bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The effectiveness of university counselling for students with academic issues
Authors: McKenzie Karen , Murray Kara R. , Murray Aja L. , Richelieu Marc
Published: November 2018

Background

The demands of academic life are considered to be increasingly stressful for students in higher education, but there is limited research about the extent to which those attending student counselling services experience difficulties relating to academic issues and how effective counselling is for them.

Aim

The study aimed to evaluate the reliable and clinically significant change for students with self‐reported academic issues. Reliable change occurs when a change in the outcome being measured is not attributable to error, while clinically significant change occurs when a person moves from a clinical population to a healthy population after an intervention, in this case counselling.

Methodology

Pre‐existing data from 129 university students who had attended a student counselling service were analysed to determine levels of reliable change and clinically significant change. These data related to psychological status before and after counselling based on CORE‐OM total scores; self‐report of the impact of counselling on academic issues; and demographic variables.

Findings

In total, 117 (92%) of students reported experiencing academic issues to some extent. Counselling was found to result in reliable change for 67% and clinically significant change for 40% of those students reporting academic issues.

Implications

The results of the study suggest that, even where academic reasons are not the primary cause of referral to student counselling services, a significant number of students will also experience difficulties in these areas. Counselling was, however, shown to result in reliable and clinically significant change in a high percentage of those experiencing these additional difficulties.
A pH‐Responsive Glycyrrhetinic‐Acid‐Modified Small‐Molecule Conjugate for NIR Imaging of Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC)
Authors: Singh Hardev , Lim Ja‐Yun , Sharma Amit , Yoon Dae Wui , Kim Ji Hyeon , Yang Zhigang , Qu Junle , Kim Jinkwan , Lee Seung Gwan , Kim Jong Seung
Published: November 2018

We report a glycyrrhetinic‐acid (GA)‐decorated small‐molecule conjugate for pH‐triggered near‐infrared (NIR) fluorescence imaging of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Our in vitro studies demonstrated that the conjugate, referred to as NIR‐GA, was efficiently taken up by liver cancer cell lines such as HepG2 and Huh7 through an endocytic pathway mediated by GA receptors. As suggested by co‐localization studies, NIR‐GA mainly localized in the lysosome, where the acidic pH results in the activation of the fluorescent dye through H+‐triggered spirolactam ring opening to give strong fluorescence in the NIR region.
Intravenous immunoglobulin for acute hemorrhagic leukoencephalitis refractory to plasmapheresis
Authors: Panchal Apurva , Perez‐Marques Francesca
Published: November 2018

Key Clinical Message

Intravenous immunoglobulin therapy should be considered in pediatric acute hemorrhagic leukoencephalitis that is refractory to steroid and plasmapheresis.
Catalytic Upgrading of Biomass Model Compounds: Novel Approaches and Lessons Learnt from Traditional Hydrodeoxygenation – a Review
Authors: Jin Wei , Pastor‐Pérez Laura , Shen DeKui , Sepúlveda‐Escribano Antonio , Gu Sai , Ramirez Reina Tomas
Published: November 2018

Catalytic hydrodeoxygenation (HDO) is a fundamental process for bio‐resources upgrading to produce transportation fuels or added value chemicals. The bottleneck of this technology to be implemented at commercial scale is its dependence on high pressure hydrogen, an expensive resource which utilization also poses safety concerns. In this scenario, the development of hydrogen‐free alternatives to facilitate oxygen removal in biomass derived compounds is a major challenge for catalysis science but at the same time it could revolutionize biomass processing technologies. In this review we have analysed several novel approaches, including catalytic transfer hydrogenation (CTH), combined reforming and hydrodeoxygenation, metal hydrolysis and subsequent hydrodeoxygenation along with non‐thermal plasma (NTP) to avoid the supply of external H2. The knowledge accumulated from traditional HDO sets the grounds for catalysts and processes development among the hydrogen alternatives. In this sense, mechanistic aspects for HDO and the proposed alternatives are carefully analysed in this work. Biomass model compounds are selected aiming to provide an in‐depth description of the different processes and stablish solid correlations catalysts composition‐catalytic performance which can be further extrapolated to more complex biomass feedstocks. Moreover, the current challenges and research trends of novel hydrodeoxygenation strategies are also presented aiming to spark inspiration among the broad community of scientists working towards a low carbon society where bio‐resources will play a major role.
On the Formation of Palladium (II) Iodide Nanoparticles: An In Situ SAXS/XAS Study and Catalytic Evaluation on an Aryl Alkenylation Reaction in Water Medium
Authors: Latocheski Eloah , Marques Marcelo V. , Albuquerque Brunno L. , Schuh Thalia J. , Signori Aline M. , Oliveira Daniela C. , Pal Taransankar , Domingos Josiel B.
Published: November 2018

The synthesis of small spherical palladium(II) iodide nanoparticles is reported for the first time. The formation of the particles by ligand exchange, in the presence of poly(vinyl pyrrolidone) in aqueous medium at room temperature, was investigated by in situ time‐resolved synchrotron‐based SAXS and XANES/EXAFS analysis. These new nanomaterials exhibit a double catalytic role in an aryl alkenylation chemical reaction, working without a base or ligand, in aqueous milieu. There is strong experimental evidence to suggest that the mechanism follows a single‐electron transfer (SET) pathway with the participation of iodide as a radical promoter and the palladium atoms as activator of the alkene moiety. This new protocol could evolve into a broadly applicable radical reaction for the functionalization of alkenes.
Intermediates of N‐Heterocyclic Carbene (NHC) Dimerization Probed in the Gas Phase by Ion Mobility Mass Spectrometry: C−H⋅⋅⋅:C Hydrogen Bonding Versus Covalent Dimer Formation
Authors: Paul Mathias , Detmar Eric , Schlangen Maria , Breugst Martin , Neudörfl Jörg‐Martin , Schwarz Helmut , Berkessel Albrecht , Schäfer Mathias
Published: November 2018

N‐Heterocyclic carbenes (NHCs, :C) can interact with azolium salts (C−H+) by either forming a hydrogen‐bonded aggregate (CHC+) or a covalent C−C bond (CCH+). In this study, the intramolecular NHC–azolium salt interactions of aromatic imidazolin‐2‐ylidenes and saturated imidazolidin‐2‐ylidenes have been investigated in the gas phase by traveling wave ion mobility mass spectrometry (TW IMS) and DFT calculations. The TW IMS experiments provided evidence for the formation of these important intermediates in the gas phase, and they identified the predominant aggregation mode (hydrogen bond vs. covalent C−C) as a function of the nature of the interacting carbene–azolium pairs.
Transition‐Metal Acetate‐Promoted Intramolecular Nitrene Insertion to Vinylogous Carbonates for Divergent Synthesis of Azirinobenzoxazoles and Benzoxazines
Authors: Gharpure Santosh J. , Naveen Sudi , Samala Ganesh , Vishwakarma Dharmendra S.
Published: November 2018

Synthesis and isolation of highly unstable azirinobenzoxazole and benzoxazines in a chemodivergent fashion from aryl azido vinylogous carbonates by simple change in transition metal acetate is described. Thermal or rhodium(II) acetate‐mediated decomposition of these azides gave dihydroazirino benzoxazole. Their nickel(II) acetate‐promoted reaction gave 4‐dihydro‐2H‐benzoxazines, whereas copper(II) acetate led to the corresponding oxidized imine derivatives. Benzaoxazine derivative could be kinetically resolved using a proline‐catalyzed Mannich reaction. The benzoxazines were rapidly elaborated to angularly fused tetracyclic systems and coumarin‐fused derivatives in a “one pot” fashion.
A robust computational method based on the thermodynamic approach for determining monomer partitioning in emulsion polymerization systems
Authors: Safinejad Ali , Pourmahdian Saeed , Hadavand Behzad Shirkavand
Published: November 2018

A robust computational framework based on the thermodynamic approach for determining monomer partitioning in monodisperse/polydisperse multi‐component emulsion systems was introduced. The numerical methods were applied to determine monomer partitioning in three monodisperse and one hypothetical polydisperse multi‐monomer emulsion systems. Larger particle size promotes the swelling ability of particles and increases the monomers content ratio for monomer with lower solubility in particle phase. For polydisperse systems, there is a strong particle size dependency of polymer volume fraction and the volumetric ratio of the monomers in particles, even for large particles and/or under partial swelling condition. In monodisperse systems, the particle size independency of monomers' volumetric ratio is only valid for large enough particles and/or partial swelling conditions. The results show that the prediction of the thermodynamic model can be brought close to reasonable results only with values of interfacial tensions, which are several times higher than the experimentally measured data.
Melt‐synthesis of LiFePO4 over a metallic bath
Authors: Villazon Hernando , Sauriol Pierre , Rousselot Steeve , Talebi‐Esfandarani Majid , Bibienne Thomas , Gauthier Michel , Liang Guoxian , Dollé Mickaël , Chartrand Patrice
Published: November 2018

Compared with large‐scale processes, the LiFePO4 (LFP) melt‐synthesis is a low‐cost method with short dwell times and rapid reaction rates. However, secondary phases and impurities remaining in the olivine structure lower the cathode's electrochemical properties. Starting from a low‐cost Fe3+ precursor, we evaluated tin and silver charged metallic baths to purify the melt‐synthesis of LiFePO4 at laboratory scale. In the tin bath exploration, an x‐ray diffraction (XRD) confirmed the olivine structure and a temperature‐dependent generation of Li3PO4 and Li4P2O7. An SEM image analysis identified tin‐rich phases (SnxPyOz) segregated from the LFP structure and FexP phases on the internal walls of the crucible. A multi‐element analysis (ICP‐AES) detected more than 0.03 g of Sn/g of LFP. The tin bath prepared samples delivered up to156 mAh/g of LFP in a carbon‐free basis, 3 % lower than the capacity of the high purity Fe2O3‐based material at 0.1 C. The silver bath‐based LFP samples produced cleaner XRD patterns (less than 160 ppm of Ag in the LFP ingots), closer to the estimated molar ratios and neither silver compounds nor silver oxides. In this case, the sample delivered 161 mAh/g of LFP, the same capacity as the cathode prepared without a metallic bath. Starting from a commodity Fe3+ source, future work should explore the silver bath roles as a reactive media, a heating source, a crucible insulator, and a potential contaminant trap for the melt‐synthesis of LiFePO4.
Development of an improved parameter fitting method for planar biaxial testing using rakes
Authors: Fehervary Heleen , Vander Sloten Jos , Famaey Nele
Published: November 2018

A correct estimation of the material parameters from a planar biaxial test is crucial since they will affect the outcome of the finite element model in which they are used. In a virtual planar biaxial experiment, a difference can be noticed in the stress calculated from the force measured experimentally at the rakes and the actual stress at the center of the sample. As a consequence, a classic parameter fitting does not result in a correct estimation of the material parameters. This difference is caused by the boundary conditions of the set‐up and is among others dependent on the sample material. To overcome this problem, a new parameter fitting procedure is proposed that takes this difference into account by calculating a finite element–based correction vector. This paper describes the methodology to apply this new parameter fitting procedure on real experimental data from a planar biaxial test using rakes. To this end, image processing is used to extract the experiment characteristics. This information is used to construct a finite element model. Two variations of the new parameter fitting procedure are investigated using two human aortic samples: a basic approach and an image‐based approach. The performance of the method is assessed by the difference between the force measured at the rakes during the experiment and the force at the rakes obtained from the finite element simulation. Both approaches of the new parameter fitting procedure lead to an improved estimation of the sample behavior compared with the classic approach.
Dynamic Organellar Maps for Spatial Proteomics
Authors: Itzhak Daniel N. , Schessner Julia P. , Borner Georg H. H.
Published: November 2018

Eukaryotic cells are highly compartmentalized and protein subcellular localization critically influences protein function. Identification of the subcellular localizations of proteins and their translocation events upon perturbation has mostly been confined to targeted studies or laborious microscopy‐based methods. Here we describe a systematic mass spectrometry‐based method for spatial proteomics. The approach uses simple fractionation profiling and has two applications: Firstly it can be used to infer subcellular protein localization on a proteome‐wide scale, resulting in a protein map of the cell. Secondly, the method permits identification of changes in protein localization, by comparing maps made under different conditions, as a tool for unbiased systems cell biology. © 2018 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
A hybrid multi‐objective firefly and simulated annealing based algorithm for big data classification
Authors: Devi S. Gayathri , Sabrigiriraj M.
Published: November 2018

Efficient management of big data becomes challenging in recent decades. Online Feature Selection (OFS) is one type of online learning in contrast to batch learning, allowing a classifier to have small and fixed number of features. The major aim of this work is to introduce an OFS algorithm supported on meta‐heuristic algorithm that exploits the MapReduce paradigm. A novel Hybrid Multi‐Objective Firefly and Simulated Annealing (HMOFSA) algorithm is proposed to select optimal set of features. Therefore, as a first step, the original big dataset is decomposed into blocks of examples in the map phase. Subsequently, HMOFSA algorithm is employed to choose the selected features from examples. After that, the attained partial outcomes will be combined into a final vector of features in the reduce phase and evaluated using Kernel Support Vector Machine (KSVM) classifier. The mentioned OFS approach is analyzed with the help of the well‐known classifiers (Logistic Regression, KSVM and Naïve Bayes) developed within the Spark framework. Experiments were conducted on big datasets, containing 66 million samples and 2000 attributes that confirm the proficiency of proposed work. The proposed KSVM classifier results are measured in terms of the metrics like Precision, Recall, Geometric‐mean (G‐mean), F‐measure, and accuracy.
A possibilistic framework for the detection of terrorism‐related Twitter communities in social media
Authors: Moussaoui Mohamed , Zaghdoud Montaceur , Akaichi Jalel
Published: November 2018

Since the appearance of social networks, there was a historic increase of data. Unfortunately, terrorists are taking advantage of the easiness of accessing social networks and they have set up profiles to recruit, radicalize, and raise funds. Most of these profiles have pages that exist as well as new recruits to join the terrorist groups, see, and share information. Therefore, there is a potential need for detecting terrorist communities in social networks in order to search for key hints in posts that appear to promote the militants' cause. In order to remedy this problem, we first use a possibilistic‐clustering algorithm that allows more flexibility when assigning a social network profile to clusters (non‐terrorist, terrorist‐sympathizer, terrorist). Then, we introduce a new possibilistic flexible graph mining method to discover similar subgraphs by applying possibilistic similarity rather than using hard structural exact similarity. We experimentally show the efficiency of our possibilistic approach through a detailed process of tweets extract, semantic processing, and classification of the community detection.
Indexes of jaw muscle function in asymptomatic individuals with different occlusal features
Authors: Vozzi Francesca , Favero Lorenzo , Peretta Redento , Guarda‐Nardini Luca , Cocilovo Francesco , Manfredini Daniele
Published: November 2018

This study aims to assess the correlation between indexes of jaw muscle function and dento‐skeletal morphology. A sample of 35 temporomandibular disorders‐free healthy individuals (10 males, mean age 26.7 ± 9.8 years) underwent surface electromyographic (sEMG) assessment of bilateral masseter and temporalis muscles, to evaluate sEMG activity during maximum voluntary clenching (MVC) with a dedicated device (Easymyo®, T.F.R. Technology, Udine, Italy). Four outcome parameters were assessed for each individual: MCV on cotton rolls; MVC on teeth; chewing on right and left sides; clench/relax test. Electromyographic recordings were assessed based on five standardized indexes of muscle function, to evaluate the degree of muscle asymmetry during static and dynamic function (i.e., percentage overlapping coefficient [POC], Impact, Asymmetry, Activation, and Torque). For each individual, the presence of a number of occlusal and skeletal features was assessed: asymmetry of molar class; deviated incisor midline; deep bite; open bite; and crossbite. Skeletal class and vertical dimension of occlusion were also evaluated. Based on normality distribution of data, t test and analysis of variance, when needed, were used to compare muscle function indexes between individuals with and without the different dento‐skeletal features. None of the muscle function indexes (POC, Impact, Asymmetry, Activation, and Torque) was significantly different between individuals with or without the various dental and skeletal features. Gender differences were also not significant (p > 0.05). Despite some minor differences were observed, none of them was significant. Thus, the interaction between form and function is too complex for hypothesizing a simple one‐to‐one relationship between interarch tooth relationship and muscle function patterns.
High grade squamous intraepithelial lesion on high‐risk HPV negative patients: Why we still need the Pap test
Authors: Sun Hongxia , Masand Ramya P. , Patel Shobhanaben Jagdishbhai , Padmanabhan Vijayalakshmi
Published: November 2018

Background

Cervical cancer is caused by high‐risk human papillomavirus (hrHPV). Though screening Pap test (PT) has reduced cancer mortality by detecting precursor lesions, there is now a move toward replacing screening PT with hrHPV testing. The aims of this study were to determine hrHPV negative rate in high grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (HSIL) PT in high‐risk patients and correlate with histopathology; and to review the hrHPV negative HSIL PT.

Method

LIS was searched (January 2015–June 2016) for HSIL PT results. Patient chart was reviewed for age, hrHPV co‐testing result including genotyping (Aptima®), and histopathology follow‐up (f/u) which was compared between hrHPV‐positive and hrHPV‐negative groups. hrHPV‐negative HSIL PT slides were re‐evaluated for concordance with original interpretation. Student t test was used for data analysis.

Results

There were 230 patients with HSIL PT who had hrHPV co‐testing and 199/230 had histopathological f/u. Majority (210/230, 91.3%) were hrHPV positive, and 20 (8.7%) were hrHPV negative. HrHPV negative HSIL was significantly more common in older women (mean age 49.3 years) compared with hrHPV‐positive HSIL (mean age 40.7 years) (P = .0015). The most frequently detected genotype was HPV16 (40%). F/u was CIN2/3 in 145/181 (80%) hrHPV‐positive HSIL (includes nine squamous cell carcinoma) and 6/16 (37.5%) hrHPV‐negative HSIL.

Conclusion

Although the risk of CIN2/3 and carcinoma was higher in hrHPV‐positive patients, possibility of hrHPV‐negative dysplastic lesions should be considered in older women as 6 of 16 (37.5%) of these women had CIN2/3 and/or carcinoma which would have been missed without the PT.
Remodeling of the endoplasmic reticulum in Caenorhabditis elegans oocytes is regulated by CGH‐1
Authors: Langerak Shaughna , Trombley Alicia , Patterson Joseph R. , Leroux Devon , Couch Alexandra , Wood Megan P. , Schisa Jennifer A.
Published: November 2018

A key aspect of development in all metazoans is remodeling at the cellular level. During the development of gametes, remodeling occurs throughout the germ line. When Caenorhabditis elegans hermaphrodites become depleted of sperm after 4 days of adulthood, significant cellular remodeling occurs within the meiotically‐arrested oocytes, including the formation of ribonucleoprotein granules. Since major remodeling of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) occurs in early embryos, we investigated the extent of ER remodeling in meiotically‐arrested oocytes. We found, using a combination of fluorescence reporters and transmission electron microscopy, that the ER in arrested oocytes accumulates in patches and sheets that are enriched at the cortex. Our findings suggest this remodeling is not due to simple displacement by large amounts of yolk that accumulate in arrested oocytes, and instead may be genetically regulated. We further identified the Ddx6 RNA helicase, CGH‐1, as a key regulator of ER in the germ line. In cgh‐1(tn691) oocytes, we detected cortical ER patches as well as aberrant granules of the RNA‐binding proteins, PAB‐1, MEX‐3, and CGH‐1. Taken together, our results suggest the possibility that the spatial organization of RNA binding proteins may regulate the translation of mRNAs associated with the ER that in turn, controls the organization of the ER in the adult germ line.
Characteristics and outcomes of patients with hyperthyroidism attending a hospital endocrine clinic—A retrospective study
Authors: Sim Sing Yang , Lethem Claudia , Coppini David Vincent
Published: November 2018

Aims

A study looking at the distribution, management and outcomes of patients referred to a secondary care endocrine clinic with a diagnosis of hyperthyroidism.

Methods

Retrospective longitudinal study of 442 patients referred over a 15‐year period (2002‐2017) with a diagnosis of hyperthyroidism to a secondary care endocrine clinic. Information on demographics, diagnosis, treatments and outcomes was recorded as patients attended for clinic visits. Patients were initially treated with 1‐2 courses of thionamides and subsequently referred for radioiodine or surgery in cases of relapse.

Results

Patients (75% female, age range 17‐91 years) were treated with thionamides for an average of 295 days. As expected, the majority of patients had Graves Disease (GD) (80%), followed by those with multinodular goitre (MNG) (8.6%), amiodarone‐induced hyperthyroidism (6.7%) and toxic nodule (3.7%). Drug‐induced remission rates were best seen in patients with GD (43%), and side effects necessitating change in treatment were relatively low (2.5%). In 121 patients who received radioiodine, hypothyroidism occurred in 50% of patients and was commoner in patients with GD (65%) than in those with MNG (22%) and toxic nodule (6.3%).

Conclusions

This study is only one of a few reporting on the characteristics of patients with hyperthyroidism attending a typical secondary care endocrine clinic. Whilst we appreciate its limitations, we encourage similar methods of collecting valuable real world data to facilitate conduction of specialist peer review visits in other similar clinic settings.
Leukocyte Telomere Length in Patients with Radiographic Knee Osteoarthritis
Authors: Mosquera Alejandro , Rego‐Pérez Ignacio , Blanco Francisco J. , Fernández José Luis
Published: November 2018

Relative mean telomere sequence amount was determined by quantitative PCR (qPCR) of peripheral blood leukocyte (PBL) samples obtained at recruitment (n = 310) from individuals from the Osteoarthritis (OA) Initiative consortium. Knees were radiologically evaluated according to the Kellgren–Lawrence (KL) score, ranging from 0 to 4, considering a KL grade ≥ 2 as radiographic evidence of OA (n = 124). Telomere size decreased as baseline KL score increased, being significantly shorter in subjects with KL ≥2 (Mann–Whitney U‐test, P < 0.0001). PBL telomere size was also associated with age, hypertension, body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference. Nevertheless, logistic regression analysis showed that PBL telomere size was a consistent risk factor for concurrent knee OA, independent of these health parameters. Shorter PBL telomeres may indicate a premature aging status which enhances chondrocyte senescence and degenerative joint disease. Environ. Mol. Mutagen. 60:298–301, 2019. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Assessment of the performance of the TGx‐DDI biomarker to detect DNA damage‐inducing agents using quantitative RT‐PCR in TK6 cells
Authors: Cho Eunnara , Buick Julie K. , Williams Andrew , Chen Renxiang , Li Heng‐Hong , Corton J. Christopher , Fornace Albert J. , Aubrecht Jiri , Yauk Carole L.
Published: November 2018

Gene expression biomarkers are now available for application in the identification of genotoxic hazards. The TGx‐DDI transcriptomic biomarker can accurately distinguish DNA damage‐inducing (DDI) from non‐DDI exposures based on changes in the expression of 64 biomarker genes. The 64 genes were previously derived from whole transcriptome DNA microarray profiles of 28 reference agents (14 DDI and 14 non‐DDI) after 4 h treatments of TK6 human lymphoblastoid cells. To broaden the applicability of TGx‐DDI, we tested the biomarker using quantitative RT‐PCR (qPCR), which is accessible to most molecular biology laboratories. First, we selectively profiled the expression of the 64 biomarker genes using TaqMan qPCR assays in 96‐well arrays after exposing TK6 cells to the 28 reference agents for 4 h. To evaluate the classification capability of the qPCR profiles, we used the reference qPCR signature to classify 24 external validation chemicals using two different methods—a combination of three statistical analyses and an alternative, the Running Fisher test. The qPCR results for the reference set were comparable to the original microarray biomarker; 27 of the 28 reference agents (96%) were accurately classified. Moreover, the two classification approaches supported the conservation of TGx‐DDI classification capability using qPCR; the combination of the two approaches accurately classified 21 of the 24 external validation chemicals, demonstrating 100% sensitivity, 81% specificity, and 91% balanced accuracy. This study demonstrates that qPCR can be used when applying the TGx‐DDI biomarker and will improve the accessibility of TGx‐DDI for genotoxicity screening. Environ. Mol. Mutagen. 60: 122–133, 2019. © 2018 Her Majesty the Queen in Right of Canada Environmental and Molecular Mutagenesis.
Effects of wood biomass type and airflow rate on fuel and soil amendment properties of biochar produced in a top‐lit updraft gasifier
Authors: Díez Hernán E. , Pérez Juan F.
Published: November 2018

In this study, the effects of biomass type and airflow rate on the fuel and soil amendment properties of a solid byproduct (biochar, BC) produced by gasification in a top‐lit updraft reactor are studied. The results indicate that biomass with the highest fuel value index produces BC with the highest quality as a solid fuel. The best properties as a soil amendment are reached by Gua‐30‐BC as follows: the cation‐exchange capacity (CEC) of 18.6 meq/100 g, the water holding capacity (WHC) of 438%, and the total oxidizable organic carbon (TOC) of 14.2%. When the airflow increases from 20 to 40 L/min, the properties of pine BC as a solid fuel are affected. An increase in the gasification temperature leads to a diminished bulk density. Moreover, the ash content increases affecting the heating value of BC, which decreases from 27.71 to 25.5 MJ/kg. The best properties of BC as a solid fuel are reached at 20 L/min. The properties of BC as a soil amendment are affected with increased airflow as follows: the CEC decreases by 22.8%, TOC increases by 232.3%, and WHC increases by 7.6%. The best properties of BC as a soil amendment are obtained at 40 L/min. © 2018 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 38:e13105, 2019
Mortality and cancer incidence in carriers of constitutional t(11;22)(q23;q11) translocations: A prospective study
Authors: Schoemaker Minouk J , Jones Michael E , Higgins Craig D , Wright Alan F ,   the UK Clinical Cytogenetics Group, Swerdlow Anthony J
Published: November 2018

The constitutional t(11;22)(q23;q11) translocation is the only recurrent non‐Robertsonian translocation known in humans. Carriers are phenotypically normal and are usually referred for cytogenetic testing because of multiple miscarriages, infertility, or having aneuploidy in offspring. A breast cancer predisposition has been suggested, but previous studies have been small and had methodological shortcomings. We therefore conducted a long‐term prospective study of cancer and mortality risk in carriers. We followed 65 male and 101 female carriers of t(11;22)(q23;q11) diagnosed in cytogenetic laboratories in Britain during 1976–2005 for cancer and deaths for an average of 21.4 years per subject. Standardised mortality (SMR) and incidence (SIR) ratios were calculated comparing the numbers of observed events with those expected from national age‐, sex‐, country‐ and calendar‐period‐specific population rates. Cancer incidence was borderline significantly raised for cancer overall (SIR = 1.56, 95% CI: 0.98–2.36, n = 22), and significantly raised for invasive breast cancer (SIR = 2.74, 95% CI: 1.18–5.40, n = 8) and in situ breast cancer (SIR = 13.0, 95% CI: 3.55–33.4, n = 4). Breast cancer risks were particularly increased at ages <50 (SIR = 4.37, 95% CI: 1.42–10.2 for invasive, SIR = 22.8, 95% CI: 2.76–82.5 for in situ). Mortality was borderline significantly raised for breast cancer (SMR = 4.82, 95% CI: 0.99–14.1) but not significantly raised for other cancers or causes. Individuals diagnosed with t(11;22)(q23;q11) appear to be at several‐fold increased breast cancer risk, with the greatest risks at premenopausal ages. Further research is required to understand the genetic mechanism involving 11q23 and 22q11 and there may be a need for enhanced breast cancer surveillance among female carriers.
Macroscopic hematuria caused by running‐induced traumatic bladder mucosal contusions
Authors: Urakami Shinji , Ogawa Kohei , Oka Suguru , Hayashida Michikata , Hagiwara Kiichi , Nagamoto Shoichi , Sakaguchi Kazushige , Yano Akihiro , Kurosawa Kazuhiro , Okaneya Toshikazu
Published: November 2018

Introduction

To clarify the mechanisms responsible for running‐induced asymptomatic gross hematuria.

Case presentation

We identified 12 patients who visited our outpatient clinic with hematuria after running as a chief complaint. In 9 of 12 patients (75%), cystoscopic findings revealed mucosal contusions at the center of the posterior wall. Our examination including cystoscopy and magnetic resonance imaging revealed that this bladder contusion development was caused by the repeated contact of the bladder posterior wall against the fixed bladder neck by vertical motion in the empty bladder lumen during running. All patients with bladder contusion were male because the bladder neck is more firmly fixed to the pelvic floor by the protruding prostate in men than women. Gross hematuria in all patients quickly resolved without treatment after running cessation.

Conclusion

This is the first report in which cystoscopic findings showed that running‐induced macroscopic hematuria can be frequently caused by traumatic bladder contusion.
Optical sensor revealed abnormal nuclease spatial activity on cancer cell membrane
Authors: Wang Yongliang , Zhao Yuanchang , Sarkar Anwesha , Wang Xuefeng
Published: November 2018

Nucleases are important enzymes that cleave nucleic acids and play critical roles in DNA repair, immune defense and potentially in cancer invasion. However, their spatial dynamics at subcellular level is much less studied. Here, we developed a surface‐tethered nuclease sensor (SNS) which directly converts membrane‐bound nuclease (MN) activity to fluorescent signal, therefore, mapping MN activity on cell adhesion sites with high resolution and sensitivity. With SNS, we studied MN activity on the ventral membrane of cancer cells, where MN activity initially occurs in punctate regions and advances in a coral‐shaped pattern. In six tested cell‐lines, the MN activity levels in cancer cells are significantly higher than those in non‐cancer cells. We then tested SNS as a sensitive approach to detect cancer cells at single cell level. Single breast cancer cells were successfully detected from thousands of adherent non‐cancer cells and from millions of non‐adherent blood cells.
Activation of RANK/RANKL/OPG Pathway Is Involved in the Pathophysiology of Fibrous Dysplasia and Associated With Disease Burden
Authors: de Castro Luis F , Burke Andrea B , Wang Howard D , Tsai Jeffrey , Florenzano Pablo , Pan Kristen S , Bhattacharyya Nisan , Boyce Alison M , Gafni Rachel I , Molinolo Alfredo A , Robey Pamela G , Collins Michael T
Published: November 2018

Fibrous dysplasia of bone (FD) is a mosaic disease caused by mutations in GNAS. Constitutive activation of the α-subunit of the Gs stimulatory protein (Gαs) leads to dysregulated proliferation of bone marrow stromal cells (BMSCs), generating expansile lesions of fibrotic tissue and abnormal bone. Local bone remodeling regulation by BMSCs is also altered, and FD tissue is characterized by abundant osteoclast-like cells that may be essential for lesion expansion. Animal models show local expression of RANKL in bone lesions, and treatment with the RANKL neutralizing antibody denosumab decreased lesion expansion rate in a patient with aggressive FD. However, the role of RANKL/osteoprotegerin (OPG) in FD pathophysiology is not yet understood. We measured serum levels of RANKL, OPG, and inactive RANKL-OPG complexes in FD patients of known disease burden and in healthy volunteers (HVs). RANK, RANKL, and Ki67 immunohistochemistry were assessed in FD tissue. Cultured FD and HV BMSCs were stimulated with prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) and 1,25 vitamin D3 to increase RANKL expression, and media levels of RANKL and OPG were measured. Osteoclastogenic induction by FD or HV BMSCs was assessed in co-cultures with HV peripheral monocytes. FD patients showed a 16-fold increase in serum RANKL compared to HVs. OPG was moderately increased (24%), although RANKL/OPG ratio was 12-fold higher in FD patients than in HVs. These measurements were positively correlated with the skeletal burden score (SBS), a validated marker of overall FD burden. No differences in serum inactive RANKL-OPG complexes were observed. In FD tissue, RANKL+ and Ki67+ fibroblastic cells were observed near RANK+ osteoclasts. High levels of RANKL were released by FD BMSCs cultures, but were undetectable in HV cultures. FD BMSC released less OPG than HV BMSCs. FD, but not HV BMSCs, induced osteoclastogenesis in monocyte co-cultures, which was prevented by denosumab addition. These data are consistent with the role of RANKL as a driver in FD-induced osteoclastogenesis. © 2018 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Age at Onset of Walking in Infancy Is Associated With Hip Shape in Early Old Age
Authors: Ireland Alex , Saunders Fiona R , Muthuri Stella G , Pavlova Anastasia V , Hardy Rebecca J , Martin Kathryn R , Barr Rebecca J , Adams Judith E , Kuh Diana , Aspden Richard M , Gregory Jennifer S , Cooper Rachel
Published: November 2018

Bones’ shapes and structures adapt to the muscle and reaction forces they experience during everyday movements. Onset of independent walking, at approximately 12 months, represents the first postnatal exposure of the lower limbs to the large forces associated with bipedal movements; accordingly, earlier walking is associated with greater bone strength. However, associations between early life loading and joint shape have not been explored. We therefore examined associations between walking age and hip shape at age 60 to 64 years in 1423 individuals (740 women) from the MRC National Survey of Health and Development, a nationally representative British birth cohort. Walking age in months was obtained from maternal interview at age 2 years. Ten modes of variation in hip shape (HM1 to HM10), described by statistical shape models, were ascertained from DXA images. In sex-adjusted analyses, earlier walking age was associated with higher HM1 and HM7 scores; these associations were maintained after further adjustment for height, body composition, and socioeconomic position. Earlier walking was also associated with lower HM2 scores in women only, and lower HM4 scores in men only. Taken together, this suggests that earlier walkers have proportionately larger (HM4) and flatter (HM1, HM4) femoral heads, wider (HM1, HM4, HM7) and flatter (HM1, HM7) femoral necks, a smaller neck-shaft angle (HM1, HM4), anteversion (HM2, HM7), and early development of osteophytes (HM1). These results suggest that age at onset of walking in infancy is associated with variations in hip shape in older age. Early walkers have a larger femoral head and neck and smaller neck-shaft angle; these features are associated with reduced hip fracture risk, but also represent an osteoarthritic-like phenotype. Unlike results of previous studies of walking age and bone mass, associations in this study were not affected by adjustment for lean mass, suggesting that associations may relate directly to skeletal loading in early life when joint shape changes rapidly. © 2018 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
RETRACTED: Effect of PLK1 inhibition on cisplatin‐resistant gastric cancer cells
Authors: Chen Zihao , Chai Yanling , Zhao Ting , Li Ping , Zhao Lihua , He Fang , Lang Yu , Qin Jing , Ju Hongping
Published: November 2018

Objective

This study aims to investigate the effect of polo‐like kinase 1 (PLK1) inhibition on cisplatin (DDP)‐resistant gastric cancer (GC) cells. Methods: The transcriptional level of PLK1 was measured by quantitative reverse‐transcription polymerase chain reaction. Expressions of PLK1 and its downstream mediators as well as autophagy‐related protein LC3 I/LC3 II were detected by western blot. An 3‐(4,5‐Dimethylthiazol‐2‐yl)‐2,5‐diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay and 5‐ethynyl‐2′‐deoxyuridine immunofluorescent staining were conducted to evaluate the cell viability and replication activity separately. Flow cytometry was carried out to determine the cell cycle status. The GFP‐LC3 vector contributed toward tracking the formation and aggregation of autophagosomes. Results: Drug‐resistant SGC‐7901/DDP cells showed insignificant changes in all phases after DDP treatment, including DNA replication, cell proliferation, cell cycle, and apoptosis, whereas DDP could significantly improve the autophagy level of SGC‐7901/DDP as well as PLK1expression. By downregulating the expression of PLK1, both BI2536 andsi‐PLK1 enhanced SGC‐7901/DDP sensitivity to DDP, suppressing the proliferation and autophagy as well as improving the apoptosis rate. PLK1 inhibition also resulted in the repression of cell division regulators CDC25C and cyclin B1. Conclusion: Together, our experimental results illustrated that the DDP resistance of GC cells might be associated with the aberrant overexpression of PLK1. PLK1 inhibition, including si‐PLK1 and BI2536 treatment, could restore the chemosensitivity of drug‐resistant SGC‐7901/DDP cells and enhance the efficacy of DDP, revealing the potential value of PLK1 inhibition in GC chemotherapy.
Retracted: LINC00707 contributes to hepatocellular carcinoma progression via sponging miR‐206 to increase CDK14
Authors: Tu Jianfei , Zhao Zhongwei , Xu Min , Chen Minjiang , Weng Qiaoyou , Wang Jiangmei , Ji Jiansong
Published: November 2018

Recently, increasing numbers of long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) have been found to be aberrantly expressed in various cancers. However, the roles of lncRNAs in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) progression is largely unknown. In our current study, we identified that long intergenic nonprotein‐coding RNA 707 (LINC00707) was remarkably elevated in HCC cells, indicating that LINC00707 was involved in HCC development. Subsequently, LINC00707 was significantly decreased in HepG2 and Huh7 cells. The in vitro functional assays demonstrated that knockdown of LINC00707 significantly reduced HCC cell proliferation, induced cell apoptosis, and blocked the cell cycle progression. In addition, HCC cell migration and invasion was also greatly inhibited by downregulation of LINC00707. Increasing evidence has indicated that lncRNAs can act as molecular sponges of microRNAs. Currently, we observed that microRNA‐206 (miR‐206) was dramatically inhibited in HCC cells and LINC00707 can modulate HCC development through sponging miR‐206. The binding correlation between LINC00707 and miR‐206 was confirmed by dual‐luciferase reporter assay, RNA pull down and RNA immunoprecipitation assay in our study. Moreover, cyclin‐dependent kinase 14 (CDK14) was predicted as a target of miR‐206 and we found that miR‐206 suppressed CDK14 levels in HCC cells. Finally, in vivo assays were used and it was proved that silence of LINC00707 can restrain HCC development through modulating miR‐206 to upregulate CDK14. In conclusion, it was implied that LINC00707 can lead to HCC progression through sponging miR‐206 and modulating CDK14.
Pyrazole‐1‐carbothioamide as a Potent Precursor for Synthesis of Some New N‐heterocycles of Potential Biological Activity
Authors: El Azab Islam H. , Abu Ali Ola A. , El‐Zahrani Aishah H. , Gobouri Adil A. , Altalhi Tariq A.
Published: November 2018

Herein, we reported the efficient synthesis of new azoles as bio‐functional analogs, employing the easily obtainable N‐acetyl‐3,5‐diphenyl‐4,5‐dihydro‐1H‐pyrazole‐1‐carbothioamide (1), as a versatile precursor. The structures of the newly synthesized compounds were elucidated based on their IR, 1H NMR, and 13C NMR mass spectral and elemental analysis. Furthermore, some selected compounds were evaluated in vitro for their antimicrobial activities. The preliminary bioassay results indicate that the majority of the tested compounds exhibited significant antimicrobial activity. Compounds 12, 11, 18, 30, 22, 3, and 2 were found to be the most potent against the tested microorganisms with minimum inhibitory concentration ≤ (12.25 μg/mL), indicating that conjugates bearing thiazole moiety, as well as those with N‐substituted electron‐withdrawing groups, exhibited higher potency than the rest of other compounds.
A new ionic liquid surface‐imprinted polymer for selective solid‐phase‐extraction and determination of sulfonamides in environmental samples
Authors: Zhu Guifen , Cheng Guohao , Wang Li , Yu Wenna , Wang Peiyun , Fan Jing
Published: November 2018

Toward improving the selective adsorption performance of molecularly imprinted polymers in strong polar solvents, in this work, a new ionic liquid functional monomer, 1‐butyl‐3‐vinylimidazolium bromide, was used to synthesize sulfamethoxazole imprinted polymer in methanol. The resulting molecularly imprinted polymer was characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectra and scanning electron microscopy, and the rebinding mechanism of the molecularly imprinted polymer for sulfonamides was studied. A static equilibrium experiment revealed that the as‐obtained molecularly imprinted polymer had higher molecular recognition for sulfonamides (e.g., sulfamethoxazole, sulfamonomethoxine, and sulfadiazine) in methanol; however, its adsorption of interferent (e.g., diphenylamine, metronidazole, 2,4‐dichlorophenol, and m‐dihydroxybenzene) was quite low.1H NMR spectroscopy indicated that the excellent recognition performance of the imprinted polymer was based primarily on hydrogen bond, electrostatic and π‐π interactions. Furthermore, the molecularly imprinted polymer can be employed as a solid phase extraction sorbent to effectively extract sulfamethoxazole from a mixed solution. Combined with high‐performance liquid chromatography analysis, a valid molecularly imprinted polymer‐solid phase extraction protocol was established for extraction and detection of trace sulfamethoxazole in spiked soil and sediment samples, and with a recovery that ranged from 93–107%, and a relative standard deviation of lower than 9.7%.
Use of a recently developed thermal modulator within the context of comprehensive two‐dimensional gas chromatography combined with time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry: Gas flow optimization aspects
Authors: Zoccali Mariosimone , Giocastro Barbara , Tranchida Peter Q. , Mondello Luigi
Published: November 2018

The present research is based on the use of a recently developed comprehensive two‐dimensional gas chromatography thermal modulator, which is defined as solid‐state modulator. The transfer device was installed on top of a single gas chromatography oven, while benchtop low‐resolution time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry was used to monitor the compounds exiting the second analytical column. The solid‐state modulator was first described by Luong et al. in 2016, and it is a moving modulator that does not require heating and cooling gases to generate comprehensive two‐dimensional gas chromatography data. The accumulation and remobilization steps occur on a trapping capillary, this being subjected to thermoelectric cooling and micathermic heating. In this study, the effects of the gas linear velocity on the modulation performance were evaluated by using two different uncoated trapping capillaries, viz., 0.8 m × 0.25 mm id and 0.8 m × 0.20 mm id. Solid‐state modulator applications were carried out on a standard solution containing n‐alkanes (C9, C10, C12), and on a sample of diesel fuel. The results indicated that the type of trapping capillary and gas velocity have a profound effect on modulation efficiency.
Comparison of flap outcomes between single‐ and multiple‐perforator‐based free anterolateral thigh flap in head and neck reconstruction
Authors: Wang Kuan‐Chih , Tsai Chia‐Chin , Chang Chih‐Hao , Tseng Wan‐Ling , Hung Kuo‐Shu , Chang Tzu‐Yen , Chen Szu‐Han , Lee Yao‐Chou
Published: November 2018

Introduction

The number of perforators required for safe perfusion remains under debate. This study aimed to determine whether a single‐ or multiple‐perforator‐based anterolateral thigh flap yields better flap outcomes in head and neck reconstruction.

Patients and Methods

Between August 2012 and July 2016, 180 men and 4 women with a mean age of 52.8 ± 9.8 years underwent head and neck anterolateral thigh flap reconstruction for oncologic defect in 181 cases, plate exposure in two cases, and trismus release in one case. The flap was patched for inner or external lining, folded for through–through defect, or tubed for cervical esophageal reconstruction. Of 184 flaps, 136 (73.9%) were based on multiple perforators (range, 2–5 perforators), whereas 48 (26.1%) were based on a single perforator. The demographics, operative findings, and flap outcomes were compared.

Results

The prevalence of systemic diseases between groups was comparable. The mean flap size in the single‐perforator group was smaller (92.8 ± 36.8 vs. 140.5 ± 99.9 cm2, P < .0001). Twenty‐one flaps (11.4%) required emergency take‐back and 13 (61.9%) were successfully salvaged. Eight flaps failed, yielding a 95.7% flap survival rate. The single‐perforator group had a significantly higher rate of emergency take‐back for vascular compromise (8/48 (16.7%) vs. 8/136 (5.9%), P = .035), a decreased salvage success rate (2/8 (25.0%) vs. 11/13 (84.6%), P = .018), and a corresponding lower flap survival rate (42/48 (87.5%) vs. 134/136 (98.5%), P = .004).

Conclusion

Whenever possible, we recommend including multiple cutaneous perforators in anterolateral thigh flaps to yield better flap outcomes in head and neck reconstruction.