bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impact of IL1RN Variants on Response to Interleukin‐1 Blocking Therapy in Systemic Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis
Authors: Hinze Claas , Fuehner Sabrina , Kessel Christoph , Wittkowski Helmut , Lainka Elke , Baehr Melanie , Hügle Boris , Haas Johannes‐Peter , Ganser Gerd , Weißbarth‐Riedel Elisabeth , Jansson Annette , Foell Dirk
Published: October 2019

Objective

To analyze the reported association of IL1RN polymorphisms with response to interleukin‐1 (IL‐1) blockade in a German cohort of patients with systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA), and to assess the impact of other factors on treatment response.

Methods

Sixty‐one patients with systemic JIA who had received IL‐1 blockade were identified within the German Autoinflammatory Disease registry DNA biobank. Response to IL‐1 blockade was assessed according to 1) the clinical response (initially at least a transient response or good response compared to a poor response), 2) switch (or no switch) to anti–IL‐6 receptor therapy following IL‐1 blockade, 3) achievement of clinically inactive disease within 6 months of IL‐1 blockade, 4) improvement in disease activity measured using the modified Juvenile Arthritis Disease Activity Score, and 5) achievement of a glucocorticoid‐free state. In addition, basic demographic data, key features of the disease course, laboratory data, and IL1RN single‐nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were assessed.

Results

Six of 7 IL1RN SNPs reported to be associated with response to anakinra therapy were analyzed. These 6 IL1RN SNPs were inherited as haplotypes. An association of IL1RN haplotypes and SNPs with response to IL‐1 blockade could not be confirmed in this cohort of patients with systemic JIA. Patients who received tocilizumab following IL‐1 blockade had a longer duration from disease onset to diagnosis than those who did not receive tocilizumab (median 0.27 years versus 0.08 years).

Conclusion

The results of this study could not confirm an impact of IL1RN SNPs on response to IL‐1 blockade therapy with either anakinra or canakinumab in a cohort of patients with systemic JIA. However, a longer time frame from disease onset to diagnosis was associated with poorer long‐term treatment response, thereby supporting the “window of opportunity” hypothesis that suggests improved long‐term treatment response with shorter time from disease onset to diagnosis (and treatment).
Photochemical Reactions in the Synthesis of Protein–Drug Conjugates
Authors: Holland Jason P. , Gut Melanie , Klingler Simon , Fay Rachael , Guillou Amaury
Published: October 2019

The ability to modify biologically active molecules such as antibodies with drug molecules, fluorophores or radionuclides is crucial in drug discovery and target identification. Classic chemistry used for protein functionalisation relies almost exclusively on thermochemically mediated reactions. Our recent experiments have begun to explore the use of photochemistry to effect rapid and efficient protein functionalisation. This article introduces some of the principles and objectives of using photochemically activated reagents for protein ligation. The concept of simultaneous photoradiosynthesis of radiolabelled antibodies for use in molecular imaging is introduced as a working example. Notably, the goal of producing functionalised proteins in the absence of pre‐association (non‐covalent ligand‐protein binding) introduces requirements that are distinct from the more regular use of photoactive groups in photoaffinity labelling. With this in mind, the chemistry of thirteen different classes of photoactivatable reagents that react through the formation of intermediate carbenes, electrophiles, dienes, or radicals, is assessed.
Aurophilicity‐Mediated Construction of Emissive Porous Molecular Crystals as Versatile Hosts for Liquid and Solid Guests
Authors: Seki Tomohiro , Ida Kentaro , Sato Hiroyasu , Aono Shinji , Sakaki Shigeyoshi , Ito Hajime
Published: October 2019

The first examples of porous molecular crystals that are assembled through Au⋅⋅⋅Au interactions of gold complex 1 are here reported along with their exchange properties with respect to their guest components. Single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction (XRD) analyses indicate that the crystal structure of 1/CH2Cl2⋅pentane is based on cyclic hexamers of 1, which are formed through six Au⋅⋅⋅Au interactions. The packing of these cyclic hexamers affords a porous architecture, in which the one‐dimensional channel segment contains CH2Cl2 and pentane as guests. These guests can be exchanged through operationally simple methods under retention of the host framework of 1, which furnished 1/guest complexes with 26 different guests. A single‐crystal XRD analysis of 1/eicosane, which contains the long linear alkane eicosane (n‐C20H42), successfully provided its accurately modeled structure within the porous material. These host–guest complexes show chromic luminescence with both blue‐ and redshifted emissions. Moreover, this porous organometallic material can exhibit luminescent mechanochromism through release of guests.
Cytologic evaluation of p16 staining in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma in CytoLyt versus formalin‐fixed material
Authors: Buonocore Darren J. , Fowle Evan , Lin Oscar , Xu Bin , Katabi Nora , Cohen Jean‐Marc
Published: October 2019

Background

The management of high‐risk human papillomavirus (HR‐HPV)–related oropharyngeal head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCCs) are distinct from HNSCC linked to smoking and alcohol use. HR‐HPV–positive HNSCC frequently presents as a cervical lymph node metastasis. Because fine‐needle aspiration (FNA) is often the initial diagnostic procedure, evaluating HR‐HPV status in cytology specimens is important. The overexpression of p16 is a surrogate for HR‐HPV; however, the evaluation of p16 in FNAs remains controversial.

Methods

From September 2015 to December 2016, cytopathologists performed 25 FNAs of neck lymph nodes that were suspicious for HR‐HPV–positive HNSCC. Initial passes produced smears for on‐site evaluation and CytoLyt material. Additional passes were formalin‐fixed. A CytoLyt cell block (CCB) and a formalin‐fixed cell block (FFCB) were prepared, and p16 immunocytochemistry was performed.

Results

In 24 of 25 cases, the FFCB had diffuse (≥70% of cells), strong nuclear/cytoplasmic p16 staining. In all 24 of these cases, HR‐HPV was detected by in situ hybridization. The corresponding CCB had weak‐to‐moderate p16 staining in <70% of cells (range, 5%‐60% of cells) in 17 cases, 4 had weak‐to‐moderate diffuse staining, and 4 were acellular. The percentage of p16‐positive cells was significantly higher with FFCB than with CCB (formalin: 94% ± 2%; CytoLyt, 38% ± 7%; 2‐tailed, paired Student t test; P < .001; Fisher exact test, P < .001).

Conclusions

The fixative used had a drastic impact on p16 staining, which explained the staining variability reported in the literature. FFCBs show a diffuse staining pattern, which correlates with HR‐HPV status, whereas CCBs show a weaker and inconsistent staining pattern, which is more difficult to interpret.
Electrolyte Effects on the Electrochemical Reduction of CO2
Authors: Moura de Salles Pupo Marilia , Kortlever Ruud
Published: October 2019

The electrochemical reduction of CO2 to fuels or commodity chemicals is a reaction of high interest for closing the anthropogenic carbon cycle. The role of the electrolyte is of particular interest, as the interplay between the electrocatalytic surface and the electrolyte plays an important role in determining the outcome of the CO2 reduction reaction. Therefore, insights on electrolyte effects on the electrochemical reduction of CO2 are pivotal in designing electrochemical devices that are able to efficiently and selectively convert CO2 into valuable products. Here, we provide an overview of recently obtained insights on electrolyte effects and we discuss how these insights can be used as design parameters for the construction of new electrocatalytic systems.
Investigation of cubic non‐linearity‐driven electrostatic structures in the presence of double spectral index distribution function
Authors: Qureshi M.N.S. , Shah K.H. , Shi Jiankui , Masood W. , Shah H.A.
Published: October 2019

In this article, modified Korteweg‐de Vries equation (which involves cubic non‐linearity) was derived to study non‐linear ion acoustic waves in a plasma in which electrons follow the double spectral index distribution function. The double spectral index distribution successfully apes the distribution functions that have been frequently observed in space plasmas. The spectral index r moulds the distribution function at low energy and by increasing its value, flatness of the distribution enhances. The spectral index r can also have negative values due to which distribution becomes spiky at low energies. The index q, on the other hand, controls the shape of the tail of distribution function. It has been shown that propagation of the solitary structures gets significantly altered by the choice of the double spectral indices, namely, r and q. A comparison was also made, using the parameters of the auroral zone, between the quadratic and cubic non‐linearities‐driven non‐linear structures and it was shown that the solitary structures form on a much shorter scale for cubic non‐linearity compared to their quadratic counterpart.
Primary signet ring cell carcinoma of the pancreas: Cytopathology review of a rare entity
Authors: El Hussein Siba , Khader Samer N.
Published: October 2019

Primary signet ring cell carcinoma of the pancreas (PSRCCP) is an extremely rare diagnosis that has not been extensively studied in literature. Primary and metastatic neoplasms to the pancreas may exhibit cytomorphological similarities to signet ring cells, posing diagnostic challenges. In this article, we review PSRCCP and provide a study of several primary pancreatic neoplasms that may mimic the appearance of PSRCCP upon cytopathology evaluation, shedding light on the existence of this dilemma, and helping cytopathologists in navigating similar scenarios in their practice.
Peatland degradation: The relationship between raised bog hydrology and normalized difference vegetation index
Authors: Šimanauskienė Rasa , Linkevičienė Rita , Bartold Maciej , Dąbrowska‐Zielińska Katarzyna , Slavinskienė Gintarė , Veteikis Darijus , Taminskas Julius
Published: October 2019

Peatlands are recognized as important landscape elements and their disturbance, followed by the loss of their ecohydrological functions, leads to falling water tables and degradation. Sometimes, the shortage of hydrological monitoring data impedes the detection of degrading peatland areas. The application of cost‐effective remote sensing methods for assessment of humidity conditions permits monitoring of a large area and longer periods of time. Therefore, in this study, we assessed the links between hydrological parameters and the normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) as well as identifying spatio‐temporal patterns in the condition of raised bog vegetation, according to NDVI, in the Čepkeliai raised bog, a semipristine peatland in south‐eastern Lithuania. Time series of NDVI (2000–2018) were obtained from the moderate resolution imaging spectroradiometer and compared with field measurements. A strong positive correlation between NDVI and water table depth was found. Moderate (for the whole raised bog) and strong (for control subbasin) positive correlations between NDVIavg and annual minimum flow over 30 and 7 days were found. This confirms that NDVI could be treated as an appropriate indicator, showing the degradation processes of the raised bog ecosystem and could be applied in its management. Analysis of the interannual NDVIavg variation confirmed the prevalence of stable favourable conditions during the growing season with a slight decrease in NDVImax over last 4 years. Meanwhile, analysis of spatial NDVI variation revealed obvious spatial patterns where possible degradation processes tend to appear.
Organic Carbon Flux in Ditches during the Growing Season in a Drained Alpine Peatland
Authors: Wang Danyang , Li Zhiwei , Li Zhongwu , You Yuchi
Published: October 2019

The carbon budget dynamics of peatlands plays a crucial role in both the response of peatland ecosystems to environmental change and the effect of environmental change on peatlands. Studies on northern peatlands have suggested that the reliable assessment of the carbon budget must include the carbon flux at the land‐stream interface. But this argument has not been proved in the Qinghai‐Tibet Plateau, the world's largest alpine system. To address the knowledge gap, in the growing season (May to October) of 2016, we chose Riganqiao peatland, a typical peatland in the Zoige Basin of the Qinghai‐Tibet Plateau which has been intensely drained via ditches since the 1960s. The objective of this study was to measure the organic carbon export from ditches, and to estimate what proportion of the carbon budget can be attributed to this export. Results showed that, during the growing season in 2016, total organic carbon flux in ditches was 2,345 t (8.6 g m−2), of which particulate organic carbon accounted for 12% and dissolved organic carbon for 88%. This flux decreased the carbon budget of Riganqiao peatland by 11.2% (from +76.8 g m−2 to +68.2 g m−2), making it a weakened carbon sink. This result revealed that organic carbon export from ditches plays an important role in the carbon balance in peatland of the Qinghai‐Tibet Plateau.
Controls on soil carbon dioxide and methane fluxes from a peat swamp vary by hydrogeomorphic setting
Authors: Davidson Scott J. , Strack Maria , Bourbonniere Richard A. , Waddington James M.
Published: October 2019

Carbon dynamics of temperate peat swamps are a largely understudied component of wetland carbon cycling. Under a changing climate, hydrometeorological conditions may change, and understanding how peat swamps may be impacted is important. We investigated the importance of hydrogeomorphic setting on controlling soil carbon dioxide (CO2) and methane (CH4) fluxes from a temperate peat swamp in southern Ontario, Canada over a 3‐year period. We chose three different hydrogeomorphic settings: (a) a site with strong wetland‐stream interactions (i.e., an unconfined stream channel; unconfined), (b) a site with limited wetland‐stream interactions (confined), and (c) an interior site (no wetland–stream interaction). The differing hydrogeomorphic conditions between the sites resulted in differences in carbon fluxes. The unconfined site maintained a higher water table across all three study years, providing conditions that are not favourable to CO2production. The confined and interior sites sustained a much lower water table, with conditions more conducive to CO2efflux. The unconfined site also had the highest CH4emissions due to the increased anoxic conditions favourable for CH4production as a result of the higher water table position. Hydrogeomorphic setting was found to be important for understanding within site variation, suggesting the sites may respond differently to longer‐term shifts in environmental conditions. This may change relationships between sites if the responses are strong enough to significantly alter carbon fluxes, decomposition, and potential peat accumulation rates. It is important to understand the locally specific responses to environmental conditions within peat swamp ecosystems, in order to make future predictions about whole ecosystem function under changing conditions.
The dynamics of band (peak) shape development in capillary zone electrophoresis in the case of two co‐migrating analytes: The displacement and the tag‐along effects
Authors: Dvořák Martin , Kalus Michal , Dovhunová Magda , Dubský Pavel , Gaš Bohuslav
Published: October 2019

Peak shapes in electrophoresis are often distorted from the ideal Gaussian shape due to disturbing phenomena, of which the most important is electromigration dispersion. For fully dissociated analytes, there is a tight analogy between nonlinear models describing a separation process in chromatography and electrophoresis. When the velocity of the separated analyte depends on the concentration of the co‐analyte, the consequence is a mutual influence of the analytes couples, which distorts both analyte zones. In this paper, we introduce a nonlinear model of electromigration for the analysis of two co‐migrating fully dissociated analytes. In the initial stages of separation, they influence each other, which causes much more complicated peak shapes. The analysis has revealed that the two most important phenomena—the displacement and the tag‐along effects—are common both for nonlinear chromatography and electrophoresis, though their description is partly based on rather different phenomena. The comparison between the nonlinear model of electromigration we describe and the numerical computer solution of the original continuity equations has proven an almost perfect agreement. The predicted features in peak shapes in initial stages of separation have been fully confirmed by the experiments.
Durability of Hepatitis B Surface Antigen Loss With Nucleotide Analogue and Peginterferon Therapy in Patients With Chronic Hepatitis B
Authors: Lok Anna S. , Zoulim Fabien , Dusheiko Geoffrey , Chan Henry L.Y. , Buti Maria , Ghany Marc G. , Gaggar Anuj , Yang Jenny C. , Wu George , Flaherty John F. , Subramanian G. Mani , Locarnini Stephen , Marcellin Patrick
Published: October 2019

In patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB), loss of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) is considered a functional cure. However, HBsAg loss is uncommon with existing therapies, and predictive factors associated with HBsAg seroreversion are unknown. Using pooled data from three phase 3 clinical trials of patients with CHB treated with nucleos(t)ide analogue (NUC) monotherapy or peginterferon (Peg‐IFN) ± NUC combination therapy, we conducted a retrospective analysis to characterize patients who achieved sustained HBsAg loss, the predictors of HBsAg seroreversion, and the impact of hepatitis B surface antibody (anti‐HBs) seroconversion on durability of HBsAg loss. In these three international trials, 1,381 adults with CHB received either NUC monotherapy for up to 10 years or Peg‐IFN‐containing regimens for up to 1 year. A total of 55 patients had confirmed HBsAg loss, defined as two or more consecutive negative‐qualitative HBsAg results, with a minimum of one repeat result after the end of treatment. Throughout a median of 96 (quartile [Q]1, Q3, 46, 135) weeks follow‐up after HBsAg loss, HBsAg loss was durable in 82% (n = 45) of patients, with 10 patients experiencing HBsAg seroreversion. Anti‐HBs seroconversion was observed during follow‐up in 78% of patients who lost HBsAg and in 60% of those who subsequently seroreverted. In analyzing predictors of HBsAg seroreversion, study treatment was significant, yet anti‐HBs seroconversion and treatment duration after initial HBsAg loss were not. Risk of HBsAg seroreversion was observed to be lower if HBsAg loss was sustained through the off‐treatment week 24 visit (8/10 seroreversions occurred by posttreatment week 24). Conclusion: HBsAg loss after NUC or Peg‐IFN‐containing regimens was durable in 82% of patients with CHB. Anti‐HBs seroconversion and treatment duration after initial HBsAg loss were not significantly associated with durability of HBsAg loss.
Electroacupuncture protects rats from ischemic brain injury via coffilin in mice
Authors: Sun Juguang , Shi Jiangfeng , Hou Jinyi , Guo Chunhui , Heng Xueli , Qi Guanghui
Published: October 2019

Background

This study aimed to study the expression level of cofilin after electroacupuncture (EA) pretreatment, using ischemic brain injury model in mice. In addition, infarct volume and neurological functions were measured to understand whether electroacupuncture stimulation could restore the functions of the brain.

Methods

Total of 36 mice was randomly divided into three groups: sham group, middle cerebral artery occlusion model (MACO), and middle cerebral artery occlusion model pretreated with EA (MACO + EA). Mice were stimulated at “Baihui (G20)” and “Dazhui (G14)” 24 hours before focal cerebral ischemia. Infarct volume and neuronal function of brain tissue were scored among different experimental groups. The expression level of cofilin and phosphocofilin of brain tissue were evaluated by using Western blot analysis. TUNEL assay was performed to determine the degree of cell apoptosis.

Results

Compared with the sham group, the level of cofilin was dramatically reduced in the MACO group. EA pretreatment could reduce the protein level of cofilin, while EA therapy could also upregulate the protein level of phosphocofilin. Improved neuronal function, smaller infarct volume, and reduced neuronal apoptosis were observed among the mice underwent EA before middle artery occlusion.

Conclusion

Our results from Western blot analysis and TUNEL assay might suggest that the upregulation of cofilin was concerned with the EA protects rats from ischemic brain injury. Cofilin might be a potential target for developing drugs against brain ischemia.
The efficacy and safety of elbasvir/grazoprevir treatment in HCV genotype 1 patients in Taiwan
Authors: Tsai Tzu‐Cheng , Deng Shin‐Tarng , Hsu Chao‐Wei
Published: October 2019

Background

Elbasvir/grazoprevir (EBR/GZR) is a new generation, fixed‐dose, combination antiviral drug used in chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) genotype (GT) 1 or 4 infection. Our study evaluates the clinical efficacy and safety of EBR/GZR after its launch in Taiwan.

Methods

This is a retrospective observational study. Patients who had received EBR/GZR for chronic HCV GT 1 between June 2017 and April 2018 were recruited. Patients’ age, sex, HCV GT, changes in HCV RNA level before and after treatment, sustained virologic response 12 weeks (SVR12) after the cessation of drug administration, side effects, and interaction effects were used to evaluate the clinical efficacy and safety.

Results

A total of 149 patients were recruited. Of them, 145 (97.3%) had HCV GT 1b, and the rest had HCV GT 1a; most of the EBR/GZR‐related side effects in this study were mild. Three participants were discontinued because their alanine transaminase levels were elevated to over 10 times the upper limit of normal. The therapeutic effect analyses revealed a rapid virologic response rate of 95.3% and an SVR12 rate of 98%. Subgroup analyses performed using SVR12 as the outcome variable revealed three demographic factors HCV GT 1, hepatocellular carcinoma medical history, and noncirrhosis plus HCV RNA level.

Conclusions

This study confirmed that EBR/GZR is safe and effective for treating patients with HCV GT 1 and exhibited excellent overall clinical efficacy in Taiwan. The therapeutic effects are unrelated to factors such as sex, HCV RNA level before treatment, and history of liver cirrhosis.
Daily minimum temperature and precipitation control on spring phenology in arid‐mountain ecosystems in China
Authors: Du Jun , Li Kai , He Zhibin , Chen Longfei , Lin Pengfei , Zhu Xi
Published: October 2019

Climate anomaly has caused substantial shifts in phenology of mountain ecosystems, but the underlying mechanism of phenological responses to climate change is still not well understood. In essence, the abundance of vegetation communities increases the complexity of phenology‐climate relationships, leading to a certain limitation in predictions of future dynamics among different vegetation types using a unified model. In this study, we focused on the climatic constraints on spring phenology in arid mountains (AMs) of China, and emphasis was laid on accurate representation of mechanisms that control phenology across different vegetation types. We Firstly explored spatio‐temporal variations in satellite‐derived estimates of starting date of vegetation growing season (SOS) over the period 2000–2015 using moderate‐resolution imaging spectro‐radiometer (MODIS) normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI). Phenological models in response to climate variability were then established by using mixed‐effect models based on satellite observations and an extensive dataset of climatic measurements. Our results showed that the climatic regulation on SOS varied greatly over vegetation types. More climatic factors that regulate phenological development were found in grassland than forest and shrubland. At ecosystem level, two critical climate factors, daily minimum temperature (Tmin) and precipitation, explained 74–95% of total variability in predicted SOS. The observed sensitivity to Tmin is expected to be closely linked with the risk of frost damage, while preseason precipitation determines water availability in spring. The varying ecosystem sensitivity revealed the different resilience and adaptability to changing climate among vegetation types, which have been linked to their eco‐physiological characteristics (e.g., water use efficiency) and environmental conditions (e.g., elevation). Overall, our results indicate a strong dependence of spring phenology on Tmin and precipitation, and create an opportunity for a more realistic representation of vegetation phenology and growth of AM plants in China in land surface models.
Parameter study and shape optimisation of a generalised ellipse dimple‐textured face seal
Authors: Guiyue Kou , Xinghu Li , Yan Wang , Mouyou Lin , Kanran Zhou , Mingfei Mu
Published: October 2019

A new type of generalised ellipse dimple has been introduced to improve load‐carrying capacity (LCC) of gas face seal. Theoretical model was developed to study the influence of key geometrical parameters of generalised ellipse dimple texture on LCC and leakage rate of gas face seal. Then the optimised shape of dimples for maximum LCC under different working conditions were obtained using genetic algorithm method. It is observed that generalised ellipse dimple with proper unit number and long axis included angle can enhance LCC and make a better balance between LCC and sealing characteristics of gas face seal compared with conventional ellipse or circle dimple at high speed. Dimple‐textured gas face seal with multirow radial dimples outperforms that with single‐row radial dimple on sealing characteristics.
All‐Dry Hydrophobic Functionalization of Paper Surfaces for Efficient Transfer of CVD Graphene
Authors: Çıtak Emre , İstanbullu Bilal , Şakalak Hüseyin , Gürsoy Mehmet , Karaman Mustafa
Published: October 2019

In this study, the successful transfer of chemical vapor deposition (CVD)‐grown graphene on an ordinary printing paper surface is demonstrated. Pristine paper is not a suitable substrate for graphene transfer because of its fragile and hydrophilic nature against the chemicals used during the transfer process. Two different fluoroalkyl polymers, namely poly(hexafluorobutyl acrylate) (PHFBA) and poly(perfluorodecyl acrylate) (PPFDA) are coated on paper surfaces by an initiated CVD (iCVD) technique to make the paper surfaces hydrophobic. Hydrophobicity is found to be an important factor in order for the graphene to be transferred onto the paper substrate. Although surfaces coated with PPFDA possess better hydrophobicity owing to their longer perfluoroalkyl group and higher roughness, the graphene transfer is found to be more successful on a PHFBA‐coated surface. A thin film of PHFBA on the paper surface acts as a prime layer for effective and defect‐free transfer of graphene and makes the paper surface ideal and robust during the graphene transfer process. The as‐transferred graphene layer on the PHFBA‐coated paper surface shows high conductivity values, even after repeated folding and flattening cycles.
Design and experimental evaluation of a novel on‐body textile antenna for unicast applications
Authors: Anbalagan Abirami , Sundarsingh Esther Florence , Ramalingam Vimal Samsingh
Published: October 2019

A symmetric multilayered embroidered textile antenna is proposed in this article. The proposed antenna is designed at industrial, scientific, and medical band frequency of 2.45 GHz, to be used as a wearable made of Zari and cotton cloth. An end‐to‐end slot has been introduced to improve return loss and efficiency. The four‐layered antenna is fabricated using conventional embroidery and the layers are sewn together to form the entire structure. Measurements on the fabricated antenna are performed to validate the characteristics of the structure in bent, crumpled, and wet conditions. Results with regard to return loss, gain, bandwidth, and radiation pattern were presented to prove the usefulness of the structure. Furthermore, the antenna was integrated with Arduino Uno development board and tested for data transmission as a wearable system.
Stable multiwavelength Tm‐doped fiber laser with a microfiber knot resonator
Authors: Deng Ya‐Dong , Zhou Yan , Yin Tao‐Ce , Chen Da‐Ru , Yu Zhang‐Wei , Qiang Ze‐Xuan
Published: October 2019

We presented a compact and enduring multiwavelength Tm‐doped fiber laser at 2 μm employing a microfiber knot resonator (MKR). The MKR, made by the flame‐brushing technique, has a fiber diameter of 10 μm and a ring diameter of 150 μm. The MKR plays a role as both the comb filter and the power equalization device, which is critical for the stable multiwavelength Tm‐doped fiber laser. By properly adjusting the pump power, three wavelength lasing channels (1956.2, 1964.4, and 1971.8 nm) were observed stable and their average power density was around −8.76 dBm with 1 W pump power. In addition, the channel spacing is 5.8 nm with the 3‐dB bandwidth of the channel smaller than 0.5 nm. The experiments demonstrated that the MKR can be utilized as a comb filter with the suitable transmission spectrum to reach a steady multiwavelength Tm‐doped fiber laser.
The gap between the aorta and the superior vena cava: A sonographic sign of persistent left superior vena cava and associated abnormalities
Authors: Wertaschnigg Dagmar , Rolnik Daniel L. , Ramkrishna Jayshree , da Silva Costa Fabricio , Meagher Simon
Published: October 2019

Objectives

To assess the distance between the right superior vena cava (SVC) and the aorta in fetuses with bilateral superior vena cava as a possible sonographic marker for this.

Methods

This was a nested case‐control study including 20 cases of bilateral SVC and 40 gestational age‐matched controls. The distance between the right SVC and the aorta was measured at the level of the three‐vessel trachea view in stored images, as well as the diameters of the aorta and the right SVC.

Results

The distance between the aorta and the right SVC was significantly larger in the cases of a left SVC compared with controls, P < .001. A distance of 2.0 mm or more was found in 70% of the cases and 5% of the controls, with a gestational‐age adjusted area under the receiver‐operating characteristics (ROC) curve for the diagnosis of left SVC of 0.93 (95% CI 0.87‐0.99). The aorta and the right SVC were significantly smaller in cases compared with controls, and there was a significant association with other cardiac and extracardiac abnormalities amongst cases of persistent left SVC.

Conclusion

An increased distance between the aorta and the right SVC is associated with the diagnosis of bilateral SVC.
Safety of Performing a Graded Exercise Test Early after Stroke and Transient Ischemic Attack
Authors: Johnson Liam , Kramer Sharon F. , Catanzariti Gabriella , Kaffenberger Tina , Cumming Toby , Bernhardt Julie
Published: October 2019

Background

Low cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) is a predictor of stroke risk and poor outcome poststroke. Fitness levels are rarely assessed in the acute phase and it is unclear if it is safe for stroke survivors and people with transient ischemic attack (TIA) to perform a graded exercise test to assess fitness.

Objective

To determine if people within 14 days post stroke can safely perform a graded exercise test.

Design

Observational study.

Setting

Research institute.

Participants

People with stroke or TIA admitted to an acute stroke unit.

Intervention

Not applicable.

Main Outcome Measures

Safety of performing a graded exercise test early post stroke. Safety outcomes were (1) occurrence of an adverse event or (2) <85% blood oxygen saturation (SpO2). Participants performed a graded exercise test on a recumbent stepper at a research institute <2 weeks postevent. CRF was determined by measuring peak volume of oxygen uptake (VO2peak) using a metabolic cart.

Results

Twenty‐nine participants were enrolled in the study (median age 69 years; interquartile range 58‐75). Sixteen were diagnosed with TIA and 13 with a mild stroke. Twenty‐eight participants completed the test; one participant was unable to perform the test due to back pain. The test was terminated due to standardized stopping criteria in 26 cases (5 = volitional fatigue, 6 = unable to keep required cadence, 15 = reaching 85% HRmax), one due to safety (ie, SpO2 < 85%), and one was inadvertently terminated before stopping criteria were reached. Average CRF determined by the exercise test was low; mean VO2peak of 16.2 ± 4.5 mL/kg/min for men (n = 20) and 12.4 ± 3.6 mL/kg/min for women (n = 8).

Conclusions

Determining exercise capacity early post stroke and TIA using a graded exercise test appears to be safe in patients with mild deficits. This information should be useful to plan tailored exercise programs. Further research should focus on determining safety of exercise testing in more severely affected stroke survivors.
Cellular Deformations Induced by Conical Silicon Nanowire Arrays Facilitate Gene Delivery
Authors: Chen Yaping , Aslanoglou Stella , Gervinskas Gediminas , Abdelmaksoud Hazem , Voelcker Nicolas H. , Elnathan Roey
Published: October 2019

Engineered cell–nanostructured interfaces generated by vertically aligned silicon nanowire (SiNW) arrays have become a promising platform for orchestrating cell behavior, function, and fate. However, the underlying mechanism in SiNW‐mediated intracellular access and delivery is still poorly understood. This study demonstrates the development of a gene delivery platform based on conical SiNW arrays for mechanical cell transfection, assisted by centrifugal force, for both adherent and nonadherent cells in vitro. Cells form focal adhesions on SiNWs within 6 h, and maintain high viability and motility. Such a functional and dynamic cell–SiNW interface features conformational changes in the plasma membrane and in some cases the nucleus, promoting both direct penetration and endocytosis; this synergistically facilitates SiNW‐mediated delivery of nucleic acids into immortalized cell lines, and into difficult‐to‐transfect primary immune T cells without pre‐activation. Moreover, transfected cells retrieved from SiNWs retain the capacity to proliferate—crucial to future biomedical applications. The results indicate that SiNW‐mediated intracellular delivery holds great promise for developing increasingly sophisticated investigative and therapeutic tools.
Using machine learning techniques to identify rare cyber‐attacks on the UNSW‐NB15 dataset
Authors: Bagui Sikha , Kalaimannan Ezhil , Bagui Subhash , Nandi Debarghya , Pinto Anthony
Published: October 2019

This paper uses a hybrid feature selection process and classification techniques to classify cyber‐attacks in the UNSW‐NB15 dataset. A combination of k‐means clustering, and a correlation‐based feature selection, were used to come up with an optimum subset of features and then two classification techniques, one probabilistic, Naïve Bayes (NB), and a second, based on decision trees (J48), were employed. Our results show that this hybrid feature selection method in combination with the NB model was able to improve the classification accuracy of most attacks, especially the rare attacks. The false alarm rates were lower for most of the attacks, and particularly the rare attacks, with this combination of feature selection and the NB model. The J48 decision tree model, however, did not perform any better with the feature selection, but its classification rate for all attack families was already very high, with or without feature selection.
Nitrogen‐Functionalized Graphene Quantum Dots: A Versatile Platform for Integrated Optoelectronic Devices
Authors: Tetsuka Hiroyuki
Published: October 2019

Over the past 10 years, graphene quantum dots (GQDs) have grown into a highly innovative optical material in various research fields, including electronics, photonics, biotechnologies, etc. With the increasing implementation of GQDs in these fields, GQDs with tunable optical properties will emerge that could be especially suitable for applications in the field of integrated photonics. Herein, a short summary of the recent state of our research on the development of nitrogen‐functionalized GQDs with tunable optical properties and their integration into photodetectors is given.
Groundwater characterization in major industrial and residential locations of Lagos metropolis
Authors: Popoola Lekan Taofeek
Published: October 2019

This study investigated the quality of groundwater collected from two industrial and residential locations, each within the Lagos metropolis. Prescribed standard procedures of the American Public Health Association (APHA) were used to measure the physicochemical parameters of each of the groundwater samples, which include pH, electrical conductivity (EC), dissolved oxygen, total dissolved solids (TDS), biological oxygen demand, chemical oxygen demand; the anions chloride (Cl−), nitrate (NO3−), sulfate (SO4−), and phosphate (PO4−); and heavy metals copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), lead (Pb), manganese (Mn), iron (Fe), cobalt (Co), cadmium (Cd), and chromium (Cr). Based on the laboratory analysis, the physicochemical parameters that were measured were within the permissible ranges specified by the World Health Organization and the Nigerian Standard for Drinking Water Quality Standards Organization of Nigeria (SON), except for pH, TDS, EC, Pb, Mn, and Fe for groundwater samples from the industrial locations and for pH, Pb, Mn, and Fe for residential locations. The elevated concentrations of TDS and EC reported for groundwater samples from industrial locations were attributed to the heavy discharge of effluents from nearby industrial treatment plants as well as the dissolution of ionic heavy metals from industrial activities involving the use of heavy machines. Statistical analysis using Pearson's correlation revealed the physicochemical parameters to be moderately and strongly correlated with one another at eitherp< .05 or < .01. In conclusion, groundwater samples from residential locations are more suitable for drinking than those from industrial locations.
Identifying and ranking environmental aspects of a dry port in Foz do Iguaçu city, Paraná‐Brazil
Authors: Mata‐Lima Herlander , Galuzzi Silva Marina Carrato , Emilien Maria , Silveira Ana Paula , Sacht Helenice Maria , Vettorazzi Egon , Morgado‐Dias Fernando
Published: October 2019

This work aims to present and describe the process of identifying and ranking environmental aspects of a dry port in Brazil. The general approach includes a literature review on the importance of managing the environmental aspects and impacts in dry ports, followed by a description of the holistic procedures entailed in inventorying the port's activities linked to environmental aspects, the Leopold matrix, and the expert knowledge regarding the local context (e.g., compliance with the law, regional adaptation to climate change strategy, and stakeholder concerns) necessary to perform the ranking. The results showed that emissions to the air, noise, and resource consumption are among the most significant environmental aspects of the dry port.
The impact of p53 on aristolochic acid I-induced nephrotoxicity and DNA damage in vivo and in vitro
Authors: Sborchia Mateja , De Prez Eric G. , Antoine Marie-Hélène , Bienfait Lucie , Indra Radek , Valbuena Gabriel , Phillips David H. , Nortier Joëlle L. , Stiborová Marie , Keun Hector C. , Arlt Volker M.
Published: October 2019

Exposure to aristolochic acid (AA) is associated with human nephropathy and urothelial cancer. The tumour suppressorTP53is a critical gene in carcinogenesis and frequently mutated in AA-induced urothelial tumours. We investigated the impact of p53 on AAI-induced nephrotoxicity and DNA damage in vivo by treatingTrp53(+/+),Trp53(+/−) andTrp53(−/−) mice with 3.5 mg/kg body weight (bw) AAI daily for 2 or 6 days. Renal histopathology showed a gradient of intensity in proximal tubular injury fromTrp53(+/+) toTrp53(−/−) mice, especially after 6 days. The observed renal injury was supported by nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR)-based metabonomic measurements, where a consistentTrp53genotype-dependent trend was observed for urinary metabolites that indicate aminoaciduria (i.e. alanine), lactic aciduria (i.e. lactate) and glycosuria (i.e. glucose). However,Trp53genotype had no impact on AAI-DNA adduct levels, as measured by32P-postlabelling, in either target (kidney and bladder) or non-target (liver) tissues, indicating that the underlying mechanisms of p53-related AAI-induced nephrotoxicity cannot be explained by differences in AAI genotoxicity. Performing gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS) on kidney tissues showed metabolic pathways affected by AAI treatment, but againTrp53status did not clearly impact on such metabolic profiles. We also cultured primary mouse embryonic fibroblasts (MEFs) derived fromTrp53(+/+),Trp53(+/−) andTrp53(−/−) mice and exposed them to AAI in vitro (50 µM for up to 48 h). We found thatTrp53genotype impacted on the expression of NAD(P)H:quinone oxidoreductase (Nqo1), a key enzyme involved in AAI bioactivation. Nqo1 induction was highest inTrp53(+/+) MEFs and lowest inTrp53(−/−) MEFs; and it correlated with AAI-DNA adduct formation, with lowest adduct levels being observed in AAI-exposedTrp53(−/−) MEFs. Overall, our results clearly demonstrate that p53 status impacts on AAI-induced renal injury, but the underlying mechanism(s) involved remain to be further explored. Despite the impact of p53 on AAI bioactivation and DNA damage in vitro, such effects were not observed in vivo.
Applying continuous functional traits to large brown macroalgae: variation across tidal emersion and wave exposure gradients
Authors: Cappelatti Laura , Mauffrey Alizée R. L. , Griffin John N.
Published: October 2019

Ecologists use a functional trait-based approach to seek a general understanding of organism—environment interactions, but, among primary producers, the empirical basis rests on vascular plants. We hypothesised that with increasing intertidal elevation, traits of large brown macroalgae would reflect a resource acquisition vs. conservation (stress tolerance) trade-off at species and community levels. Across the elevation gradient at four UK sites of varying wave exposure, we: (1) screened species’ relevant morphological traits, using principal component analysis to reduce dimensionality; and (2) up-scaled species’ traits using community weighted trait means (CWMs). The first principal component (PC1) strongly related to specific thallus area and thallus dry matter content, representing an acquisition–conservation trade-off. Although species generally shifted to the conservative end of this axis as elevation increased, mid-shore Ascophyllum nodosum sat at the extreme conservative end. PC2 related to holdfast ratio, thickness and length, with A. nodosum scoring higher than other mid-shore species. CWMs of PC1 decreased with elevation at two sites indicating a shift from ‘fast’ to ‘slow’ ecosystem functioning, but this relationship was disrupted by A. nodosum at the sheltered site, and by the up-shore extent of Laminaria digitata at the most exposed site. The anomalous traits of A. nodosum reflect its unique competitive strategy (slow, persistent growth) in the relatively stressful mid-shore. Seaweed functional traits show promise in linking species’ identities to their strategies and ecosystem contributions. However, because resource conservation traits can be related to competitive as well as stress-tolerance strategies, predicting seaweed trait responses to environmental stress gradients is challenging.
Evidence synthesis based on non-randomised studies—a critical review of studies leading to conclusions on fall risk properties of loop diuretics/beta-blockers
Authors: Wallerstedt Susanna M. , Hoffmann Mikael
Published: October 2019

Purpose

To describe methodological and reporting issues in non-randomised comparative drug safety studies pooled in meta-analyses, with focus on confounding by indication.

Methods

All studies included in statistically significant meta-analyses in a recent publication investigating fall risk properties of cardiovascular drugs were reviewed. Study characteristics were extracted and assessed.

Results

Nine studies, including between 498 and 321,995 individuals, contributed data to the significant meta-analyses in which loop diuretics and beta-blockers were associated with falls, five published in 2015. Five individual studies reported a statistically significant association. In the five cohort studies, characteristics of exposed vs unexposed individuals were either not reported (n = 3) or differed substantially regarding morbidity (n = 2). Drug treatment was determined at baseline, and data on falls were collected for up to 2 years thereafter. Out of the four case-control studies, the cases and controls in only one study were matched for morbidity. Morbidity characteristics of fallers compared with non-fallers were either not reported (n = 2) or they differed (n = 1) or were reported according to the matched-for diseases (n = 1). Confounding by indication was explicitly discussed in two studies. None of the abstract conclusions considered causality issues or the possibility of confounding by indication.

Conclusions

Confounding by indication is a major issue in non-randomised comparative drug safety studies, a problem which may be concealed in meta-analyses. To enhance such research, compared groups need to be balanced regarding relevant factors including morbidities and characteristics adequately reported. Confounding by indication needs to be explicitly discussed and highlighted in the abstract conclusion.
Intraoperative Neuromonitoring of Recurrent Laryngeal Nerve During Thyroidectomy with Adhesive Skin Electrodes
Authors: Lee Hyoung Shin , Oh Jungho , Kim Sung Won , Jeong Yeong Wook , Wu Che‐Wei , Chiang Feng‐Yu , Lee Kang Dae
Published: October 2019

Background

Alternative methods to overcome limitations of electromyogram (EMG) tube applied for intraoperative neuromonitoring (IONM) of recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN) during thyroidectomy have been introduced. In this study, we evaluated the feasibility of adhesive skin electrodes for IONM of RLN in patients who underwent thyroidectomy.

Methods

A total of 39 nerves at risk were prospectively enrolled in this study. Twenty‐five patients with papillary thyroid carcinoma, 3 patients with follicular neoplasm, and 2 patients with Graves’ disease underwent thyroidectomy. All patients were intubated with EMG tube, and two disposable pre‐gelled surface electrodes were attached to skin at both upper margins of thyroid cartilage. We followed the standard procedure of IONM, and the latency (msec) and amplitude (μV) of each signal were recorded prospectively.

Results

Intraoperative neuromonitoring using skin adhesive electrodes was successful in all nerves at risk. Amplitudes of the signals in IONM were significantly lower compared to those from EMG tube at each step of IONM, while no significant difference was identified in latency between two methods. Four nerves at risk (10.3%) showed loss of signal (<100 μV) during the steps of IONM from EMG tube, while all nerves at risk from adhesive skin electrodes showed acceptable biphasic EMG signal.

Conclusion

We verified the usefulness of adhesive skin electrodes for IONM of RLN during thyroidectomy. Although lower amplitude remains the major limitation of this technique, adhesive skin electrodes may be considered an alternative method for IONM during thyroidectomy.