bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Malaria Vector Abundance and the Incidence of Malaria Parasite amongst Students Living in Nnamdi Azikiwe University Hostels
Authors: Ezihe Ebuka Kingsley , Micheal Egbuche Chukwudi , Edith N. Nwankwo , Chikaodili Ukonze , Uche Anumba Joseph , Christian Umenzekwe Chukwudi , Emmanuel Ogudu Ogbonnia
Published: July 2019

Introduction: Malaria remains an important public health disease in both tropical and subtropical countries of Africa where transmission is mainly through the bite of an infected female Anopheles mosquito.

Aim: The main aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of malaria parasite and the abundance of malaria vectors in and around the university hostels. 

Place and Duration of Study: The study was carried out in some selected hostels of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, from the month of March to September, 2018.

Methodology: One hundred and fifty (150) students which volunteered from the selected hostels were tested for malaria parasite. Questionnaire on the frequency of clinical symptoms were distributed to these students. Indoor resting mosquitoes were collected through pyrethrum spray-sheet collection (PSC).Larval sampling was carried out for the immature stages of mosquitoes.

Results: Of the students examined for malaria parasite, 135 (90%) showed positivity to the parasite. From the questionnaire distributed, 30 (20%) of the students were treated for malaria every 3months, 20(13.3%) every 6 months, 24 (16%) before resuming school, and 76(50.7%) only treated when they developed clinical malaria. Two hundred and two (202) mosquito larvae were collected from their breeding habitats during larval sampling and two hundred and four (204) adult mosquitoes of different species were collected indoors. However there was no significant difference between the number of rooms sampled and the number of mosquitoes collected at 5% level of significance (x2tab > x2cal; 9.488 >6.307).

Conclusion: The study revealed that the students living in the hostels were highly exposed to malaria infection and a host of other mosquito borne diseases. The abundance of Anopheles gambiae sensu lacto in the university environment and the high prevalence rate of malaria is an indication of continuous transmission in the area. Therefore re-echoed awareness campaigns on the danger of malaria infection and its prevention and control through personal and environmental management should be carried out to educate all students especially those who attended medical check-ups during registration.
On the Analytical Approximation of the Nonlinear Cubic Oscillator by an Iteration Method
Authors: Haque B. M. Ikramul , Reza A. K. M. Selim , Rahman Md. Mominur
Published: July 2019

A modified approximate analytic solution of the cubic nonlinear oscillator “ ” has been obtained based on an iteration procedure. Here we have used the truncated Fourier series in each iterative step. The approximate frequencies obtained by this technique show a good agreement with the exact frequency. The percentage of error between exact frequency and our fifth approximate frequency is as low as 0.009%. The calculation with this technique is very easy. This easily-calculated modified technique accelerates the rapid convergence, reduces the error and increases the validity range of the solution.
Regulatory Impact of Concentration of Ownership on the Relationship between Directorate Performance and Auditing Fee
Authors: Valikhani Mashallah , Shakernejad Fatemeh
Published: July 2019

Due to the high impact of concentration of ownership on the auditing fee the relationship between supervision on the directorate structure and auditing fees is dependent to concentration of ownership and concentration of ownership have a significant role in the relation between monitoring the directorate structure and audit fee and increase and a decrease of concentration of ownership influences the relationship board dimensions and audit fee strongly.

This study aims to investigate the impact of concentration of ownership on the relationship between institutional owners to the directorate independence and audit fee accepted companies in the Tehran stock market. In this study with using systematic removal method, a sample of 122 companies was accepted from listed companies in The Tehran stock market during the period from 2011 to 2016.

According to variables and theoretical fundamentals of research 3 hypothesis has been raised for the research and test of hypothesis were used to the method of relative economics. The result of the first to third hypothesis test showed that concentration of ownership moderates the relationship between the directorate and audit fee of listed companies in the Tehran stock market.
Drying Characteristics of Abelmoschus esculentus Thin Piece on Drying in a Fabricated Tunnel Dryer
Authors: Kumar Dinesh , Singh L. P. , Singh A. K.
Published: July 2019

For the storage of crops, various drying processes are used. It should be synthesized on the basis of drying time, product quality such as colour texture and the taste of the product when uses. To study the drying characteristics of Abelmoschus esculentus (bhindi) thin piece was performed for a temperature range of 38°C and 88°C and velocity of air is fixed at 1.1 m/s in the fabricated tunnel. For the investigation of drying, characteristics experiment was performed, the result was found, the drying rate was falling. The sample studied at 38°C was much good in colour texture and aroma than sample studied at 58°C to 88°C. The experimental data were used on different models proposed, by equating the determination coefficient , Mean Bias Error (MBE), decreased  and Root Mean Square Error (RMSE) measured along with investigated moisture ratio.
The Impact of Cost- driven Strategic Outsourcing on the Organizational Performance of Manufacturing Companies in Nigeria
Authors: Baba Hafiz
Published: July 2019

The pivotal roles of the manufacturing sector in economic growth and sustainable development in both developed and developing countries have been documented in the literature. However, the highly competitive environment along with customers' demands for tailored products and services, has forced manufacturing companies, especially in Nigeria to experience slow growth. This study, therefore, seeks to determine the impact of cost drive outsourcing strategy on the organizational performance of manufacturing companies in Nigeria. The questionnaires were administered among the one hundred and twenty (120) management staff members of the sixty selected manufacturing companies in Nigeria through a purposive sampling method, and this was done personally by the researcher. Linear regression was used to analyzed and interpret the data used in this research. The study reveals that cost-driven is a major strategy that helps an organization in achieving its stated objectives in the global competitive environment. The findings further show that cost-driven has a significant impact on the organizational performance of the manufacturing sector in Nigeria.  Based on the findings, the study therefore, recommends that the management of manufacturing companies should adopt strategic and well thought out outsourcing partnerships in order to continuously reduce operating costs for growth.
Computational investigation of retro‐isomer equilibrium structures: Intrinsically disordered, foldable, and cyclic peptides
Authors: Zerze Gül H. , Stillinger Frank H. , Debenedetti Pablo G.
Published: July 2019

We use all‐atom modeling and advanced‐sampling molecular dynamics simulations to investigate quantitatively the effect of peptide bond directionality on the equilibrium structures of four linear (two foldable, two disordered) and two cyclic peptides. We find that the retro forms of cyclic and foldable linear peptides adopt distinctively different conformations compared to their parents. While the retro form of a linear intrinsically disordered peptide with transient secondary structure fails to reproduce a secondary structure content similar to that of its parent, the retro form of a shorter disordered linear peptide shows only minor differences compared to its parent.
Insights intoIn VitroImmunological Cytotoxicity Studies
Authors: Panchal Neelam , Gilmour Kimberly , Booth Claire
Published: July 2019

Cell‐mediated cytotoxicity is a critical response in maintaining and regulating good immune health by the highly selective removal of either virally infected or cancerous cells. There are multiple mechanisms that can be deployed by an effector cell with cytotoxic capabilities that are dependent on a number of factors such as immune context and target cell type. Insights into how, why and when an effector cell utilises a specific mode of action for target cell removal can be gained using a variety appropriatein vitroassays. In turn, data gathered from suchin vitrosystems can support recapitulation of physiological responses for development of novel therapeutic options.

Key Concepts

T and NK cells mediated cytotoxicity is required for immune regulation and clearance of pathogen‐infected cells.

Perforin, granzymes and death receptors are essential for cell‐mediated cytotoxicity.

Development of accuratein vitroassays to study cytotoxicity can help further understand physiological immune responses.

A betterin vitrorecapitulation of ADCC can be used to improve vaccines and vaccine responses.

Cytotoxicityin vitroassays can also be used in a clinical setting to diagnose underlying Immunodeficiencies.
Adenosine Deaminase Deficiency: From the Discovery of Its Molecular Pathogenesis to Targeted Therapy
Authors: Moretti Federico A , Staal Frank JT
Published: July 2019

Adenosine deaminase (ADA) is a key enzyme of the purine metabolism pathway whose gene is located on the chromosome 20 in humans. Mutations in the sequence of theADAgene were found to cause severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID) both in humans and murine disease models.

Because of the ubiquitous nature of ADA expression, ADA deficiency should be recognised as a systemic metabolic disorder that results in multiple organ pathologies. However, since the highest ADA expression is observed in the immune cells, the immunologic defects are the most severe clinical symptoms.

ADA deficiency has also been the first autosomal recessive immunodeficiency disorder for which the molecular mechanism was identified. This led, consequently, to the development of many different therapies for the management of this disease.

Key Concepts

ADA‐SCID was the first immunodeficiency for which the molecular mechanism has been identified, thus underscoring the importance of a normal purine metabolism for the development of the immune system.

Differences inADAgene expression in various cell types and maturation stages highlight differences in the rate of degradation (activity) of the ADA enzyme and nucleotide metabolism.

The evidence that ADA enzyme is highly expressed in lymphoid tissues suggested that lymphocytes have evolved a mechanism to prevent the build‐up of ADA substrates generated by the massive apoptosis and high proliferation rates of these cells.

SCIDs are uniformly fatal but have long‐term survival rates if diagnosed early, stabilised and treated before complications arise, such as infections or organ damages.

TREC assay is a sensitive and economical alternative test for the diagnosis of ADA deficiency and most other SCIDs.

Gene therapy is a genetic engineering technique used to replace a defective gene of a cell in order to prevent a disease.

A clinical trial is a research study in which a cohort of patients is prospectively assigned a new therapeutic treatment, that has shown benefits in animals engaged in preclinical trials, but has not yet been proven effective to humans.

ADA‐deficient murine models have been extensively used to understand the pathological bases of ADA‐SCID and to test, in preclinical trials, the efficacy and safety of viral vector‐mediated gene therapy and other therapeutic approaches.
Oldowan/Acheulean Succession at Olduvai Gorge
Authors: Proffitt Tomos , Martín‐Ramos Carmen
Published: July 2019

The Acheulean techno‐complex was first identified in 1859 at St Acheul (France) and ever since then, understanding its development has been a prominent area of research within Palaeolithic archaeology. Although the oldest Oldowan and Acheulean are now found in Ethiopia and Kenya; Olduvai Gorge in Tanzania, did, for a long time, provide the earliest examples of both industries, and it still preserves a detailed stratigraphic sequence of Oldowan and Acheulean assemblages. In this sense, Olduvai Gorge has played a central role in exploring the transition from the Oldowan to the Acheulean.

Key Concepts

The Acheulean appears in Kenya at 1.75 Mya.

The Acheulean appears in East Africa chronologically after the Oldowan; however, there is a degree of overlap.

The Oldowan is typically associated withHomo habilis.

The Acheulean is typically associated withHomo ergatser/erectus.

Historically, it was suggested that the Oldowan developed into the Acheulean, mirroring hominin evolution.

More recently, it is suggested that the Oldowan/Acheulean transition at Olduvai Gorge was a punctuated event associated with the emergence of a new hominin species.
Molecular Genetics of Sorsby Fundus Dystrophy
Authors: Akyol Engin , Lotery Andrew
Published: July 2019

Sorsby fundus dystrophy (SFD) is a macular dystrophy caused by mutations in the tissue inhibitor metalloproteinase‐3 (TIMP3) gene on chromosome 22. It is a late‐onset autosomal dominant retinal dystrophy. Patients classically develop night blindness and central visual changes and it is often clinically mistaken for wet age‐related macular degeneration (wet AMD). Although SFD often presents at a younger age than wet AMD, it is currently being managed in a similar manner with intravitreal anti‐VEGF. The molecular mechanisms and pathology underlying SFD are not very well understood. Mutations in TIMP3 alter the homeostatic balance of the extracellular matrix as one of the main physiological function of TIMP3 is to inhibit matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) which are involved in degradation of the ECM.

Key Concepts

Mutations in tissue inhibitor metalloproteinase‐3 impair extracellular matrix degradation.

Sorsby fundus dystrophy can result in choroidal neovascularisation.

RPE cells derived from induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) can be used to model Sorsby fundus dystrophy for future studies.

Sorsby fundus dystrophy with associated choroidal neovascularisation is currently best managed with anti‐VEGF therapy.

There is increased tissue inhibitor metalloproteinase‐3 in the retina of Sorsby fundus dystrophy patients.
Peer support: A needs assessment for social support from trained peers in response to stress among medical physicists
Authors: Johnson Jennifer , Ford Eric , Yu James , Buckey Courtney , Fogh Shannon , Evans Suzanne B.
Published: July 2019

Purpose

Previous studies suggest that within radiation oncology, medical physicists (MP) experience high workloads. Little is known about how MPs use social support (SS) in times of stress.

Methods

In collaboration with the Workgroup on Prevention of Medical Error, the American Association of Physicists in Medicine administered this Human Investigation Committee (HIC) approved email survey to 8566 members. Respondents were considered likely to seek SS if they answered (probably/definitely would) and unlikely to seek support if they answered (probably/definitely would not). Logistic regression was applied to determine associations between demographic factors and willingness to seek support as well as perception of barriers.

Results

One thousand two hundred and ninety‐seven members (15.1%) accessed and gave consent for the survey. One thousand and one (11.7%) respondents answered all relevant questions. Respondents were predominantly male (69.1%), MP in radiation oncology (81.8%), private practice (51.6%), with practice duration> 10 yr (60.2%). MPs were likely to seek SS for personal physical illness (78.63%), involvement in a medical error (73.94%) or adverse patient outcome (75.17%). MPs sought SS in the setting of personal fatigue (33.2%) or burnout (44.3%). Barriers to seeking SS were lack of time (80.3%), and uncertainty about whom to access (70.7%). MPs responded that they would be most likely to seek support from an equally experienced medical physicist colleague (81.0%). Most MPs (67.0%) identified as having experienced stressors, with serious family illness (35.2%), or burnout (32.8%) being most common. Factors associated with MPs unwillingness to seek SS for medical error included> 20 yr in practice (vs still in training — OR 0.30, P = 0.015), and male gender (OR 0.60, P = 0.003). Male gender was associated with the lowest willingness to seek support (OR 2.10, P = 0.0001), but also with fewer perceived barriers (OR 1.60, P = 0.0075).

Conclusion

Willingness to seek SS is demonstrated, and MPs want colleagues to provide support. Given these results, peer support could be considered among MPs.
Hyperhomocysteinemia is key for increased susceptibility to PND in aged mice
Authors: Zhao Guangchao , Deng Jiao , Shen Yuan , Zhang Peng , Dong Hailong , Xie Zhongcong , Xiong Lize
Published: July 2019

Background

Postoperative neurocognitive disorder (PND) is a severe postoperative complication with no effective therapy that affects up to 19–52% of senior patients. Age and surgery type have been identified as risk factors. However, what caused the increased risk in the elderly is poorly understood.

Methods

We utilized a PND model in aged mice undergoing experimental laparotomy with general anesthesia to evaluate the causal relationship between hyperhomocysteinemia and increased PND susceptibility. PND was assessed by Novel Object Tasks, Fear Conditioning Tests, and Barnes Maze Tests. Serum homocysteine (Hcy) as well as vitamin B12 and folate acid levels were tested before, immediately after surgery and from day 1 to day 29 after surgery by ELISA. The effectiveness of preventative strategy including diet supplementation of vitamin B12 + folic acid (Vit B12 + FA) and S‐adenosylmethionine (SAM) injection targeting hyperhomocysteinemia were also tested.

Results

PND in aged mice lasted for at least 2 weeks after experimental laparotomy, which was not observed in young adult mice. Serum Hcy results indicated a significant correlation between postoperative cognitive performance and perioperative Hcy level. Preoperative supplementation with VB12 and folic acid (FA) in the diet or S‐adenosylmethionine (SAM) injection reduced perioperative serum Hcy level and inhibited the development of PND in aged mice.

Conclusions

Serum homocysteine accumulation is a fundamental cause for increased susceptibility of PND in aged mice. Preoperative diet supplementation of VitB12 + FA can effectively reduce PND in aged mice, which may be a promising prophylaxis treatment in clinical settings.
Facile Preparation of High‐Content N‐Doped CNT Microspheres for High‐Performance Lithium Storage
Authors: Wang Jianli , Yan Xufeng , Zhang Zhao , Ying Hangjun , Guo Rongnan , Yang Wentao , Han Wei‐Qiang
Published: July 2019

Herein, high‐content N‐doped carbon nanotube (CNT) microspheres (HNCMs) are successfully synthesized through simple spray drying and one‐step pyrolysis. HNCM possesses a hierarchically porous architecture and high‐content N‐doping. In particular, HNCM800 (HNCM pyrolyzed at 800 °C) shows high nitrogen content of 12.43 at%. The porous structure derived from well‐interconnected CNTs not only offers a highly conductive network and blocks diffusion of soluble lithium polysulfides (LiPSs) in physical adsorption, but also allows sufficient sulfur infiltration. The incorporation of N‐rich CNTs provides strong chemical immobilization for LiPSs. As a sulfur host for lithium–sulfur batteries, good rate capability and high cycling stability is achieved for HNCM/S cathodes. Particularly, the HNCM800/S cathode delivers a high capacity of 804 mA h g−1 at 0.5 C after 1000 cycles corresponding to low fading rate (FR) of only 0.011% per cycle. Remarkably, the cathode with high sulfur loading of 6 mg cm−2 still maintains high cyclic stability (capacity of 555 mA h g−1 after 1000 cycles, FR 0.038%). Additionally, CNT/Co3O4 microspheres are obtained by the oxidation of CNTs/Co in the air. The as‐prepared CNT/Co3O4 microspheres are employed as an anode for lithium‐ion batteries and present excellent cycling performance.
Interlayer Topological Transport and Devices Based on Layer Pseudospins in Photonic Valley‐Hall Phases
Authors: Wu Xiaoxiao , Li Zhenyu , Chen Jian , Li Xin , Tian Jingxuan , Huang Yingzhou , Wang Shuxia , Lu Weixin , Hou Bo , Chan Che Ting , Wen Weijia
Published: July 2019

Valley‐Hall phases, first proposed in 2D materials, originate from nontrivial topologies around valleys which denote local extrema in momentum space. Since they have been extended into classical systems, their designs draw inspirations from existing quantum counterparts, and their transports show similar topological protections. In contrast, it has been recently established in acoustics that layer pseudospins in valley‐Hall phases can give rise to special valley‐Hall edge states with fundamentally different transport behaviors at the interfaces compared with various 2D materials. Their realization in other classical systems, such as photonics, would allow to design topological insulators beyond quantum inspirations. Here, it is shown that layer pseudospins exist in photonic valley‐Hall phases, using vertically coupled designer surface plasmon crystals, a nonradiative system in open environment supporting tightly confined propagating modes. The negligible thermal and radiative losses in the structure pave the way for the direct observations of the layer pseudospins and associated topological phenomena stem from them in both real and reciprocal spaces. Photonic devices that manipulate the signals based on the layer pseudospins of the topological phases, such as layer convertors and layer‐selected delay lines, are experimentally demonstrated, confirming the potential applications of the layer pseudospins as a new degree of freedom carrying information.
Pseudo‐Zn–Air and Zn‐Ion Intercalation Dual Mechanisms to Realize High‐Areal Capacitance and Long‐Life Energy Storage in Aqueous Zn Battery
Authors: Wei Tongye , Li Qian , Yang Gongzheng , Wang Chengxin
Published: July 2019

Aqueous zinc batteries are considered as promising alternatives to lithium ion batteries owing to their low cost and high safety. However, the developments of state‐of‐the‐art zinc‐ion batteries (ZIB) and zinc–air batteries (ZAB) are limited by the unsatisfied capacities and poor cycling stabilities, respectively. It is of significance in utilizing the long‐cycle life of ZIB and high capacity of ZAB to exploit advanced energy storage systems. Herein, a bulk composite of graphene oxide and vanadium oxide (V5O12·6H2O) as cathode material for aqueous Zn batteries in a mild electrolyte is employed. The battery performance is demonstrated to arise from a combination of the reversible cations insertion/extraction in vanadium oxide and especially the electrochemical redox reactions on the surface functional groups of graphene oxide (named as pseudo‐Zn–air mechanism). Along with adjusting the hydroxyl content on the surface of graphene oxide, the specific capacity is significantly increased from 342 mAh g−1 to a maximum of 496 mAh g−1 at 100 mA g−1. The surface‐controlled kinetics occurring in the bulk composite ensure a high areal capacity of 10.6 mAh cm−2 at a mass loading of 26.5 mg cm−2, and a capacity retention of 84.7% over 10 000 cycles at a high current density of 10 A g−1.
Holoprosencephaly, orofacial cleft, and frontonaso‐orbital encephaloceles: Genetic evaluation of a possible new syndrome
Authors: Richieri‐Costa Antonio , Zechi‐Ceide Roseli M. , Candido‐Souza Rosana M. , Monteiro Rejane A. C. , Tonello Cristiano , de Freitas Mariana L. , Kokitsu‐Nakata Nancy M. , Vendramini‐Pittoli Siulan , Mazzeu Juliana F. , Overes Madelief , Ali‐Amin Roza , van Slegtenhorst Marjon , Hoefsloot Lies H. , Jehee Fernanda S.
Published: July 2019

Here we report on a Brazilian child who presented semilobar holoprosencephaly, frontonasal encephaloceles and bilateral cleft lip and palate. Malformations also included agenesis of the corpus callosum, abnormal cortical gyres, dilation of the aqueduct, bilateral endolymphatic sac, bilateral cystic cocci‐vestibular malformation, and a cribriform defect. The 3D TC craniofacial images showed abnormal frontonasal transition region, with a bone bifurcation, and partial agenesis of nasal bone. The trunk and upper and lower limbs were normal. To our knowledge, this rare association of holoprocensephaly with frontonaso‐orbital encephaloceles without limb anomalies has never been reported before. Karyotype was normal. SNP‐array showed no copy‐number alterations but revealed 25% of regions of homozygosity (ROH) with normal copy number, indicating a high coefficient of inbreeding, which significantly increases the risk for an autosomal recessive disorder. Whole exome sequencing analysis did not reveal any pathogenic or likely pathogenic variants. We discuss the possible influence of two variants of uncertain significance found within the patient's ROHs. First, a missense p.(Gly394Ser) in PCSK9, a gene involved in the regulation of plasma low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol. Second, an inframe duplication p.(Ala75_Ala81dup) in SP8, a zinc‐finger transcription factor that regulates signaling centers during craniofacial development. Further studies and/or the identification of other patients with a similar phenotype will help elucidate the genetic etiology of this complex case.
Coronal craniosynostosis due to TCF12 mutations in patients from Turkey
Authors: Yilmaz Elanur , Mihci Ercan , Nur Banu , Alper Ozgul M.
Published: July 2019

Craniosynostosis consists of premature fusion of one or more cranial sutures and can be seen as part of a syndrome or diagnosed as nonsyndromic (isolated). Although more than 180 craniosynostosis syndromes have been identified, 70% of the cases are diagnosed as nonsyndromic. On the other hand, genetic causes of the cases are mostly unknown and the overall frequency of the genetic diagnosis is around 25%. In this study, we used targeted Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) analysis to identify the genetic variations of two craniosynostosis cases. We have identified two different truncating mutations, a known NM_207036.1:c.778_779delAT;p.(Met260Valfs*5) and a novel NM_207036.1:c.1102_1108delTCACCTC;p.(Pro369Glnfs*26) TCF12 variants. Additionally, upon physical examination of these two cases, we have observed some shared clinical similarities as well as differences such as bilateral simian crease and hidden cleft palate. This is the first study that reports the TCF12 mutations in Turkish patients with coronal suture synostosis.
Nasal thallium‐201 uptake in patients with parosmia with and without hyposmia after upper respiratory tract infection
Authors: Shiga Hideaki , Okuda Koichi , Taki Junichi , Watanabe Naoto , Tonami Hisao , Kinuya Seigo , Miwa Takaki
Published: July 2019

Background

In this study, we aimed to determine whether nasal thallium‐201 uptake of the olfactory cleft and olfactory bulb (OB) differs between patients with parosmia with and without hyposmia after upper respiratory tract infection (URTI).

Methods

Twenty patients with parosmia after URTI were enrolled in this study (15 women and 5 men, 28 to 76 years old). Nasally administered thallium‐201 migration to the OB, nasal thallium‐201 uptake ratio in the olfactory cleft, and OB volume were determined in 10 patients with normal T&T olfactometry (Daiichi Yakuhin Sangyo, Tokyo, Japan) odor recognition thresholds (≤2.0) who still complained of parosmia (parosmia group), and 10 patients with T&T odor recognition thresholds >2.0 (parosmia and hyposmia group).

Results

The nasal thallium‐201 uptake ratio in the olfactory cleft was significantly higher in the parosmia group than in the parosmia and hyposmia group (p = 0.0015). Thallium‐201 migration to the OB was not significantly different between the 2 groups (p = 0.31). The OB volume was significantly larger in the parosmia group than that in the parosmia and hyposmia group (p = 0.029); however, the mean OB volume in both the groups was lower than the normal threshold value in healthy individuals.

Conclusion

Our results signify the recovery of the olfactory epithelium; however, the olfactory neural projections to the OB and regeneration of OB were not complete in patients with parosmia with normal T&T recognition thresholds after URTI.
Crystallization‐Induced Emission of Azobenzene Derivatives
Authors: Yamauchi Mitsuaki , Yokoyama Kosuke , Aratani Naoki , Yamada Hiroko , Masuo Sadahiro
Published: July 2019

Most azobenzene derivatives are utilized as well‐defined photoresponsive materials, but their emission properties have not been of great interest as they are relatively poor. Here, we report crystallization‐induced emission (CIE) based on the suppression of the photoisomerization of azobenzene derivatives. Although these molecules show negligible emission in solution, their microcrystals exhibit intense emission from the azobenzene moieties as a result of CIE. Upon rapid precipitation, fine particles with low crystallinity were kinetically formed and underwent CIE over time with a concomitant increase in crystallinity. Furthermore, we demonstrated “photocutting” of an emissive single crystal using a strong laser by a combination of CIE behavior and photomelting based on the photoisomerization of the azobenzene moiety. Our results regarding the CIE behavior of azobenzene derivatives in addition to their photoisomerization can provide a new platform for developing photoresponsive luminescent materials.
Inhibition of paraoxonase 1 by coumarin‐substituted N‐heterocyclic carbene silver(I), ruthenium(II) and palladium(II) complexes
Authors: Karataş Mert Olgun , Çalgın Gamze , Alıcı Bülent , Gökçe Başak , Gençer Nahit , Taşkın Tok Tuğba , Arslan Oktay , Kılıç‐Cıkla Işın , Özdemir Namık
Published: July 2019

We synthesized three coumarin‐substituted benzimidazolium chlorides and their silver(I), ruthenium(II) and palladium(II) N‐heterocyclic carbene (NHC) complexes. All compounds were characterized using appropriate spectroscopic techniques and elemental analyses. Single‐crystal X‐ray structure of a Pd(II)–NHC complex (6b) was also determined. The inhibitory properties of all compounds were tested on the activity of human paraoxonase 1 (PON1). All complexes exhibited weaker inhibitory properties than their corresponding benzimidazolium salts except for complex 6b which is the most active inhibitor with an IC50 value of 3.01 μM among the compounds reported in this study. A kinetic evaluation showed that this complex inhibits PON1 activity in a non‐competitive manner. Molecular docking studies were also performed for 6b in order to obtain more insight into the binding mode.
Integrating Fetal Therapy Procedures in an Established Labor and Delivery Service
Authors: Kearney Jennifer
Published: July 2019

Treating fetal disease in utero is a specialized aspect of obstetric medicine that continues to develop as new technology and better imaging techniques are introduced. Surgical interventions may improve outcomes in fetal diseases such as fetal anemia, spina bifida, and congenital diaphragmatic hernia; however, the addition of a dedicated fetal treatment center to an established busy labor and delivery unit requires facility resources and support. Fetal medicine and labor and delivery leaders can develop a successful fetal therapy service when they partner with fetal medicine specialists, obstetric providers, anesthesia professionals, nursing staff members, and sterile processing department members. By working together, multidisciplinary team members should be able to provide excellent and cost‐effective collaborative care while maintaining patient safety. This article provides an overview of key components that should assist perioperative leaders when developing a successful fetal surgery program.
An Unusual Conversion of 2‐(Alkynonyl)Alkynylbenzenes to Isocoumarins by a Retro‐Favorskii‐like Degradation
Authors: Santhi Jampani , Baire Beeraiah
Published: July 2019

We report the discovery of an anomalous reaction of 2‐(alkynonyl)alkynylbenzenes under AgI catalysis for the selective formation of isocoumarins. This reaction is previously undocumented for 2‐(alkynonyl)alkynylbenzenes in terms of the reaction mechanism and the product formed. Water (H2O18) labeling studies suggested a possible mechanistic pathway in which the initial formation of a pyrylium ion is followed by hydrative dealkynylation, that is, water incorporation and alkyne expulsion, similar to a retro‐Favorskii reaction.
Photo‐Powered Collapse of Supramolecular Polymers Based on an Overcrowded Alkene Switch
Authors: Yu Jing‐Jing , Liang Wen‐Jing , Zhang Qi , Li Ming‐Ming , Qu Da‐Hui
Published: July 2019

A supramolecular polymer was constructed from a light‐driven overcrowded alkene switch modified with two alkylated gallic acid amide pendants (MSP‐1). Upon UV irradiation, stable MSP‐1 isomerized into unstable MSP‐2, which induced the effective collapse of well‐defined cross‐linked supramolecular polymers, and the reassembly can be realized by aging at low temperature.
Influence of pH and organic modifiers on the dissociation constants of selected drugs using reversed‐phase thin‐layer chromatography: Comparison with other techniques and computational tools
Authors: Bhatt Nejal M. , Chavada Vijay D. , Sanyal Mallika , Shrivastav Pranav S.
Published: July 2019

Knowledge of the acid–base dissociation constants of drugs is the key to understanding their biopharmaceutical characteristics. In the present work, the effect of pH and organic modifiers (acetonitrile and methanol) was investigated in the determination of dissociation constants (pKa) of nine representative drugs (atenolol, betahistine, clarithromycin, deferiprone, diclofenac, ibuprofen, metoprolol, naproxen and propranolol) using reversed‐phase thin‐layer chromatography. Mobile phase consisting of various buffers and methanol–acetonitrile (10, 20, 30, 40, 50 and 60%, v/v) was used to evaluate the retention pattern on reversed‐phase plates. Compared with methanol, acetonitrile gave better results for the experimentally determined pKa values by extrapolation to zero organic modifier volume fractions. To assess the effectiveness of the developed method the results were correlated using principal component analysis and hierarchical cluster analysis. The calculated values of the aqueous dissociation constant were compared with those reported previously using potentiometry and capillary electrophoresis and also with different computational platforms like ACD/Lab, ChemAxon and Jchem calculator. The results obtained by the RPTLC method were in good agreement with potentiometric methods for pKa determination.
Impact of the type of microcarrier and agitation modes on the expansion performances of mesenchymal stem cells derived from umbilical cord
Authors: Loubière Céline , Sion Caroline , De Isla Natalia , Reppel Loic , Guedon Emmanuel , Chevalot Isabelle , Olmos Eric
Published: July 2019

The present study proposed to compare the impact of agitation mode (static, orbital, and mechanical) on the culture of mesenchymal stem cells extracted from the Wharton's jelly of umbilical cords (WJ‐MSC), in a clinical grade culture medium, using human platelet lysate and different xeno‐free microcarriers. Attachment, expansion, and detachment performances were characterized by a new dedicated tool of microscopic image posttreatment, allowing an in situ cell counting without detachment step. Results showed that performances in static mode were not necessarily representative of those obtained in dynamic mode. Moreover, impacts on nutrient consumptions and metabolite productions were identified, such as a higher glutamine consumption when Cytodex‐1 microcarriers were used. The detachment strategy used was relatively efficient for Star‐Plus, Plastic‐Plus, and Hillex II, but not sufficient for Cytodex‐1. Despite Cytodex‐1 presented promising attachment and expansion performances, Star‐Plus and Plastic‐Plus showed a better compromise, respectively, for the orbital and the mechanical agitation modes.
Comparative effectiveness of palliative chemotherapy versus neoadjuvant chemotherapy followed by radical cystectomy versus cystectomy followed by adjuvant chemotherapy versus cystectomy for regional node‐positive bladder cancer: A retrospective analysis: KCSG GU 17‐03
Authors: Bae Woo Kyun , Lee Hyo Jin , Park Se Hoon , Kim Jung Hoon , Kim Hee Jun , Maeng Chi Hoon , Park Inkeun , Sohn Byeong Seok , Kim Jung A. , Lee Kyung Hee , Lim Do Hyoung , Chang Hyun , Kim Sung Min , Kim Ho Young , Song Hunho , Lim Seungtaek , Byun Jae Ho , Jung Hyun Ae
Published: July 2019

The regional lymph node‐positive bladder cancer was classified as stage IV in the AJCC 7th edition but was changed to stage IIIB in the 8th edition, revised in 2018. Among the various studies involving immune checkpoint inhibitors, groups that had only lymph node metastasis showed better outcomes than those with distant metastasis. Therefore, it is necessary to rethink the treatment strategy for lymph node‐positive bladder cancer. The aim of this study was to compare the treatment outcomes of chemotherapy, surgery, and combination therapy in patients with lymph node‐positive bladder cancer. From 1 January 2010 to 31 December 2015, patients with bladder cancer presenting local lymph node metastasis at the time of diagnosis were treated with a single treatment strategy, with either radical cystectomy or chemotherapy or with a combined strategy using both. Treatment outcomes were retrospectively analyzed on the basis of clinical indices and survival time. Out of 230 patients with bladder cancer, 44 (19.1%) were treated with palliative chemotherapy, 30 (13.0%) with neoadjuvant chemotherapy followed by cystectomy, 129 (56.1%) with cystectomy followed by adjuvant chemotherapy, and 27 (11.7%) with cystectomy alone. Median survival among all groups was 30.4 months. For each group, median overall survival was 19.3, 49.1, 42.6, and 11.2 months, respectively. This study represents an advancement in understanding the impact of clinical treatment patterns of lymph node‐positive bladder cancer through comparison of survival data of patients treated with different therapeutic strategies. Combined treatment resulted in better outcomes than did single treatments.
Technological and sensorial quality of berry‐enriched pasta
Authors: Bustos Mariela C. , Paesani Candela , Quiroga Fernanda , León Alberto Edel
Published: July 2019

Background and objectives

The objective of this research was to study the effect on technological quality and acceptability of adding dry berries to pasta. Raspberry (RB), boysenberry (BB), blackcurrant (BC), and redcurrant (RC) were dehydrated by freeze‐dried (FD) and air‐dried (D) methods and added to pasta at 2.5% and 7.5%.

Findings

Freeze‐dried and D berries increased cooking loss; D‐BB and D‐RC fruits (≈5.8 g/100 g pasta) caused the slightest changes. Berry‐enriched pasta showed a decrease in firmness, adhesiveness, and chewiness, with FD berries having the highest detrimental effect. Pasta with FD berries showed higher polyphenol and anthocyanins than that with D berries. ABTS cation radical scavenging activity showed the highest values in pasta with 7.5% of BB and BC. Samples of berry‐enriched pasta were preferred by over 70% of consumers compared to those of control pasta; descriptors were tasty, fruity, al dente, and nice color.

Conclusions

The addition of 2.5% of air‐dried berries into pasta yielded a product with acceptable technological quality and distinctive sensorial attributes, with an effectively enhanced polyphenol, anthocyanin, and antioxidant activity content.

Significance and novelty

These results evidence that it is possible to develop pasta with great acceptability and high antioxidant activity through the incorporation of air‐dried berries.
Blunt cardiac rupture due to kicking on the lateral side of the right chest
Authors: Akishima Shinji , Takeyasu Noriyuki
Published: July 2019

Blunt cardiac rupture can be caused by an indirect blow to the heart during sports. Clinicians should consider the possibility of cardiac injury regardless of the severity of trauma. Confirming the diagnosis and reaching a decision to operate as soon as possible is the only way to rescue the patient.
An unusual cause of obstructive sleep apnea syndrome
Authors: Briganti Giovanni , Lechien Jérôme R. , Theate Ivan , Saussez Sven
Published: July 2019

The histopathologic examination is important after tonsillectomy, irrespective to the surgical indication.
Mordenite Nanorods Prepared by an Inexpensive Pyrrolidine‐based Mesoporogen for Alkane Hydroisomerization
Authors: Bolshakov Aleksei , Romero Hidalgo Douglas E. , van Hoof Arno J. F. , Kosinov Nikolay , Hensen Emiel J. M.
Published: July 2019

The front cover artwork for Issue 12/2019 is provided by researchers from the group of Inorganic Materials and Catalysis, Eindhoven University of Technology (The Netherlands). The image shows how a novel surfactant based on methylpiperidine modified by a hydrophobic tail (C16NMP) can downsize the synthesis of mordenite zeolite from massive crystals into more accessible nanorods. See the Full Paper itself at https://doi.org/10.1002/cctc.201900298.
Letter to the Editor
Authors: Biń Andrzej K.
Published: July 2019

No abstract.
Advances in Mixing Research: 16th European Conference on Mixing
Authors: Aubin Joëlle
Published: July 2019

No abstract.
Layered Bayesian nonparametric regression for DNA methylation rates
Authors: Ryu Duchwan
Published: July 2019

DNA methylation rate is one of key indicators that may show the association of a set of genes with a specific disease. However, DNA methylation rates usually follow a skewed distribution with a large amount of variance depending on the sample and genetic site. Using the functional data analysis to investigate differentially methylated genetic regions, it is desirable to utilize a regression methodology that is robust for errors with skewed distribution and large variance. To this purpose, we propose a novel regression method that fits the regression functions on the decomposed several layers of categorical responses and a layer of continuous responses and aggregates all fitted functions together. We carried out simulation studies to evaluate the performance of the proposed method under different amounts of error variances and skewed distributions. We also applied the proposed method in a functional data analysis to identify differentially methylated genetic regions within a chromosome by using data from sample tissues of patients with lung adenocarcinoma.
Estimation of predictive performance for test data in applicability domains using y‐randomization
Authors: Kaneko Hiromasa
Published: July 2019

A new measure of predictive performance for objective variables in regression analysis is proposed, enabling the y‐errors of new samples or test samples to be estimated in the applicability domains (ADs) of regression models. The proposed measure, based on y‐randomization, considers chance correlations and is calculated using only training data. This chance correlation‐excluded mean absolute error (MAECCE) can estimate the y‐errors of new samples considering the influence of chance correlations in the given dataset on the regression models. Experiments using numerical simulation, quantitative structure‐activity relationship, and quantitative structure‐property relationship datasets confirm that MAECCE can estimate the distribution of y‐errors of new samples in ADs for various training datasets, descriptor sets, and regression analysis methods, enabling chance correlations to be eliminated from data analysis. Python and MATLAB codes for the proposed algorithm are available at https://github.com/hkaneko1985/maecce.
Forschen – Publizieren – Lesen
Authors: Wiederhold Sabine
Published: July 2019

No abstract.
α‐Fetoprotein as a predictor of outcome for children with germ cell tumors: A report from the Malignant Germ Cell International Consortium
Authors: O’Neill Allison F. , Xia Caihong , Krailo Mark D. , Shaikh Furqan , Pashankar Farzana D. , Billmire Deborah F. , Olson Thomas A. , Amatruda Jim F. , Villaluna Doojduen , Huang Li , Malogolowkin Marcio , Rodriguez‐Galindo Carlos , Frazier A. Lindsay
Published: July 2019

Background

There are several studies describing the correlation between unsatisfactory tumor marker decline and a poor prognosis for adult patients treated for germ cell tumors. In pediatric patients, the data are limited. Therefore, this study retrospectively analyzed data from Children's Oncology Group (COG) protocol AGCT0132 to determine whether a relationship exists between α‐fetoprotein (AFP) decline and outcome.

Methods

One hundred thirty‐one patients with germ cell tumors who were enrolled in COG protocol AGCT0132 were eligible for this analysis of AFP decline. The serum AFP half‐life was calculated from levels collected postoperatively as a baseline and after the start of chemotherapy. AFP decline was defined as automatically satisfactory (AFP normalized within the first 2 AFP measures after the start of chemotherapy), calculated satisfactory (AFP half‐life ≤7 days after the start of chemotherapy), and unsatisfactory.

Results

The 3‐year cumulative incidence of relapse was 11% (95% confidence interval [CI], 6.0%‐18%) for patients with a satisfactory decline and 38% (95% CI, 13%‐64%) for patients with an unsatisfactory decline (P = .006). In stratified analyses, this effect was limited to patients who were 11 years of age or older and had standard risk 2 (SR2) disease (P = .004 and P = .007, respectively). Three‐year overall survival (OS) for patients with a satisfactory decline versus an unsatisfactory decline was not statistically significant.

Conclusions

This study is the first to show an association between AFP decline and the cumulative incidence of relapse in pediatric patients treated for germ cell tumors. Recognition of patients at high risk for relapse may allow for early intensification of therapy, which could affect future clinical trial design.
Moving from theory to practice: A call to action on cancer disparities
Authors: Moses Kelvin A.
Published: July 2019

Cancer disparities among black patients in the United States have been well described for decades. Medical society now has the responsibility of implementing practice‐changing protocols and encouraging effective legislation that will eliminate these disparities.
Isolation: Inexpensively separating cold data via garbage collection to improve the lifetime and performance of NAND flash SSDs
Authors: Zhou Bin , Wan Shenggang , Xie Changsheng
Published: July 2019

An effective way to mitigate the lifetime and performance problems of NAND flash SSDs induced by garbage collection is separating the cold data and hot data. However, all existing solutions do this separation from the viewpoint of the hot data and thus suffer from expensive cost on monitoring the update behaviors of workloads. Different from the conventional wisdom, we propose to do the separation from the viewpoint of the cold data, which is rooted on the following two dedicated observations. First, the data migrated by garbage collection demonstrate a cold property compared with the other data. Second, it is inexpensive to separate the former data from the latter data. In the proposed method, named Isolation, we inexpensively separate the cold data via garbage collection. More specifically, through writing the data migrated by garbage collection (cold data) to dedicated blocks and writing the other data (hot data) to other blocks, the separation is done naturally. To evaluate Isolation, we conduct extensive trace‐driven simulations under seven typical workloads. The simulation results demonstrate the effectiveness and efficiency of Isolation. In most cases, Isolation can reduce the number of erasures and average I/O response time up to 47.3% and 80.1%, respectively. Existing approaches integrated with Isolation can further reduce the number of erasures and average I/O response time up to 7.8%‐18.5% and 10.7%‐41.4%, respectively.