameters, f provided the highest area under the ROC curves for detecting ≥mild, ≥moderate, and severe SOS (0.991, 0.890, and 0.803, respectively).

Data Conclusion

IVIM‐DWI may be useful in the diagnosis and severity assessment of hepatic SOS.

Level of Evidence: 2

Technical Efficacy Stage: 2 J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2020;51:81–89.
Evaluation of four injection profiles for uniform contrast‐enhanced signal intensity profiles in MR angiography
Authors: Maki Jeffrey H. , Wilson Gregory J. , Clark Toshimasa J.
Published: May 2019

Background

Gadolinium concentration variation during acquisition of contrast‐enhanced MR angiography (CE‐MRA) may lead to artifacts.

Purpose

To compare signal intensity (SI) profiles of four different contrast agent injection strategies during CE‐MRA with the goal of minimizing SI variation during acquisition.

Study Type

Prospective.

Subjects

Forty subjects randomized to receive one of four injection profiles of gadobenate dimeglumine (0.1 mmol/kg), either undiluted (0.5 M) or diluted to 40 ml total volume. Tested profiles: 1) nondiluted single‐phase ("standard" NS; 1.6 ml/s), 2) diluted single‐phase (DS; 1.6 ml/s), 3) diluted biphasic (DB; 9 ml @ 3.3 ml/s, 29 ml @ 1.4 ml/s), 4) patient‐tailored protocol using linear prediction (DT).

Field Strength/Sequence

Time‐resolved SI measured at 3T with spoiled gradient echo sequences having analogous parameters to those of CE‐MRA.

Assessment

Plateau arrival time, rise time, duration, peak and tail SI, plateau quality (sum of squared residuals; SSR), average SI for each injection type derived were used.

Statistical Test

Two‐tailed t‐test.

Results

Peak SI, arrival, and rise times were not significantly different between groups, excepting peak SI DB slightly > DS (P = 0.042). Duration of NS vs. the diluted groups was significantly shorter (all P < 0.0001), and DS duration was significantly shorter than that of DT and DB (NS 11.4 ± 3.5 vs. DS 22.9 ± 4.3, DB 25.4 ± 2.3, DT 28.3 ± 4.1 sec). Quality (SSR) of the 20‐second plateau was significantly better for DS, DB, DT as compared with NS (all P < 0.001).

Data Conclusion

Three different strategies to power‐inject diluted gadobenate dimeglumine targeting a 20‐second plateau produced SI profiles with longer duration, more consistent plateau, and no significant loss in peak SI. Such injection profiles may provide more uniform SI during CE‐MRA, potentially reducing blurring artifacts.

Level of Evidence: 2

Technical Efficacy: Stage 1 J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2019;50:1808–1816.
In silico analysis revealed Zika virus miRNAs associated with viral pathogenesis through alteration of host genes involved in immune response and neurological functions
Authors: Islam Md. Sajedul , Khan Md. Abdullah‐Al‐Kamran , Murad Md. Wahid , Karim Marwah , Islam Abul Bashar Mir Md. Khademul
Published: May 2019

Background

The concurrent Zika Virus (ZIKV) outbreaks in the United States and Northeast Brazil have evoked global surveillance. Zika infection has been correlated with severe clinical symptoms, such as microcephaly, Guillain‐Barré syndrome, and other congenital brain abnormalities. Recent data suggest that ZIKV predominantly targets neural progenitor cells leading to neurological impairment. Despite the clinical evidence, detailed experimental mechanism of ZIKV neurotropic pathogenesis has not been fully understood yet. Here we hypothesized that ZIKV produces miRNAs, which target essential host genes involved in various cellular pathways facilitating their survival through immune evasion and progression of disease during brain development.

Methods

From genome sequence information using several bioinformatic tools, we predicted pri‐miRNAs, pre‐miRNAs, and finally the mature miRNAs produced by ZIKV. We also identified their target genes and performed functional enrichment analysis to identify the biological processes associated with these genes. Finally, we analyzed a publicly available RNA‐seq data set to determine the altered expression level of the targeted genes.

Results

From ZIKV genome sequence, we identified and validated 47 putative novel miRNAs. Functional enrichment of the targeted genes demonstrates the involvement of various biological pathways regulating cellular signaling, neurological functions, cancer, and fetal development. The expression analysis of these genes showed that ZIKV‐produced miRNAs downregulate the key genes involved in these pathways, which in turn may lead to impaired brain development.

Conclusions

Our finding proposes novel ZIKV miRNAs and their targets, which upon experimental validation could help developing new therapeutics to combat ZIKV infection and minimize ZIKV‐mediated pathologies.
AC conductivity and dielectric studies of Cd0.8Sn0.2S thin films
Authors: Amroun Mohamed Nadhir , Khadraoui Mohammed
Published: May 2019

Thin films of Cd0.8Sn0.2S were prepared by spray pyrolysis method. The Dc and Ac electrical conduction of Cd0.8Sn0.2S thin films was investigated in this work. Ac conductivity study of the prepared sample is reported in the frequency range 5 Hz to 13 MHz at various temperatures (300‐343 K) using impedance spectroscopy. The Cole‐Cole plot shows a single semicircle, indicating an equivalent circuit with a single parallel resistor R and capacitance C. Ac conductivity Ac(ω) is found to be proportional to ωs where s < 1. The value of s tends to decrease depending on the temperature. The temperature dependence of both the Ac conductivity and the parameter s is interpreted by the correlated barrier hopping (CBH) model. The temperature‐dependent Dc conductivity and the relaxation frequency are found to obey the Arrhenius law having activation energy of 0.17 eV. The density of states at Fermi level is calculated and is of the order of 1015 eV−1·cm−3. Dielectric constant ε′ and dielectric loss ε″ were found to decrease with frequency and increase with temperature in the investigated ranges.
Ostial atresia of the coronary sinus in patients with supraventricular arrhythmias
Authors: Hiroshima Ken‐ichi , Goya Masahiko , Nagashima Michio , Fukunaga Masato , Ohe Masatsugu , An Yoshimori , Makihara Yu , Hayashi Kentaro , Ando Kenji
Published: May 2019

Of 3577 patients with supraventricular arrhythmias, 3 demonstrated an atresia of the coronary sinus (CS) ostium. Two patients had the accessory pathways. One had atrial fibrillation. No unroofed CS or apparent persistent left superior vena cava was observed. Venous drainage through a small cardiac vein located on the lateral portion of the tricuspid annulus was observed in all patients. Those cases demonstrated that the incidence of ostial atresia of the CS was 0.084%. Accessory pathways were often accompanied by this anomaly. An abnormal venous orifice located on the lateral tricuspid annulus often functioned as the drainage of the CS flow.
Molecular Response of Rabbit Menisci to Surgically Induced Hemarthrosis and a Single Intra‐Articular Dexamethasone Treatment
Authors: Heard Bryan J. , Barton Kristen I. , Agbojo Omokhowa M. , Chung May , Sevick John L. , Bader Taylor J. , Martin C. Ryan , Shrive Nigel G. , Hart David A.
Published: May 2019

Anterior cruciate ligament reconstructive surgery can restore biomechanical stability, however, such surgery cannot reliably prevent the onset of post‐traumatic osteoarthritis. The aim of this study was to elucidate the molecular response that occurs within the menisci following a surgical injury that allows bleeding into the joint space, and then to investigate the effect of dexamethasone (DEX) on this molecular response. Cell viability studies following acute controlled exposure to blood and blood plus DEX were also conducted. Forty‐eight New Zealand white rabbits were randomly allocated into control, sham, surgical, and surgical  + DEX groups (each group n  =  6). Animals were sacrificed at 48 h and 9 weeks, and menisci were harvested. The messenger RNA (mRNA) expression levels for key inflammatory, and degradative proteins, as well as mRNA levels for autophagy pathway molecules were quantified, and statistically significant changes were described. Meniscal cell viability was calculated by incubating groups of medial and lateral menisci in autologous blood, or autologous blood plus DEX for 48 h (each group n  =  4; total of eight medial and eight lateral menisci), and then conducting a histological live/dead assay. Results indicated a significant reduction in only medial meniscal cell viability when the tissue was exposed to blood in combination with DEX. A single administration of DEX following surgery significantly suppresses the elevated molecular expression for key inflammatory and degradative markers within menisci at 48 h and 9 weeks post‐surgery. In vitro, autologous blood did not affect cell viability, but addition of DEX uniquely impacted the medial menisci. © 2019 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 37:2043–2052, 2019
Is tourism‐led growth hypothesis still valid?
Authors: Mitra Subrata Kumar
Published: May 2019

The purpose of the study is to re‐examine the direction of the causal relationship between tourism growth and economic progress. Although a vast literature on the topic is available, the results are still mixed and sample dependent. The study re‐examined the causal relationship using as many as 158 countries and classified them into three groups on the basis of the international tourism receipt relative to the gross domestic product (GDP). On methodological front, the study adopted the new panel causality model of Dumitrescu and Hurlin. Before carrying out the causality test, cross‐sectional dependence and homogeneity tests are implemented because the Dumitrescu and Hurlin test can take both cross‐sectional dependence and heterogeneity into account. The interesting outcome of the study is that the bivariate causal relationship has remained consistent across three subsamples when tourism growth is measured in terms of international tourism receipt and related to the GDP.
Non‐invasive Reflectance Spectroscopy for Normal and Cancerous Skin Cells Refractive Index Determination: An In Vitro Study
Authors: Shirkavand Afshan , Farivar Shirin , Mohajerani Ezeddin , Ataie‐Fashtami Leila , Ghazimoradi Mohammad H.
Published: May 2019

Background and Objective

Optical reflectance spectroscopy is a non‐invasive technique for optical characterization of biological samples. Any alteration in a cell from normal or carcinogenic causes will change its refractive index. The aim of this study is to develop a computerized program for extraction of a refractive index of normal and cancerous skin cell lines, including melanoma, fibroblast, and adipose cells, using visible near‐infrared reflectance spectra and the Kramers–Kronig (K–K) relations.

Materials and Method

A fiber optic reflectance spectrometer in visible near‐infrared wavelength was used for spectrum acquisition in an in vitro study. Human skin cell lines for melanoma (A375), fibroblast, and adipose sample were cultured for optical spectroscopy. Following data acquisition, an analytical MATLAB code was developed to run the K–K relations. The program was validated for three biological samples using an Abbe refractometer.

Results

The validation error (below 5%) and determination of changes in the refractive index of melanoma, normal fibroblasts, and adipose skin cells was carried out at wavelengths of 450–950 nm. The refractive index of melanoma was 1.59270 ± 0.0550 at 450 nm, the minimum amount of 1.27790 ± 0.0550 to 1.321 ± 0.0550 at 620 nm, and rose sharply to 1.44321 ± 0.0550 at 935 nm. The respective results for fibroblast and adipose tissue cells were 1.33282 ± 0.0134 and 1.28345 ± 0.0163 at 450 nm with an increasing trend to 1.30494 ± 0.0135 and 1.26716 ± 0.0163 at 935 nm.

Conclusion

Refractive index characteristics show potential for cancer screening and diagnosis. The results show that optical spectroscopy is a promising, non‐invasive tool for assessment of the refractive index of living biological cells in in vitro settings. Tracking changes in the refractive index allows screening of normal and abnormal cells for probable alterations in a non‐invasive label‐free method. Lasers Surg. Med. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Hepatic progenitor cell activation is induced by the depletion of the gut microbiome in mice
Authors: Wang Fei , Sun Nan‐nan , Li Lan‐lan , Zhu Wan‐wan , Xiu Jianbo , Shen Yan , Xu Qi
Published: May 2019

The homeostasis of the gut microbiome is crucial for human health and for liver function. However, it has not been established whether the gut microbiome influence hepatic progenitor cells (HPCs). HPCs are capable of self‐renewal and differentiate into hepatocytes and cholangiocytes; however, HPCs are normally quiescent and are rare in adults. After sustained liver damage, a ductular reaction occurs, and the number of HPCs is substantially increased. Here, we administered five broad‐spectrum antibiotics for 14 days to deplete the gut microbiomes of male C57BL/6 mice, and we measured the plasma aminotransferases and other biochemical indices. The expression levels of two HPC markers, SRY‐related high mobility group‐box gene 9 (Sox9) and cytokeratin (CK), were also measured. The plasma aminotransferase activities were not affected, but the triglyceride, lactate dehydrogenase, low‐density lipoprotein, and high‐density lipoprotein concentrations were significantly altered; this suggests that liver function is affected by the composition of the gut microbiome. The mRNA expression of Sox9 was significantly higher in the treated mice than it was in the control mice (p < 0.0001), and a substantial expression of Sox9 and CK was observed around the bile ducts. The mRNA expression levels of proinflammatory factors (interleukin [IL]‐1β, IL‐6, tumor necrosis factor [TNF]‐α, and TNF‐like weak inducer of apoptosis [Tweak]) were also significantly higher in the antibiotic‐treated mice than the levels in the control mice. These data imply that the depletion of the gut microbiome leads to liver damage, negatively impacts the hepatic metabolism and function, and activates HPCs. However, the underlying mechanisms remain to be determined.