bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Generation of functional murine CD11c+ age‐associated B cells in the absence of B cell T‐bet expression
Authors: Du Samuel W. , Arkatkar Tanvi , Jacobs Holly M. , Rawlings David J. , Jackson Shaun W.
Published: October 2018

Age‐associated B cells (ABC), a novel subset of activated B cells defined by CD11b and CD11c expression, have been linked with both protective anti‐viral responses and the pathogenesis of systemic autoimmunity. Expression of the TH1 lineage transcription factor T‐bet has been identified as a defining feature of ABC biology, with B cell‐intrinsic expression of this transcription factor proposed to be required for ABC formation. In contrast to this model, we report that Tbx21 (encoding T‐bet)‐deficient B cells upregulate CD11b and CD11c surface expression in vitro in response to integrated TLR and cytokine signals. Moreover, B cell‐intrinsic T‐bet deletion in a murine lupus model exerted no impact of ABC generation in vivo, with Tbx21−/− ABCs exhibiting an identical surface phenotype to wild‐type (WT) ABCs. Importantly, WT and Tbx21−/− ABCs sorted from autoimmune mice produced equivalent amounts of IgM and IgG ex vivo following TLR stimulation, indicating that T‐bet‐deficient ABCs are likely functional in vivo. In summary, our data contradict the established literature by demonstrating that T‐bet expression is not uniformly required for ABC generation.
Lecithin Near Its Critical Micelle Concentration Increases Oxidative Stability of Non‐Stripped Corn Oil But Not Stripped Corn Oil
Authors: Kim JiSu , Woo YunSik , Ryu Jiwon , Kim Mi‐Ja , Lee JaeHwan
Published: October 2018

Effects of lecithin (HLB 4.5) on oxidative stability of non‐stripped or stripped corn oil are determined during storage at 50 °C. Headspace oxygen content of non‐stripped corn oil containing lecithin decreased less with the increasing concentration of lecithin (300–3000 ppm). Lecithin‐supplemented non‐stripped corn oil near and above critical micelle concentration (CMC, 1288 ppm) had higher oxidative stability as compared to other samples according to conjugated dienoic acid and p‐anisidine value assays. Antioxidant and tocopherol concentrations in non‐stripped corn oil samples containing lecithin near CMC are found to be the highest. Stripped corn oil has CMC of 1790 ppm lecithin and 600 ppm lecithin shows higher antioxidant properties than other concentration of lecithin from 1200 to 3000 ppm. Presence of phospholipids affected oxidative stability of bulk oils. Non‐stripped corn oil supplemented with lecithin near CMC shows the highest oxidative stability, which could be due to the incorporation of tocopherols into the association colloids formed by the added lecithin.

Practical Application: Controlling rate of lipid oxidation in bulk oils is one of the important topics in lipid science. Addition of commercially available lecithin (HLB 4.5) could enhance the oxidative stability in non‐stripped corn oil especially, at the concentration of lecithin near CMC. Presence of phospholipids affected oxidative stability of bulk oils. By using knowledge shown in this study, food industries could save costs by optimizing the lecithin concentration in bulk oils, which could be used as ingredients of many processed foods.

Addition of commercially available lecithin enhances oxidative stability in non‐stripped corn oil. Lecithin near or over its critical micelle concentration shows higher antioxidant activity in non‐stripped oil compared to other concentrations of lecithin. Added lecithin increases tocopherol stability, especially α‐tocopherol in non‐stripped bulk oil during storage. For stripped corn oil, 600 ppm lecithin only shows some antioxidant power and other concentrations do not enhance oxidative stability.
A model for the directional evolution of severe ocean storms
Authors: Tendijck S. , Ross E. , Randell D. , Jonathan P.
Published: October 2018

Motivated by recent work on Markov extremal models, we develop a nonstationary extension and use it to characterize the time evolution of extreme sea state significant wave height (HS) and storm direction in the vicinity of the storm peak sea state. The approach first requires transformation of HS from a physical to a standard Laplace scale achieved using a nonstationary directional marginal extreme value model. The evolution of Laplace‐scale HS is subsequently characterized using a Markov extremal model and that of the rate of change of storm direction described by an autoregressive model, the evolution variance of which is HS‐dependent. Simulations on the physical scale under the estimated model give realistic realizations of storm trajectories consistent with historical data for storm trajectories at a northern North Sea location.
Changes in the expression of worries, anxiety, and generalized anxiety disorder with increasing age: A population study of 70 to 85‐year‐olds
Authors: Nilsson Johan , Sigström Robert , Östling Svante , Waern Margda , Skoog Ingmar
Published: October 2018

Objectives

The prevalence of generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) is supposed to decrease with age. Reasons suggested include that emotional control increases and that anxiety and worry are expressed differently in older adults. The aim of this study was to examine how the expression of anxiety and worry changes with age and how this influences diagnoses in current classification systems.

Method

Semistructured psychiatric examinations were performed in population‐based samples of 70‐ (n = 562), 75‐ (n = 770), 79/80‐ (n = 603), and 85‐year‐olds (n = 433). Individuals with dementia were excluded. GAD was diagnosed according to DSM‐5 (DSM5 GAD) and ICD‐10 (ICD10 GAD) criteria. Individual symptoms were assessed according to severity and frequency. Functioning was measured with Global Assessment of Functioning (GAF).

Results

The prevalence of clinical anxiety, autonomic arousal, muscle tension, and irritability decreased with age, while that of worry and fatigue increased. Concentration difficulties and sleep disturbances remained stable. The prevalence of ICD10 GAD tended to decrease, while that of DSM5 GAD did not change with age. Core symptoms and diagnoses of GAD were related to lower GAF scores. However, in those with autonomic arousal and ICD10 GAD, GAF scores increased with age.

Conclusions

The prevalence of ICD10 GAD tended to decrease with increasing age while the prevalence of DSM5 GAD remained stable. This difference was partly due to a decreased frequency of severe anxiety and autonomic arousal symptoms, and that worries increased, suggesting changes in the expression of GAD with increasing age.
Deviance detection is the dominant component of auditory contextual processing in the lateral superior temporal gyrus: A human ECoG study
Authors: Ishishita Yohei , Kunii Naoto , Shimada Seijiro , Ibayashi Kenji , Tada Mariko , Kirihara Kenji , Kawai Kensuke , Uka Takanori , Kasai Kiyoto , Saito Nobuhito
Published: October 2018

Auditory contextual processing has been assumed to be based on a hierarchical structure consisting of the primary auditory cortex, superior temporal gyrus (STG), and frontal lobe. Recent invasive studies on mismatch negativity (MMN) have revealed functional segregation for auditory contextual processing such as neural adaptation in the primary auditory cortex and prediction in the frontal lobe. However, the role of the STG remains unclear. We obtained induced activity in the high gamma band as mismatch response (MMR), an electrocorticographic (ECoG) counterpart to scalp MMN, and the components of MMR by analyzing ECoG data from patients with refractory epilepsy in an auditory oddball task paradigm. We found that MMR localized mainly in the bilateral posterior STGs, and that deviance detection largely accounted for MMR. Furthermore, adaptation was identified in a limited number of electrodes on the superior temporal plane. Our findings reveal a mixed contribution of deviance detection and adaptation depending on location in the STG. Such spatial considerations could lead to further understanding of the pathophysiology of relevant psychiatric disorders.
Entrepreneurs' human resources development
Authors: Hubner Sylvia Veronique , Baum Matthias
Published: October 2018

This study explores how entrepreneurs develop human resources within their firms. Based on an analysis of interviews with entrepreneurs and new venture consultants, we describe entrepreneurs' human resources development (HRD) approaches. We found that entrepreneurs rely on networking and creativity, aim to leverage employees' interest and competencies, and allow cocreation by employees; current requirements and situational conditions shape entrepreneurs' HRD decisions. To elaborate on our findings, we draw on the distinction between causation and effectuation. We describe an entrepreneurial HRD process that combines both a causation‐based and an effectuation‐based HRD approach.
Cervical cancer screening research in the PROSPR I consortium: Rationale, methods and baseline findings from a US cohort
Authors: Kamineni Aruna , Tiro Jasmin A. , Beaber Elisabeth F. , Silverberg Michael J. , Wheeler Cosette M. , Chao Chun R. , Chubak Jessica , Skinner Celette Sugg , Corley Douglas A. , Kim Jane J. , Balasubramanian Bijal A. , Paul Doria‐Rose V. ,   on behalf of the PROSPR consortium
Published: October 2018

Little is known about the effect of evolving risk‐based cervical cancer screening and management guidelines on United States (US) clinical practice and patient outcomes. We describe the National Cancer Institute's Population‐based Research Optimizing Screening through Personalized Regimens (PROSPR I) consortium, methods and baseline findings from its cervical sites: Kaiser Permanente Washington, Kaiser Permanente Northern California, Kaiser Permanente Southern California, Parkland Health & Hospital System/University of Texas Southwestern (Parkland‐UTSW) and New Mexico HPV Pap Registry housed by University of New Mexico (UNM‐NMHPVPR). Across these diverse healthcare settings, we collected data on human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccinations, screening tests/results, diagnostic and treatment procedures/results and cancer diagnoses on nearly 4.7 million women aged 18–89 years from 2010 to 2014. We calculated baseline (2012 for UNM‐NMHPVPR; 2010 for other sites) frequencies for sociodemographics, cervical cancer risk factors and key screening process measures for each site's cohort. Healthcare delivery settings, cervical cancer screening strategy, race/ethnicity and insurance status varied among sites. The proportion of women receiving a Pap test during the baseline year was similar across sites (26.1–36.1%). Most high‐risk HPV tests were performed either reflexively or as cotests, and utilization pattern varied by site. Prevalence of colposcopy or biopsy was higher at Parkland‐UTSW (3.6%) than other sites (1.3–1.4%). Incident cervical cancer was rare. HPV vaccination among age‐eligible women not already immunized was modest across sites (0.1–7.2%). Cervical PROSPR I makes available high‐quality, multilevel, longitudinal screening process data from a large and diverse cohort of women to evaluate and improve the effectiveness of US cervical cancer screening delivery.
Outcomes of systematic anticoagulation management in pharmacist and nurse specialized clinics
Authors: Manzoor Beenish S. , Bauman Jerry , Shapiro Nancy L. , Stamos Thomas , Galanter William , Nutescu Edith A.
Published: October 2018

Background

While systematic anticoagulation management leads to improved outcomes, there is limited data comparing outcomes in anticoagulation clinics managed by pharmacists vs nurses. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of pharmacist vs nurse‐managed clinics on the quality of anticoagulation and warfarin‐related hospitalizations and emergency department (ED) admissions.

Methods

A retrospective observational cohort study of patients treated with warfarin and referred to a pharmacist‐managed anticoagulation clinic (PMAC) or a nurse‐managed anticoagulation clinic (NMAC) was conducted at the University of Illinois Hospital and Health Sciences System. The primary outcome was the proportion of international normalized ratio levels in therapeutic range (PIR). The secondary outcome was warfarin‐related hospitalizations and ED visits. Multivariate regression models were used to evaluate the effect of the model of care (PMAC vs NMAC) on PIR and hospitalization/ED visits, respectively. An economic evaluation of adverse events was also undertaken.

Results

A total of 200 consecutive patients (100 patients in the PMAC group and 100 patients in the NMAC group) were included. The majority of patients were females (58.5%) and average age was 61.4 ± 14.6 years. Patients in the PMAC group were more nonadherent to warfarin therapy and had more than three missed clinic appointments compared with the NMAC group ([19.1% ± 10.1% vs 4.1% ± 4.1%, P < 0.05]; and [78% vs 33%, P < 0.05]) respectively. The average PIR was 51.8% ± 15.9% and 56.2% ± 13.9% (P = 0.04) in the PMAC and NMAC groups, respectively. After controlling for confounders, the adjusted PIR was not different between the two groups. The NMAC group, however, had over seven times greater odds of hospitalization/ED visits compared to the PMAC group. The PMAC saved $505 349 over a 1.25 year period.

Conclusion

The quality of warfarin anticoagulation did not differ between pharmacist and nurse‐managed models of anticoagulation care, however, PMACs decreased the odds of warfarin‐related hospitalizations/ED visits and their associated costs.
Implementing and evaluating virtual patient cases within a team‐based learning pedagogy in a therapeutics course sequence
Authors: Mohammad Rima A. , Ellingrod Vicki L. , Bleske Barry E.
Published: October 2018

Introduction

Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE) requires that pharmacy curriculum stresses active learning. This allows students to listen, read, write, discuss, and reflect on their approach to course content through various methods. ACPE advocates use of innovative, active learning teaching methods to develop necessary skills students need to problem‐solve, think critically, and effectively work as a team. We have successfully implemented team‐based learning (TBL) throughout therapeutics curriculum; however, there is still a critical need for students to practice what they have learned through an interactive fashion. Use of virtual patients has been previously evaluated in non‐TBL courses and has resulted in improved student learning. Thus, using virtual technology could bridge the gap between TBL and providing “real‐life” patient‐centered care.

Objectives

To evaluate short‐term learning outcomes and student perception of implementing virtual simulation within a TBL therapeutics course series. We expect that virtual simulation will add another unique action‐based learning experience within TBL.

Methods

Faculty developed virtual patient cases using branched‐outcome decision‐making processes and integrated them into six TBL sessions throughout the therapeutic courses in the second (two sessions) and third years (four sessions) of pharmacy school. Students completed virtual patient cases in groups and pre‐simulation/post‐simulation assessments were completed. Assessments and activity evaluation were used to measure student learning and perceptions. Pre‐simulation/post‐simulation assessments included 12 lower‐level and 9 higher‐level learning questions.

Results

Use of virtual patient cases resulted in significantly higher post‐simulation scores compared with pre‐simulation scores (P < 0.001). Increases in student's learning of lower‐ and higher‐level domains (P = 0.02 and P = 0.11, respectively) were observed. Seventy‐four percent of students agreed that virtual cases were effective in learning therapeutic clinical application, and 80% believed these cases stimulated their critical thinking.

Conclusion

Integrating virtual patient cases into curriculum may enhance student's ability to critically think and apply their knowledge to real health care world.
Ultra‐low background Raman sensing using a negative‐curvature fibre and no distal optics
Authors: Yerolatsitis Stephanos , Yu Fei , McAughtrie Sarah , Tanner Michael G. , Fleming Holly , Stone James M. , Campbell Colin J. , Birks Tim A. , Knight Jonathan C.
Published: October 2018

Measuring Raman spectra through an optical fibre is usually complicated by the high intrinsic Raman scatter of the fibre material. Common solutions such as the use of multiple fibres and distal optics are complex and bulky. We demonstrate the use of single novel hollow‐core negative‐curvature fibres (NCFs) for Raman and surface‐enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) sensing using no distal optics. The background Raman emission from the silica in the NCF was at least 1000× smaller than in a conventional solid fibre, while maintaining the same collection efficiency. We transmitted pump light from a 785‐nm laser through the NCF, and we collected back the weak Raman spectra of different distal samples, demonstrating the fibre probe can be used for measurements of weak Raman and SERS signals that would otherwise overlap spectrally with the silica background. The lack of distal optics and consequent small probe diameter (<0.25 mm) enable applications that were not previously possible.
A Multicenter Observational Cohort Study to Evaluate the Effects of Bisphosphonate Exposure on Bone Mineral Density and Other Health Outcomes in Osteogenesis Imperfecta
Authors: Bains Jaskaran S , Carter Erin M , Citron Kate P , Boskey Adele L , Shapiro Jay R , Steiner Robert D , Smith Peter A , Bober Michael B , Hart Tracy , Cuthbertson David , Krischer Jeff , Byers Peter H , Pepin Melanie , Durigova Michaela , Glorieux Francis H , Rauch Frank , Sliepka Joseph M , Sutton V Reid , Lee Brendan ,   Members of the BBD Consortium, Nagamani Sandesh CS , Raggio Cathleen L
Published: October 2018

Osteogenesis imperfecta (OI) is characterized by low bone mass and bone fragility. Using data from a large cohort of individuals with OI from the Osteogenesis Imperfecta Foundation's linked clinical research centers, we examined the association between exposure to bisphosphonate (BPN) treatment (past or present) and lumbar spine (LS) areal bone mineral density (aBMD), fractures, scoliosis, and mobility. From 466 individuals, we obtained 1394 participant‐age LS aBMD data points. Though all OI subtypes were examined, primary analyses were restricted to type I OI (OI‐1). Using linear regression, we constructed expected OI‐1 LS aBMD‐for‐age curves from the data from individuals who had never received BPN. LS aBMD in those who had been exposed to BPN was then compared with the computed expected aBMD. BPN exposure in preadolescent years (age <14 years) was associated with a LS aBMD that was 9% more than the expected computed values in BPN‐naïve individuals (p < 0.01); however, such association was not observed across all ages. Exposure to i.v. BPN and treatment duration >2 years correlated with LS aBMD in preadolescent individuals. BPN exposure also had a significant association with non‐aBMD clinical outcome variables. Logistic regression modeling predicted that with BPN exposure, a 1‐year increase in age would be associated with an 8.2% decrease in fracture probability for preadolescent individuals with OI‐1, compared with no decrease in individuals who had never received any BPN (p < 0.05). In preadolescent individuals with OI‐1, a 0.1 g/cm2 increase in LS aBMD was associated with a 10.6% decrease in scoliosis probability, compared with a 46.8% increase in the BPN‐naïve group (p < 0.01). For the same changes in age and LS aBMD in preadolescent individuals, BPN exposure was also associated with higher mobility scores (p < 0.01), demonstrating that BPN treatment may be associated with daily function. © 2018 The Authors. JBMR Plus Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Cameron‐Liebler line classes in PG(3, 5)
Authors: Gavrilyuk Alexander L. , Matkin Ilia
Published: October 2018

We complete a classification of Cameron‐Liebler line classes in and show in a uniform way all nonexistence results for those in , .
Localization of telocytes in rabbits testis: Histological and immunohistochemical approach
Authors: Awad Mahmoud , Ghanem Mohamed Elshabrawy
Published: October 2018

Telocyte (TC) is an interesting unique interstitial cell demonstrated in many human and animal tissues and organs. This study verified, for the first time, the pattern of TC distribution in the testicular tissue of New Zealand White rabbits using histological, immunohistochemical, and electron microscopic tools. Rabbit testicular tissue samples were obtained from three pairs of adult healthy New Zealand white rabbit by surgical procedures. The testicular tissues were stained with hematoxyline–eosin, Crossmon's trichrome and Periodic acid Schiff. The immunohistochemistry was performed using three different antibodies CD34, CD117, and vimentin. The testes were examined by scanning and transmission electron microscopy. Histologically, TCs formed a sheath surrounding the seminiferous tubules. Other TCs were located in the interstitial tissue of the rabbit testis. Immunohistochemically, TCs reacted strongly with CD34, CD117, and vimentin. Scanning electron microscopic findings clearly elucidated the spreading pattern of TCs and their cytoplasmic processes with the interstitial tissue including blood vessels. Both homocellular and heterocellular junctions were demonstrated by transmission electron microscope. On the basis of TCs distribution and connections, the before mentioned data suggested that, TCs may play a potential role in maintaining the testicular construction and regulation. A future work is needed to clarify the actual role played by TCs in monitoring testicular fertility.

Research highlights

Telocyte (TC) is a unique cell demonstrated in human and animal tissues.

TCs formed a sheath surrounding the seminiferous tubules in rabbits and may be located in interstitial tissue.

Immunohistochemically, TCs reacted strongly with CD34 and CD117.
Mannan-binding lectin deficiency exacerbates sterile liver injury in mice through enhancing hepatic neutrophil recruitment
Authors: Zhou Jia , Li Junru , Yu Yu , Liu Yan , Li Huifang , Liu Yunzhi , Wang Jun , Zhang Liyun , Lu Xiao , Chen Zhengliang , Zuo Daming
Published: October 2018

Noninfectious liver injury, including the effects of drugs and diet, is a major cause of liver diseases worldwide. The innate inflammatory response to hepatocyte death plays a crucial role in the outcome of liver injury. Mannan-binding lectin (MBL) is a pattern recognition molecule of the innate immune system, which is primarily produced by liver. MBL deficiency occurs with high frequency in the population and is reported associated with predisposition to infectious diseases. We here observed that genetic MBL ablation strongly sensitizes mice to sterile liver injury induced by carbon tetrachloride (CCl4). Aggravated liver damage was shown in CCl4-administrated MBL−/− mice, as evidenced by severe hepatocyte death, elevated serum alanine aminotransferase and lactate dehydrogenase activity, and enhanced production of inflammatory cytokines. Mechanistic studies established that MBL deficiency caused increased chemokine CXCL2 production from liver macrophages upon CCl4 stimulation, thereby promoting the hepatic recruitment of neutrophils and subsequent liver damage. Furthermore, MBL-mediated protection from CCl4-induced liver injury was validated by administration of an MBL-expressing liver-specific adeno-associated virus, which effectively ameliorated the hepatic damage in CCl4-treated MBL–/– mice. We propose that MBL may be exploited as a new therapeutic approach in the treatment of chemical-induced sterile liver injury in patients with MBL deficiency.

MBL may be exploited as a new therapeutic approach in the treatment of chemically-induced sterile liver injury in patients with MBL deficiency.
Current state of MRI of the fetal brain in utero
Authors: Jarvis Deborah A. , Griffiths Paul D.
Published: October 2018

In this article we provide an overview of fetal brain development, describe the range of more common fetal neuropathology, and discuss the relevance of in utero MR (iuMR). Although ultrasonography remains the mainstay of fetal brain imaging, iuMR imaging is both feasible and safe, but presents several challenges. We discuss those challenges, the techniques employed to overcome them, and new approaches that may extend the clinical applicability of fetal iuMR.

Level of Evidence: Technical Efficacy Stage.

J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2019;49:632–646.
Role of proton MR spectroscopy in the differentiation of borderline from malignant epithelial ovarian tumors: A preliminary study
Authors: Ma Feng Hua , Li Yong Ai , Liu Jia , Li Hai Ming , Zhang Guo Fu , Qiang Jin Wei
Published: October 2018

Background

Due to the overlapping imaging appearances between borderline and malignant epithelial ovarian tumors (EOTs), borderline EOTs often represent a diagnostic challenge on conventional MRI. Proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H‐MRS) might have potential to differentiate borderline from malignant tumors.

Purpose

To investigate the ability of 1H‐MRS to differentiate borderline from malignant EOTs.

Study Type

Prospective.

Population

In all, 278 patients with adnexal masses.

Field Strength/Sequence

1.5 T Siemens Avanto MRI system and 1H‐MRS using a point‐resolved spectroscopy sequence (PRESS).

Assessment

Resonance peak integrals of the most common metabolites were analyzed and compared between the two groups.

Statistical Tests

The ratios of metabolites between borderline and malignant EOTs were compared with the Mann–Whitney U‐test. A receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was used to determine their differential diagnosis performances.

Results

In the solid components of borderline and malignant EOTs, the mean Cho/Cr, NAA/Cr, and NAA/Cho ratios were 4.4 ± 1.1 and 9.9 ± 2.8; 10.4 ± 3.0 and 2.2 ± 1.0; and 2.4 ± 0.7 and 0.3 ± 0.1, respectively (all P < 0.001). The sensitivity, specificity, and area under the curve (AUC) were 91%, 100%, and 0.98 for the Cho/Cr ratio; 100%, 98%, and 0.99 for the NAA/Cr ratio; and 100%, 100%, and 1.00 for the NAA/Cho ratio, respectively. In the cystic components, the mean Cho/Cr, NAA/Cr, and NAA/Cho ratios were 3.2 ± 0.8 and 5.1 ± 1.2; 9.1 ± 3.4 and 2.3 ± 1.4; and 2.9 ± 1.2 and 0.5 ± 0.4, respectively (all P < 0.001). The sensitivity, specificity, and AUC were 84%, 82%, and 0.89 for the Cho/Cr ratio; 94%, 97%, and 0.99 for the NAA/Cr ratio; and 94%, 97%, and 0.99 for the NAA/Cho ratio, respectively.

Data Conclusion

The NAA/Cho ratio is a reliable biomarker for differentiating borderline from malignant EOTs.

Level of Evidence: 2

Technical Efficacy: Stage 3

J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2019;49:1684–1693.
Kinetic modeling of high‐pressure induced inactivation of polyphenol oxidase in sugarcane juice (Saccharum officinarum)
Authors: Sreedevi Pandraju , Jayachandran Lakshmi E , Rao Pavuluri Srinivasa
Published: October 2018

BACKGROUND

Polyphenol oxidase (PPO) is the main enzyme in sugarcane juice associated with rapid browning and degradation of organoleptic properties. High‐pressure processing (HPP) (300–600 MPa) of sugarcane juice in combination with moderate temperatures (30–60 °C) for different processing times (10–25 min) has shown promising results in minimizing PPO activity while preserving the juice's freshness.

RESULTS

A maximum PPO inactivation of 98% was achieved at 600 MPa/60 °C/25 min, while the corresponding value for thermal treatment at 0.1 MPa/60 °C was only 66%. The nonlinearity in the inactivation data was well described by the Weibull distribution model with a high adjusted R2 and reduced χ2 values at all levels of pressure and temperature. The PPO inactivation data were fitted at shape parameter, β = 1 (log linear) and β ≠ 1. A refitted Weibull model was used to predict kinetic parameters such as the inactivation rate constants (k), activation energy (Ea) and activation volume (Va), which govern PPO inactivation in HPP‐treated sugarcane juice. A secondary kinetic model was formulated to predict the k values as a function of pressure (P) and temperature (T), incorporating Ea and Va.

CONCLUSIONS

Combined high‐pressure and temperature processing has been considered a reliable alternative to conventional heat treatment for inhibiting PPO activity in sugarcane juice. While the isothermal inactivation of PPO followed first‐order kinetics, inclusion of high pressure resulted in a strong deviation from log linear kinetics. Identification of suitable kinetic models describing these inactivation processes is expected to aid product development and process control of high‐pressure processed sugarcane juice. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
Safety and efficacy of Early injection laryngoplasty in pediatric patients
Authors: Bertelsen Caitlin , Jacobson Lia , Osterbauer Beth , Hochstim Christian
Published: October 2018

Objective

The major morbidity of unilateral vocal fold immobility (UVFI) in children is due to aspiration. Early injection laryngoplasty (IL) can decrease aspiration risk; however, this has not been well studied in pediatric otolaryngology. This study examines safety and efficacy of early IL in children.

Methods

Retrospective review of pediatric patients undergoing IL with any injectate between 2006 and 2017 within 6 months of onset of UVFI. Outcomes included diet pre‐ and postprocedure, incidence of aspiration‐related sequelae, and adverse events.

Results

Seventeen patients met eligibility criteria. Ten (58.8%) were males. Median age was 8 months (interquartile range, 2 months–11.5 years). All patients had prior surgeries; the largest subgroup (11 patients, 64.7%) had UVFI after repair of a congenital cardiac defect. Other causes included thyroidectomy, high vagal injury, and prolonged intubation.

Sixteen patients underwent swallowing evaluation prior to IL and 14 patients required dietary modifications due to aspiration risk. Consistency and/or volume of oral intake improved after IL in 10 (71.4%) of them. Five patients underwent gastrostomy tube placement for significant oromotor incoordination. Children with congenital cardiac defects had more previous surgeries (3.0 ± 0.4 vs. 1.2 ± 0.2, P = .006) and were more likely to require G‐tube placement due to poor feeding despite IL (45% vs. 0%, P = .05). No patients experienced adverse events due to IL; in particular, none experienced airway symptoms requiring intubation.

Conclusion

Early IL in pediatric patients with UVFI is safe and can reduce aspiration and improve oral intake. Future studies should elucidate patient subgroups most likely to benefit from this intervention.

Level of Evidence

4

Laryngoscope, 129:1699–1705, 2019
Thermoresponsive Three‐Stage Optical Modulation of a Self‐Healing Composite Hydrogel
Authors: Wang Haihuan , Zhan Jianghao , Xiao Kechen , Luo Feng , Li Jiehua , Tan Hong
Published: October 2018

A self‐healing composite hydrogel with thermoresponsive three‐stage optical adjustment (opaque‐transparent‐translucent) is achieved by combining polyampholyte hydrogel (PAH) with a small amount of poly(N‐isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAM) nanogels. The PAH has an upper critical solution temperature to dominate the initial optical stage of reversible opaque‐transparent transition and also offers its self‐healing properties via reversible ionic bonds. Meanwhile, the PNIPAM shows a lower critical solution temperature by hydrophilic‐hydrophobic phase transition and synergistic clustering of PAH, which controls the subsequent optical stage of reversible transparent‐translucent transition. Therefore, the PAH/PNIPAM composite hydrogel shows a reversible three‐stage optical modulation by controlling temperature from low (<15 °C) to medium (15–30 °C) to high (>30 °C) via double phase transition behavior of PAH/PNIPAM. Through different analytical methods, the synergistic thermoreposensive effects of PNIPAM nanogels and the bulk PAH are demonstrated. Finally, a prototype of a smart window is designed to demonstrate one of its potential applications.
Universal and complete sets in martingale theory
Authors: Lecomte Dominique , Zelený Miroslav
Published: October 2018

The Doob convergence theorem implies that the set of divergence of any martingale has measure zero. We prove that, conversely, any subset of the Cantor space with Lebesgue‐measure zero can be represented as the set of divergence of some martingale. In fact, this is effective and uniform. A consequence of this is that the set of everywhere converging martingales is ‐complete, in a uniform way. We derive from this some universal and complete sets for the whole projective hierarchy, via a general method. We provide some other complete sets for the classes and in the theory of martingales.
Scales with various kinds of good points
Authors: Matet Pierre
Published: October 2018

We study variants of (more or less) known square‐like principles obtained by replacing equality with covering. We show that these weaker principles are still strong enough to yield scales with many good (or even better) points. Such scales can be used to construct large pseudo‐Kurepa families.
New combinatorial principle on singular cardinals and normal ideals
Authors: Usuba Toshimichi
Published: October 2018

We introduce a new combinatorial principle on singular cardinals. This principle allows us to take a kind of a diagonal intersection of more than λ many measure one sets of certain normal ideals over. Under the principle, we give various characterizations of the saturation property of normal ideals over. We also consider Chang's type transfer properties under the principle, and, when λ is Jónsson, we prove that every normal ideal overwithmeasure one cannot have strong properties.
Existence and asymptotic behaviour for the time‐fractional Keller–Segel model for chemotaxis
Authors: Azevedo Joelma , Cuevas Claudio , Henriquez Erwin
Published: October 2018

One of the most important systems for understanding chemotactic aggregation is the Keller–Segel system. We consider the time‐fractional Keller–Segel system of order . We prove an existence result with small initial data in a class of Besov–Morrey spaces. Self‐similar solutions are obtained and we also show an asymptotic behaviour result.
Identification of a TLR2 Inhibiting Wheat Hydrolysate
Authors: Kiewiet Mensiena B. G. , Dekkers Renske , van Gool Martine P. , Ulfman Laurien H. , Groeneveld Andre , Faas Marijke M. , de Vos Paul
Published: October 2018

Scope

Wheat hydrolysates are used in medical nutrition to provide undernourished patients a readily digestible protein source, for instance to recover from chemotherapy‐induced intestinal mucosal inflammation. Since many hydrolysates of different sources can modulate the immune system, likely via Toll‐like receptors (TLRs), it is hypothesized that also wheat hydrolysates might interact with TLR signaling, which could be a way to prevent intestinal inflammation and damage.

Methods and results

The capacity of three wheat hydrolysates to modulate immunity by interfering with TLR signaling is determined. All wheat hydrolysates have TLR modulating effects but only one has strong TLR2 inhibiting effects, attenuating both TLR2/1 and TLR2/6 signaling in a reporter cell system. This is likely induced by direct TLR2‐ectodomain binding, as confirmed by ELISA. Furthermore, this TLR2 blocking hydrolysate reduces IL‐6 production in human dendritic cells. Application of reversed‐phase–ultra HPLC combined with MS reveals that the presence of peptide WQIPEQSR is associated with the observed TLR2 inhibiting capacity.

Conclusion

The study demonstrates TLR2‐inhibiting capacities of a wheat hydrolysate. The findings provide a good start for further research to investigate whether this hydrolysate might contribute to the management of intestinal mucosal inflammation in cancer patients receiving chemotherapy.
A dual‐band implantable antenna with wide‐band characteristics at MICS and ISM bands
Authors: Basir A. , Bouazizi A. , Zada M. , Iqbal A. , Ullah S. , Naeem U.
Published: October 2018

This letter presents the design of a miniaturized dual‐band spiral antenna for biomedical applications. The recommended antenna covers both the Medical Implant Communication Service MICS (402‐405 MHz) as well as the Industrial Scientific Medical ISM (2.4‐2.48 GHz) band. Different size reduction techniques have been applied to downsize the antenna and the latter achieved a compact size of 14 × 17 × 0.25 mm3. For validation purpose, measurements were conducted in the saline solution having properties comparable to muscles. The structure achieves very good measured peak gain values of −33 dBi and − 16 dBi at 403 MHz and 2.45 GHz, respectively. The proposed antenna has a wide‐band characteristic at both bands, which is the key for an antenna to be implanted into different tissue environments. Both the simulated and measured impedance bandwidths are sufficiently covering the intended bands. A decent agreement is observed between simulated and measured results.
Fully automatic segmentation of 4D MRI for cardiac functional measurements
Authors: Wang Yan , Zhang Yue , Xuan Wanling , Kao Evan , Cao Peng , Tian Bing , Ordovas Karen , Saloner David , Liu Jing
Published: October 2018

Purpose

Segmentation of cardiac medical images, an important step in measuring cardiac function, is usually performed either manually or semiautomatically. Fully automatic segmentation of the left ventricle (LV), the right ventricle (RV) as well as the myocardium of three‐dimensional (3D) magnetic resonance (MR) images throughout the entire cardiac cycle (four‐dimensional, 4D), remains challenging. This study proposes a deformable‐based segmentation methodology for efficiently segmenting 4D (3D + t) cardiac MR images.

Methods

The proposed methodology first used the Hough transform and the local Gaussian distribution method (LGD) to segment the LV endocardial contours from cardiac MR images. Following this, a novel level set‐based shape prior method was applied to generate the LV epicardial contours and the RV boundary.

Results

This automatic image segmentation approach has been applied to studies on 17 subjects. The results demonstrated that the proposed method was efficient compared to manual segmentation, achieving a segmentation accuracy with average Dice values of 88.62 ± 5.47%, 87.35 ± 7.26%, and 82.63 ± 6.22% for the LV endocardial, LV epicardial, and RV contours, respectively.

Conclusions

We have presented a method for accurate LV and RV segmentation. Compared to three existing methods, the proposed method can successfully segment the LV and yield the highest Dice value. This makes it an option for clinical assessment of the volume, size, and thickness of the ventricles.
Religion and community philanthropic organizations: The case of the United Jewish Appeal‐Federation of New York
Authors: Shaul Bar Nissim Hanna
Published: October 2018

This article explores the processes that occur when community philanthropic organizations develop religious expressions and practices by examining the shifts that took place within the United Jewish Appeal‐Federation of New York between 1990 and 2014. As the findings indicate, the gradual integration of ethnoreligious practices, norms, and expressions into the Federation's missions, routine, activities, and distribution of resources, as well as among staff and volunteers, reshaped the Federation's identity and faith‐based orientation. This process led the Federation to move beyond being a faith‐background organization toward becoming a faith‐affiliated organization, expressing Jewish beliefs through its charitable work and philanthropic activities. The article highlights the resulting dilemmas and obstacles faced by the Federation and concludes with a discussion of the implications for understanding the process of increased religion among community philanthropic organizations.
Interpersonal touch interventions for patients in intensive care: A design‐oriented realist review
Authors: Harris Sansha J. , Papathanassoglou Elizabeth D. E. , Gee Melanie , Hampshaw Susan M. , Lindgren Lenita , Haywood Annette
Published: October 2018

Aim

To develop a theoretical framework to inform the design of interpersonal touch interventions intended to reduce stress in adult intensive care unit patients.

Design

Realist review with an intervention design‐oriented approach.

Methods

We searched CINAHL, MEDLINE, EMBASE, CENTRAL, Web of Science and grey literature sources without date restrictions. Subject experts suggested additional articles. Evidence synthesis drew on diverse sources of literature and was conducted iteratively with theory testing. We consulted stakeholders to focus the review. We performed systematic searches to corroborate our developing theoretical framework.

Results

We present a theoretical framework based around six intervention construction principles. Theory testing provided some evidence in favour of treatment repetition, dynamic over static touch and lightening sedation. A lack of empirical evidence was identified for construction principles relating to intensity and positive/negative evaluation of emotional experience, moderate pressure touch for sedated patients and intervention delivery by relatives versus healthcare practitioners.
Continuous‐Wave Line Laser for Large Area Material Refinement
Authors: Kühnapfel Sven , Harten Paul , Gall Stefan
Published: October 2018

In a constantly evolving laser industry, new and innovative applications of laser radiation are emerging – in scope as well as in numbers. While pulsed line‐shaped laser beams are already well established as mainstream manufacturing tools in the production of flat panel displays, continuous‐wave line beam processes are still in their infancy. Nevertheless, they have shown great potential in research & development laboratories as well as in pilot plants for various thermal material processing applications.
Understanding Aspheric Lenses
Authors: Adams Daniel , Ament Shelby
Published: October 2018

Aspheric lenses are an extremely powerful tool for improving the performance of optical systems whilst also reducing the number of elements and consequently size and weight. From medical equipment and microscopes to smart phones and autonomous vehicles, they are increasingly important across all optics‐enabled industries. An aspheric surface cannot be made in the same way as a spherical one, a range of sub‐aperture grinding and polishing techniques must be used to create a variable curvature. These methods create additional issues that need to be monitored and controlled to maximize the performance of an aspheric lens.
Using Diffractive Optical Elements
Authors: Katz Shlomit , Kaplan Natan , Grossinger Israel
Published: October 2018

A diffractive optical element (DOE) uses thin micro‐structure patterns to alter the phase of the light that is propagated through it. Those micro‐structures, once properly designed, can manipulate the light to almost any desired intensity profile or shape. This technology enables many functions and light manipulations which are not feasible with standard refractive optics.
Laser Cutting, Positioning, and Joining in One Clamping
Authors: Liebhart Harald
Published: October 2018

Equipping components which carry media with threaded bushings or fittings, replacing hydroformed components by deep‐drawn half‐shells, and building complex 3D assemblies from individual parts direct from the coil – these are the areas of application for CutFusion from Weil Engineering, the mechanical engineers from Müllheim, South Germany. CutFusion not only saves a great deal of handling time and effort, it also makes the manufacturing workflow much safer.
Welding of Radially Symmetrical Plastic Parts
Authors: Brunnecker Frank
Published: October 2018

Laser plastic welding of radially symmetrical parts is one of the most efficient joining technologies on the market when the typical process conditions are taken into account in good time. It combines all process advantages in terms of cleanliness and precision with robust and economical system technology.
Binary polyamide hybrid composites containing carbon allotropes and metal particles with radiofrequency shielding effect
Authors: Oliveira Filipa , Dencheva Nadya , Lanceros‐Méndez Senentxu , Nunes Teresa , Denchev Zlatan
Published: October 2018

Novel hybrid composites with polyamide 6 (PA6) matrices and binary metal/carbon allotrope reinforcements are synthesized using a two‐stage method. First, activated anionic ring‐opening polymerization (AAROP) of ε‐caprolactam is performed in suspension, in the presence of the desired amounts of different metal particles (Al, Cu, Fe, or Mg) and carbon allotropes (multi‐walled carbon nanotubes or carbon black). The AAROP produces dual core PA6 microcapsules (PAMCs) with controlled shape and size and a total metal/carbon load of up to 17 wt% in respect to the PA6 matrix. Second, these PAMC are compression molded to composite plates. The morphology and the crystalline structure of the different PAMC and their respective composites are studied by electron microscopy and thermal methods. The well‐dispersed binary metal–carbon allotrope fillers in the PA6 matrix increase its electrical conductivity by seven to nine orders of magnitude. Simultaneously, up to ca. 60% increase of the Young's modulus of the hybrids is registered. An almost total disappearance of the PA6 resonance lines in some of the binary hybrids is registered by solid state NMR spectroscopy. The tunable combination of enhanced electrical conductivity and screening of radiofrequencies can be potentially useful in electromagnetic interference shielding or radar absorbing materials. POLYM. COMPOS., 40:E1338–E1352, 2019. © 2018 Society of Plastics Engineers
Synthesis of poly(AN)/poly(AA‐co‐AM) hydrogel nanocomposite with electrical conductivity and antibacterial properties
Authors: Hosseinzadeh Hossein , Barghi Ali
Published: October 2018

In this study, a novel conductive hydrogel nanocomposite (CHN) was prepared using chemical oxidative polymerization of aniline (AN), acrylic acid (AA), and acrylamide (AM) and subsequent in situ synthesis of silver nanoparticles. The structure of CHNs was characterized by Fourier transform infrared, scanning electron microscopy, Transmission electron microscopy, EDX, X‐ray diffraction, and UV‐Vis analysis techniques and a proposed mechanism for the preparation of CHNs was also suggested. The maximum water‐swelling capacity (78 g g−1) was achieved under the optimum conditions that found to be: AA = 0.2 mol L−1, AM = 0.18 mol L−1, AN = 0.1 mol L−1, swelling time = 180 min, and temperature = 25°C. In addition, the effect of reaction parameters were studied with respect to the percent of impregnated poly(AN) within nanocomposites. Further, the electrical conductivity of CHN samples was found to be increased with the increase in AN content and temperature whose conductivity lies in the range 2.1 to 8.8 × 103 S cm−1. The temperature dependence of electrical conductivity indicates that composites follow Arrhenius model. Moreover, the synthesized CHNs demonstrated an antibacterial action against Gram‐negative Escherichia coli bacterium. In conclusion, durable antibacterial and electrically conductive CHNs can be suitable for different types of applications in many fields i.e. in biological systems, wound dressing, catalysis, water purification, and flexible electrodes for supercapacitors. POLYM. COMPOS., 40:2724–2733, 2019. © 2018 Society of Plastics Engineers