bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Design and implementation of real‐time traceability monitoring system for agricultural products supply chain under Internet of Things architecture
Authors: Chen Jinbo , Huang Ye , Xia Pengxiao , Zhang Yuying , Zhong Yu
Published: October 2018

Agricultural products are an important guarantee for human health. The supply chain of agricultural products as its carrier has always been a research hotspot in academia and business circles. Applying the Internet of Things and NFC technology to the agricultural product supply chain area will play an important role in the intelligent management and traceability of agricultural product supply chains. The intelligent management and traceability of agricultural products supply chain are the management of data information. How to collect, store, process, analyze, and visualize the data information during the flow of agricultural products from the source to the table is an important issue which needs urgent research. This paper proposes and validates the NFC technology assumption of the application value of agricultural product supply chain. The communication interface between the agricultural product supply chain data acquisition terminal and the collection terminal module and peripheral equipment based on BD, GSM, and NFC module is designed. The physical storage structure of the NFC tag is then planned, and the DES and RSA encryption algorithms of the NFC tag are implemented. According to the theory of Internet of Things, the traceability system of agricultural product supply chain is divided into four levels: physical layer, service layer, data layer, and application layer. The three major areas of enterprise management, user query, and government supervision are designed to trace the information flow and system. Finally, this paper analyzes the hardware resources needed for the traceability system of agricultural product supply chain and uses the resources of the cooperative supply chain enterprise to implement the system application and deployment. The experiment verifies that the real‐time traceability monitoring system for agricultural product supply chain proposed in this paper is effective in practical application.
A new kind of parameter for fault tolerance of graphs
Authors: Guo Litao , Guo Xiaofeng
Published: October 2018

Suppose that G = (V(G), E(G)) is a connected graph and D(G) is the diameter of G. For two distinct vertices a1, b1 ∈ V, κ(a1, b1), defined as local connectivity of a1 and b1, is the maximum value of independent paths from a1 to b1 in G. Similarly, λ(a1, b1) is local edge connectivity of a1 and b1. For some t ∈ [1, D(G)], ∀ a1, b1 ∈ V, a1 is distinct to b1, and distance of a1 and b1 is d(a1, b1) = t, if κ(a1, b1) or (λ(a1, b1)) =  min {d(a1), d(b1)}, then G is called t‐distance optimally (edge) connected. For all integers 0 < k ≤ t, if G is k‐distance optimally connected, then we call that G is t‐distance local optimally connected. Similarly, we have the definition of t‐distance local optimally edge connected graphs. The t‐distance connectivity κd(G, t) of G is

urn:x-wiley:15320626:media:cpe4787:cpe4787-math-0001
The distance connectivity of G is defined as κd(G) = (κd(G, 1), κd(G, 2), …, κd(G, D(G))). Then, λd(G, t) and λd(G) can be defined similarly. Using the number of (edge) independent vi‐vj paths to replace the number 1, we generalize the adjacency matrix to the (edge) path matrix. In this research, we characterize the distance connectivity of graphs with D(G) ≤ 2, Cartesian product of k‐regular graphs, and the regular graphs. We also determine the eigenvalues of path matrix of some graphs and give some problems about distance connectivity.
Digital generation of non‐Gaussian random vibration signals in railway transportation and package response analysis
Authors: Zhu Dapeng
Published: October 2018

This paper presents two methods for generation artificial acceleration time series focused on the simulation of non‐Gaussian spiky fluctuation features. The random acceleration time series were recorded in railway boxcar; the simulations were performed under the PSD and higher statistical moments (skewness and kurtosis) restrictions. The first method is based on discrete Fourier transform method with EARPG(1) model, which, in nature, is a Fourier representation of time series with special selection of random Fourier phases. The synthetic time series generation are presented for a given target PSD property, skewness, and kurtosis. In the second method, we characterized the stationary and non‐Gaussian process using polynomial chaos expansion and Karhunen‐Loeve expansion approach based on the target PSD, skewness, and kurtosis. The accuracy of the methods are verified by moments and PSD comparison. The package is simplified to be a SDOF system; the acceleration response characteristics of the system are analyzed; the results can be applied in packaging system behaviors evaluation and packaging design optimization.
Distributed cache memory data migration strategy based on cloud computing
Authors: Dongsheng Wang , Chuanhe Huang
Published: October 2018

In view of the huge scale of cloud computing, cloud computing systems face many problems in terms of scalability and high availability. In view of the distributed data storage in the cloud computing environment, a recursion based N boundary network model is constructed. A data management model is given on the basis of the data center network structure. A replica distribution strategy and a copy selection strategy are designed to improve the data availability and load balance. On the premise of guaranteeing data availability, a data migration algorithm based on coverage set is proposed, which uses node selection strategy to reduce the migration cost as much as possible. Data migration makes more machines dormant and reduces energy consumption. By comparing and analyzing the experimental data, the correctness and effectiveness of the proposed network topology, data management model, and data migration technology are verified. In the edge cloud computing architecture, in order to ensure the response time of the cloud computing service and minimize the data redundancy in the system, this paper proposes and analyzes the data migration strategy and the pre stored data migration strategy for the network transmission, and gives the suitable application scene. On this basis, in order to control the balance of access network transmission and storage flexibly, a data migration strategy based on network performance is proposed, which ensures the real‐time response of the service.
Optimal resource allocation in mobile satellite networks: A noncooperative dynamic game–based approach
Authors: Zeng Chenxi
Published: October 2018

In this paper, we have researched the resource allocation problem in satellite networks and proposed an optimal approach for resource allocation, especially for the energy control in satellite networks, based on dynamic game. The objective functions for each transmission link between the satellite and users are formulated to control the information transmission energy, based on the SINR requirements, transmission cost, and information rate. Then, the energy control problem in satellite networks can be considered as a noncooperative dynamic game problem. Solving the game problem is solving the energy control problem in satellite networks. The optimal transmission energy is discussed based on the Nash equilibrium. Simulations are given to prove the effectiveness of the proposed model.
Laser Irradiation of Gd−Si and Gd−Si−Ge Colloid Mixtures for the Fabrication of Compound Nanoparticles
Authors: Tarasenka Natalie , Kiris Vasili , Stankevičius Evaldas , Tarasenko Nikolai , Pankov Vladimir , Krčma František , Gečys Paulius , Račiukaitis Gediminas
Published: October 2018

Binary (Gd5Si4, GdSi) and ternary (Gd5Si2Ge2) compound nanoparticles (NPs) were prepared by laser irradiation of a mixture of colloidal solutions containing NPs of the relevant elements. It is assumed that the compound NPs are formed by heating, co‐melting, and chemical interactions in the alloyed droplets. The blackbody‐like radiation of the heated NPs was used for temperature control of the NP‐preparation process. The obtained results demonstrate that laser irradiation of colloidal NPs provides unique possibilities not only for the synthesis of compound NPs but also for control of their phase composition and size. The synthesized Gd‐based compound NPs exhibited magnetic transition at an ordering temperature, TC, in the range of 310–320 K. Thus, the magnetic properties of the synthesized particles confirm their potential for biomedical applications, in particular, for magnetic hyperthermia treatment.
Nonhormonal selective estrogen receptor modulator 1‐(2‐[4‐{(3R,4S)‐7‐Methoxy‐2, 2‐dimethyl‐3‐phenyl‐chroman‐4yl}phenoxy]ethyl)pyrrolidine hydrochloride (ormeloxifene hydrochloride) for the treatment of breast cancer
Authors: Pillai Lakshmi Sreedharan , Regidi Saikant , Varghese Shiny Deena , Ravindran Shilpa , Maya Vani , Varghese Jesline , Ramaswami Kartik , Gopimohan Rajmohan , Gopi Manoj
Published: October 2018

Breast cancer is the most common type of diagnosed cancers in women, difficult to treat, and has received international attention because of its aggressive nature and inherent drug resistance mechanisms. Development of a better selective estrogen receptor modulator with good therapeutic profile and less toxicity is very crucial in this scenario. This study was undertaken to evaluate and compare the in vitro and in vivo antitumor activities of ormeloxifene with other clinically used breast cancer drugs. Cytotoxic activity of ormeloxifene was compared with standard drugs, 4‐hydroxytamoxifene and Adriamycin. Ormeloxifene (50 μM) concentration showed cytotoxicity of 75% and 82% in MDAMB‐231 and 24% and 80% in MCF‐7 cells, respectively, after 72 and 144 hr of incubation as displayed by cell viability assay. The same concentration of ormeloxifene was shown to exert 74% caspase‐7 activation in MCF‐7 cells after 24 hr of incubation by fluorescence resonance energy transfer assay. Cell cycle analysis proved that there was an increase in sub‐G1 peak to 64.4% and 33.9% in MDAMB‐231 and MCF‐7 cells, respectively, after treatment using ormeloxifene (50 μM) for 48 hr. The nonobese diabetic‐severe combined immunodeficiency mice bearing tumor xenografts of triple negative MDAMB‐231 cells treated with ormeloxifene (3 mg/kg bw) showed significant regression in relative tumor volume compared to control. From the results obtained and as evidenced from prior literature, ormeloxifene in addition to contraceptive use, can be repositioned for the development of an efficacious anticancer drug. These data present the preclinical part of a well concerted effort to place ormeloxifene into further clinical trials.
Vegetation type and grazing intensity jointly shape grazing effects on grassland biodiversity
Authors: Török Péter , Penksza Károly , Tóth Edina , Kelemen András , Sonkoly Judit , Tóthmérész Béla
Published: October 2018

In the Palaearctic steppe zone, overgrazing was identified as one of the key drivers of declining grassland biodiversity, which underlines the necessity of the functional evaluation of increased grazing pressure on grassland vegetation. We tested the following hypotheses: (a) The effect of grazing intensity on species and functional diversity is strongly dependent on grassland type. (b) The magnitude of diet selectivity of grazers decreases with increasing grazing intensity. (c) Increasing grazing intensity increases evenness and functional evenness of the subjected grasslands. We analyzed vegetation patterns in four types of grasslands (Dry alkali short‐grass steppes, Dry loess steppes, Non‐alkali wet and Alkali wet grasslands) along an intensity gradient of beef cattle grazing at 73 sites in Hungary. Species richness, Shannon diversity, evenness, and four leaf traits were analyzed. We calculated community‐weighted means for each single trait, and multi‐trait functional richness, functional evenness, and divergence for all leaf traits. All species and functional diversity metrics were significantly affected by the grassland type, except leaf dry matter content. The effect of interaction between grazing intensity and grassland type was also significant for functional richness, functional evenness, community‐weighted means of leaf area, and for species richness and evenness. An upward trend of specific leaf area was detected in all grasslands with the highest scores for the overgrazed sites, but the change was also grassland type dependent. The detected trend suggests that with increased intensity the overall selectivity of grazing decreased. We found that evenness was affected but functional evenness was not affected by grazing intensity. Functional evenness scores were more related to the grassland type than to changes in grazing intensity, and displayed a high variability. We stress that one‐size‐fits‐all strategies cannot be recommended and actions should be fine‐tuned at least at the level of grassland type.
A study of the transit amplification divisions during spermatogenesis in Oncopetus fasciatus to assess plasticity in sperm numbers or sperm viability under different diets
Authors: Duxbury Ashley E. , Weathersby Brandie , Sanchez Zachary , Moore Patricia J.
Published: October 2018

Oncopeltus fasciatus males fed the ancestral diet of milkweed seeds prioritize reproduction over lifespan as evidenced by higher rates of fertility and shorter lifespans than males from the same population fed the adapted diet of sunflower seeds. We examined the proximate mechanisms by which milkweed‐fed males maintained late‐life fertility. We tested the hypothesis that older milkweed‐fed males maintained fertility by producing more, higher quality sperm. Our results, that older males have more sperm, but their sperm do not have higher viability, are in general agreement with other recent studies on how nutrition affects male fertility in insects. We further examined the mechanisms by which sperm are produced by examining the progression of spermatogonial cells through the cell cycle during the transit amplification divisions. We demonstrated that diet affects the likelihood of a spermatocyst being in the S‐phase or M‐phase of the cell cycle. Given work in model systems, these results have implications for subtle effects on sperm quality either through replication stress or epigenetic markers. Thus, viability may not be the best marker for sperm quality and more work is called for on the mechanisms by which the germline and the production of sperm mediate the cost of reproduction.
Evaluating the individuality of animal‐habitat relationships
Authors: Montgomery Robert A. , Redilla Kyle M. , Ortiz‐Calo Waldemar , Smith Trenton , Keller Barbara , Millspaugh Joshua J.
Published: October 2018

Examining the ways in which animals use habitat and select resources to satisfy their life history requirements has important implications for ecology, evolution, and conservation. The advent of radio‐tracking in the mid‐20th century greatly expanded the scope of animal‐habitat modeling. Thereafter, it became common practice to aggregate telemetry data collected on a number of tagged individuals and fit one model describing resource selection at the population level. This convention, however, runs the risk of masking important individuality in the nature of associations between animals and their environment. Here, we investigated the importance of individual variation in animal‐habitat relationships via the study of a highly gregarious species. We modeled elk (Cervus elaphus) location data, collected from Global Positioning System (GPS) collars, using Bayesian discrete choice resource selection function (RSF) models. Using a high‐performance computing cluster, we batch‐processed these models at the level of each individual elk (n = 88) and evaluated the output with respect to: (a) the composition of parameters in the most supported models, (b) the estimates of the parameters featured in the global models, and (c) spatial maps of the predicted relative probabilities of use. We detected considerable individual variation across all three metrics. For instance, the most supported models varied with respect to parameter composition with a range of seven to 17 and an average of 14.4 parameters per individual elk. The estimates of the parameters featured in the global models also varied greatly across individual elk with little conformity detected across age or sex classes. Finally, spatial mapping illustrated stark differences in the predicted relative probabilities of use across individual elk. Our analysis identifies that animal‐habitat relationships, even among the most gregarious of species, can be highly variable. We discuss the implications of our results for ecology and present some guiding principles for the development of RSF models at the individual‐animal level.
MYC‐driven malignant transformation of mature murine B cells requires inhibition of both intrinsic apoptosis and p53 activity
Authors: Högstrand Kari , Grandien Alf
Published: October 2018

Increased expression of the oncogene MYC is a common feature of many B‐cell malignancies, however MYC overexpression by itself is not sufficient for transformation, and additional genetic events are required, although the exact nature of these remains unknown. In patients and in transgenic mouse models, oncogenic transformation may occur in B cells at various differentiation stages interacting with complex microenvironments. B‐cell oncogenesis often occurs after prolonged periods of time, making it difficult to accurately identify the genetic events required for transformation. An in vitro system, where malignant transformation of primary B cells could be analyzed, would facilitate the identification of genetic events required for transformation. Here, we describe such a system and show that primary murine B cells rapidly become transformed upon forced expression of MYC, in conjunction with simultaneous inhibition of the ARF/p53 axis via overexpression of BMI1, as well as through downregulation of p19ARF or expression of a dominant‐negative p53 and suppression of intrinsic apoptosis through overexpression of BCLXL or MCL1. Established tumor cells remained addicted to expression of the lymphoma‐inducing genes. In mice, transformed cells rapidly established fatal B‐cell lymphomas.

Our results suggest that transformation of normal mature B cells into lymphomas can occur as a consequence of three defined events.
miR‐191 modulates B‐cell development and targets transcription factors E2A, Foxp1, and Egr1
Authors: Blume Jonas , Ziętara Natalia , Witzlau Katrin , Liu Yanshan , Sanchez Oskar Ortiz , Puchałka Jacek , Winter Samantha J. , Kunze‐Schumacher Heike , Saran Namita , Düber Sandra , Roy Bishnudeo , Weiss Siegfried , Klein Christoph , Wurst Wolfgang , Łyszkiewicz Marcin , Krueger Andreas
Published: October 2018

The interdependence of posttranscriptional gene regulation via miRNA and transcriptional regulatory networks in lymphocyte development is poorly understood. Here, we identified miR‐191 as direct upstream modulator of a transcriptional module comprising the transcription factors Foxp1, E2A, and Egr1. Deletion as well as ectopic expression of miR‐191 resulted in developmental arrest in B lineage cells, indicating that fine tuning of the combined expression levels of Foxp1, E2A, and Egr1, which in turn control somatic recombination and cytokine‐driven expansion, constitutes a prerequisite for efficient B‐cell development. In conclusion, we propose that miR‐191 acts as a rheostat in B‐cell development by fine tuning a key transcriptional program.
Comparing the Potential Utility of Kindergarten Entry Assessments to Provide Evidence of English Learners' Knowledge and Skills
Authors: Ackerman Debra J.
Published: October 2018

In this report I share the results of a document‐based, comparative case study aimed at increasing our understanding about the potential utility of state kindergarten entry assessments (KEAs) to provide evidence of English learner (EL) kindergartners' knowledge and skills and, in turn, inform kindergarten teachers' instruction. Using a sample of 9 purposely selected state KEAs and their respective policies, the focus of the study was to what extent these measures contain items that are specific to ELs, allow or mandate the use of linguistic accommodations, and have policies on KEA assessor or observer linguistic capacity. Also of interest was the degree to which research supports the use of these measures with EL students. The study's results suggest that the 9 sample KEAs represent 3 different profiles along a less‐to‐more continuum of EL‐specific content, linguistic accommodations and assessor/observer linguistic capacity policies, and EL‐relevant research. These results have implications for policymakers who are tasked with selecting or developing a KEA aimed at informing kindergarten teachers' instruction as well as the future research to be conducted on KEAs designed for this purpose.
Development of novel PLGA nanoparticles with co‐encapsulation of docetaxel and abiraterone acetate for a highly efficient delivery into tumor cells
Authors: Sokol Mariya B. , Nikolskaya Elena D. , Yabbarov Nikita G. , Zenin Vladimir A. , Faustova Mariya R. , Belov Alexey V. , Zhunina Olga A. , Mollaev Murad D. , Zabolotsky Artur I. , Tereshchenko Oksana G. , Severin Eugen S.
Published: October 2018

Co‐encapsulation of abiraterone acetate (AbrA) and docetaxel (Dtx) in polymeric nanoparticles as novel prototypes for prostate cancer treatment combining hormonal and chemotherapy was designed. Nanoparticles (NPs) composed of poly(dl‐lactide‐co‐glycolide) (PLGA) were prepared by single‐emulsion solvent evaporation technique and characterized in terms of morphology with atomic force microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. HPLC method for simultaneous determination of AbrA and Dtx encapsulation efficacy was developed. Also differential scanning calorimetry and Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy were provided. To study the effectiveness of cellular internalization and distribution of NPs with AbrA and Dtx co‐encapsulation (NP‐AbrA/Dtx), a fluorescence microscopy was utilized. NPs prepared had size 256.3 ±9.4 nm and zeta potential −18.4 ±1.4 mV. Encapsulation efficacy for AbrA was 68.7% and for Dtx was 74.3%. NPs were able to control the AbrA and Dtx release within 24 h. The mathematical model of drug release was performed. The results obtained from confocal microscopy showed the effective accumulation of the NP‐AbrA/Dtx in the cytoplasm of cells. Synthesized NPs possessed satisfactory parameters and a biphasic release profile, proceeding by the Fick diffusion mechanism, which provide prolonged release of the drugs and maintenance of their concentration. It was shown that NPs loaded with AbrA and Dtx exhibited a high cytotoxic activity on the LNCaP cell line, similar to the combination of free drugs of AbrA and Dtx, but in contrast to the combination of substances, had a synergistic mechanism of action. Our findings support the potential use of developed NPs in further in vivo studies. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater 107B: 1150–1158, 2019.
Using of keratin substrate for enrichment of HT29 colorectal cancer stem‐like cells
Authors: Abbasian Mahdi , Mousavi Elham , Khalili Mohsen , Arab‐Bafrani Zahra
Published: October 2018

Eradication of cancer stem‐like cells (CSLCs) are becoming increasingly an important target for new cancer therapies. The ability to study their behavior in vitro will provide the opportunity for high‐throughput testing of more effective treatments. In this study, spheroid‐like structures’ formation and enrichment of HT29 CSLCs were evaluated on a wool keratin‐based substrate as a bio‐mimic of natural extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins. The results indicated that culturing on keratin substrate increased spheroid formation ability and radio‐/chemoresistance of HT29 cells. Moreover, cell surface expression of CD133 CSLCs’ marker and the mRNA level of stemness genes such as Nanog, Oct4, and c‐MYC were increased. These data suggest that keratin can potentially be used for spheroid‐like structure formation and enrichment of HT29 CSLCs. In addition, it seems that the induction of stemness characteristics on keratin substrate is probably because of the activation of α2β1 integrin signaling pathway. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater 107B: 1264–1271, 2019.
Static Preload Inhibits Loading‐Induced Bone Formation
Authors: Srinivasan Sundar , Balsiger Danica , Huber Phillipe , Ausk Brandon J , Bain Steven D , Gardiner Edith M , Gross Ted S
Published: October 2018

Nearly all exogenous loading models of bone adaptation apply dynamic loading superimposed upon a time invariant static preload (SPL) in order to ensure stable, reproducible loading of bone. Given that SPL may alter aspects of bone mechanotransduction (eg, interstitial fluid flow), we hypothesized that SPL inhibits bone formation induced by dynamic loading. As a first test of this hypothesis, we utilized a newly developed device that enables stable dynamic loading of the murine tibia with SPLs ≥ −0.01 N. We subjected the right tibias of BALB/c mice (4‐month‐old females) to dynamic loading (−3.8 N, 1 Hz, 50 cycles/day, 10 s rest) superimposed upon one of three SPLs: −1.5 N, −0.5 N, or −0.03 N. Mice underwent exogenous loading 3 days/week for 3 weeks. Metaphyseal trabecular bone adaptation (μCT) and midshaft cortical bone formation (dynamic histomorphometry) were assessed following euthanasia (day 22). Ipsilateral tibias of mice loaded with a −1.5‐N SPL demonstrated significantly less trabecular bone volume/total volume (BV/TV) than contralateral tibias (−12.9%). In contrast, the same dynamic loading superimposed on a −0.03‐N SPL significantly elevated BV/TV versus contralateral tibias (12.3%) and versus the ipsilateral tibias of the other SPL groups (−0.5 N: 46.3%, −1.5 N: 37.2%). At the midshaft, the periosteal bone formation rate (p.BFR) induced when dynamic loading was superimposed on −1.5‐N and −0.5‐N SPLs was significantly amplified in the −0.03‐N SPL group (>200%). These data demonstrate that bone anabolism induced by dynamic loading is markedly inhibited by SPL magnitudes commonly implemented in the literature (ie, −0.5 N, −1.5 N). The inhibitory impact of SPL has not been recognized in bone adaptation models and, as such, SPLs have been neither universally reported nor standardized. Our study therefore identifies a previously unrecognized, potent inhibitor of mechanoresponsiveness that has potentially confounded studies of bone adaptation and translation of insights from our field. © 2018 The Authors.JBMR PlusPublished by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of the American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Mechanistic insight on water and substrate catalyzed the synthesis of 3‐(1H‐indol‐3‐yl)‐2‐(4‐methoxybenzyl)isoindolin‐1‐one: Driving by noncovalent interactions
Authors: Yuan Haiyan , Zhu Lihan , Li Wenliang , Zhang Jingping
Published: October 2018

The mechanisms of the synthesis of 2‐substituted‐3‐(1H‐indol‐3‐yl)‐isoindolin‐1‐one derivatives have been investigated theoretically under unassisted, self‐assisted, and water‐assisted conditions. Being different from previously proposed catalyst‐free by Hu et al., our results show that the title mechanism can be altered and accelerated by solvent and substrate 2. Two types of mechanisms have been developed by DFT calculations differ in the reaction sequence of substrates 1 with 3 (M1) or 2 (M2) followed by 2 (M1) or 3 (M2), and water‐assisted M1 is the most favored one. It was found that the nucleophilicity of substrate 3 is stronger than that of 2. Our calculations suggest that the water‐assisted pathway in M1 is the most favorable case, which undergoes nucleophilic addition and H‐shift, C–N bond formation and water elimination, and intramolecular cyclization and water elimination. The rate‐determining step is the nucleophilic attack process. Moreover, we also explored the effect of nucleophilic attack of the nitrogen of (4‐methoxyphenyl)methanamine on hydroxyl or carbonyl group carbon of phthalaldehydic acid on the activation energy. More importantly, we found that water molecules play a critical role in the whole reaction, not only act as solvent but also as an efficient catalyst, proton shuttle, and stabilizer to stabilize the structures of transition states and intermediates via π···H−O, O···H−N, O···H−C, and O···H−O interactions. The origin of the different reactivity of M1 and M2 is ascribed to the pivotal noncovalent interactions exist between catalyst (water and substrate 2) and reactants. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Dabigatran as a Treatment Option for Heparin‐Induced Thrombocytopenia
Authors: Nasiripour Somayyeh , Saif Maryam , Farasatinasab Maryam , Emami Sepide , Amouzegar Atefeh , Basi Ali , Mokhtari Majid
Published: October 2018

Heparin‐induced thrombocytopenia (HIT) is a potentially serious adverse drug reaction that can result in lethal vascular thrombosis. Dabigatran is a direct thrombin inhibitor that might be useful in the management of HIT. This study evaluated the efficacy and safety of dabigatran in patients with HIT. We included 43 patients in the study who received dabigatran for the management of suspected HIT, based on 4Ts (thrombocytopenia, timing of platelet count drop, thrombosis or other sequelae, and other causes of thrombocytopenia) scores. Three patients were excluded because they had received dabigatran with a creatinine clearance <15 mL/min. Patients’ records were analyzed longitudinally, with 12 months follow‐up from the time of initiation of dabigatran, for occurrence of thrombosis, dabigatran‐related complications, and outcome. Patients with chronic kidney disease, hepatic impairment, mechanical heart valves, active bleeding, and extremes of weights (<50 and >120 kg) were excluded from the study. Arterial thrombosis was not observed in any of our patients. The platelet counts normalized in all patients except for 2, which was attributed to the underlying comorbidities. We did not observe any hemorrhagic events or significant thrombosis during the follow‐up period. Eight patients died from nonthrombotic causes, which were unrelated to adverse effects of dabigatran. Based on our findings, dabigatran could be considered a safe and effective agent in the management of HIT, particularly in the developing countries, where there could be issues with the cost and availability of other agents recommended for this condition. Further studies are needed to validate our findings.
Microbial fuel cell‐mediated lignin depolymerization: a sustainable approach
Authors: Sharma Rakesh K , Mukhopadhyay Dhruva , Gupta Pratima
Published: October 2018

Background

A microbial electrochemical cell was designed for lignin depolymerization. Alkali‐extracted wheat straw lignin was used as catholyte in a microbial fuel cell and operated for six days. At the cathode, lignin was depolymerized by H2O2, produced during microbial fuel cell operation.

Results

The power density reached its maximum over two to three days (0.58 µW cm−2), and declined thereafter. Fourier transform infrared analysis of the residual lignin indicated the cleavage of C–O–C (β‐O‐4) bonds without disturbing the phenolic ring structure and high‐power liquid chromatography analysis confirmed the presence of vanillin in the depolymerized sample.

Conclusion

The proposed strategy involves a self‐sustainable microbial electrochemical process to convert complex lignin into low molecular weight value‐added aromatic chemicals such as vanillin. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
Cubic vertices in planar hypohamiltonian graphs
Authors: Zamfirescu Carol T.
Published: October 2018

Thomassen showed in 1978 that every planar hypohamiltonian graph contains a cubic vertex. Equivalently, a planar graph with minimum degree at least 4 in which every vertex‐deleted subgraph is hamiltonian, must be itself hamiltonian. By applying work of Brinkmann and the author, we extend this result in three directions. We prove that (i) every planar hypohamiltonian graph contains at least four cubic vertices, (ii) every planar almost hypohamiltonian graph contains a cubic vertex, which is not the exceptional vertex (solving a problem of the author raised in J. Graph Theory [79 (2015) 63–81]), and (iii) every hypohamiltonian graph with crossing number 1 contains a cubic vertex. Furthermore, we settle a recent question of Thomassen by proving that asymptotically the ratio of the minimum number of cubic vertices to the order of a planar hypohamiltonian graph vanishes.
Three‐dimensional spin‐echo‐based black‐blood MRA in the detection of vasospasm following subarachnoid hemorrhage
Authors: Takano Koichi , Hida Kosuke , Iwaasa Mitsutoshi , Inoue Tooru , Yoshimitsu Kengo
Published: October 2018

Background

Black‐blood MR angiography (BBMRA), which utilizes a non‐T1 contrast spin‐echo type technique, has been expected to overcome several issues associated with time‐of‐flight (TOF) MRA.

Purpose

To investigate the efficacy of BBMRA to detect vasospasms following subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH).

Study Type

Retrospective.

Subjects

Seventeen patients with SAH in their early posttreatment period.

Field Strength/Sequence

BBMRA, which uses a volumetric isotropic turbo spin‐echo acquisition (VISTA), and TOF‐MRA on 1.5T scanners.

Assessment

Visualization of supratentorial arteries and veins in BBMRA was rated on a 4‐point scale by two neuroradiologists. Another neuroradiologist independently assessed TOF‐MRA. The degree of the vasospasm was then evaluated using a 3‐point scale by the same readers. The diagnostic performance of the MRAs was evaluated using computed tomography angiography (CTA) or digital subtraction angiography (DSA) as the standard of reference.

Statistical Tests

Wilcoxon signed rank test, McNemar test, and Cohen's kappa coefficient.

Results

BBMRA provided superior visualization of the anterior and middle cerebral arteries than TOF‐MRA (P < 0.05). The depiction of the veins was more pronounced on BBMRA (P < 0.01). Of the 166 arterial segments evaluated by CTA or DSA, 23 (13.9%) could not be assessed using TOF‐MRA because of high signal hemorrhage, whereas BBMRA enabled visualization of all the segments. Vasospasm was confirmed in 30 segments by CTA or DSA. The sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values were 73, 96, 76, and 95 for TOF‐MRA and 91, 100, 100, and 98 for BBMRA, respectively (P = 0.13 for sensitivity, P = 0.06 for specificity). The agreement of the degree of vasospasm between MRA and the standard of reference, as indicated by kappa value, was 0.71 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.55–0.87) for TOF‐MRA and 0.91 (95% CI, 0.82–0.99) for BBMRA.

Data Conclusion

BBMRA, owing to its contrast properties, may be superior to TOF‐MRA for the evaluation of intracranial arteries after SAH.

Level of Evidence: 3

Technical Efficacy: Stage 2

J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2019;49:800–807.
Designing of ultra‐low‐power high‐speed repeaters for performance optimization of VLSI interconnects at 32 nm
Authors: Khursheed Afreen , Khare Kavita , Haque Fozia Zia
Published: October 2018

This paper resolves the performance issue encountered in very‐large‐scale integration interconnects due to downsizing of integrated circuits. Interconnects designed using carbon nanotubes (CNT) are compared with conventional copper interconnect. The propagation delay of very lengthy interconnect wires is ameliorated by interpolating smart buffers as repeaters within the wires. Existing buffer designs are contrived using both CNT and MOS technology for comparison using a different combination of MOS repeater‐Cu interconnect and CNT repeater‐CNT interconnect. Propound buffer uses power gating techniques and automated toggling approach to reduce delay besides mitigating average power consumption. Compared to conventional buffer, PropoundDesign3 brings about dynamic power saving of 99.94% and leakage power saving of 93%, but causes delay penalty. PropoundDesign2 saves dynamic power by 99.86% and leakage power by 88% and offers reduction in delay by 52%. Whereas PropoundDesign1 saves dynamic power by 98% and reduces propagation delay by 64% but on the cost of leakage power consumption. Simulation for 32 nm is done in HSPICE by considering a section of long interconnect line as driver interconnect load system using Stanford SPICE model for CNT and BSIM4 PTM for MOS.
Trichoderma mediate early and enhanced lignifications in chickpea during Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. ciceris infection
Authors: Meshram Shweta , Patel Jai Singh , Yadav Sudheer K. , Kumar Gagan , Singh Dhananjaya P. , Singh Harikesh B. , Sarma Birinchi K.
Published: October 2018

Lignifications in secondary cell walls play a significant role in defense mechanisms of plants against the invading pathogens. In the present study, we investigated Trichoderma strain specific lignifications in chickpea plants pre‐treated with 10 potential Trichoderma strains and subsequently challenged with the wilt pathogen Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. ciceris (Foc). Trichoderma‐induced lignifications in chickpea were observed through histochemical staining and expression of some genes of the lignin biosynthetic pathway. Lignifications were observed in transverse sections of shoots near the soil line through histochemical staining and expression pattern of the target genes was observed in root tissues through semi quantitative RT‐PCR at different time intervals after inoculation of F. oxysporum f. sp. ciceris. Lignin deposition and expression pattern of the target genes were variable in each treatment. Lignifications were enhanced in all 10 Trichoderma strain treated and F. oxysporum f. sp. ciceris challenged chickpea plants. However, four Trichoderma strains viz., T‐42, MV‐41, DFL, and RO, triggered significantly high lignifications compared to the other six strains. Time course studies showed that effective Trichoderma isolates induced lignifications very early compared to the other strains and the process of lignifications nearly completes within 6 days of pathogen challenge. Thus, from the results it can be concluded that effective Trichoderma strains trigger lignifications very early in chickpea under Foc challenge and provide better protection to chickpea plants.
Statistical downscaling skill under present climate conditions: A synthesis of the VALUE perfect predictor experiment
Authors: Maraun Douglas , Widmann Martin , Gutiérrez José M.
Published: October 2018

VALUE is a network that developed a framework to evaluate statistical downscaling methods including model output statistics such as simple bias correction and quantile mapping; perfect prognosis methods such as regression models and analog methods; and weather generators. The first experiment addresses the downscaling performance in present climate with perfect predictors. This paper presents a synthesis of the VALUE special issue, with a focus on the results of this first experiment. This paper presents a synthesis of the results. Model output statistics performs mostly well, but requires predictors at a resolution close to the target one. Perfect prog performance depends crucially on model structure and predictor choice. Weather generators perform in principle well for all aspects that can be expressed by the available model structure. Inter‐annual variability is underrepresented by both perfect prog and weather generator approaches. Spatial variability is poorly represented by almost all participating methods (inherited by model output statistics from the driving model, not represented by the perfect prog and weather generator methods). Further studies are required to systematically assess (a) the role of predictor choice for perfect prog; (b) the performance of spatial weather generators, to study the performance based on GCM predictors; (c) downscaling skill in simulated future climates; and (d) the credibility of simulated predictors in a future climate.
Uncertainty in gridded precipitation products: Influence of station density, interpolation method and grid resolution
Authors: Herrera Sixto , Kotlarski Sven , Soares Pedro M. M. , Cardoso Rita M. , Jaczewski Adam , Gutiérrez José M. , Maraun Douglas
Published: October 2018

This work analyses three uncertainty sources affecting the observation‐based gridded data sets: station density, interpolation methodology and spatial resolution. For this purpose, we consider precipitation in two countries, Poland and Spain, three resolutions (0.11, 0.22 and 0.44°), three interpolation methods, both areal‐ and point‐representative implementations, and three different densities of the underlying station network (high/medium/low density). As a result, for each resolution and interpolation approach, nine different grids have been obtained for each country and inter‐compared using a variance decomposition methodology.

Results indicate larger differences among the data sets for Spain than for Poland, mainly due to the larger spatial variability and complex orography of the former region. The variance decomposition points out to station density as the most influential factor, independent of the season, the areal‐ or point‐representative implementation and the country considered, and slightly increasing with the spatial resolution. In contrast, the decomposition is stable when extreme precipitation indices are considered, in particular for the 50‐year return value.

Finally, the uncertainty due to station sub‐sampling inside a particular grid box decreases with the number of stations used in the averaging/interpolation. In the case of spatially homogeneous grid boxes, the interpolation approach obtains similar results for all the parameters, excepting the wet day frequency, independently of the number of stations. When there is a more significant internal variability in the grid box, the interpolation is more sensitive to the number of stations, pointing out to a minimum stations’ density for the target resolution (six to seven stations).
The effect of resveratrol on the histologic characteristics of the cochlea in diabetic rats
Authors: Erkan Sanem O. , Tuhanioğlu Birgül , Gürgen Seren G. , Özdaş Talih , Taştekin Bora , Pelit Aykut , Görgülü Orhan
Published: October 2018

Objectives/Hypothesis

The aim of this study was to investigate changes in the cochlea and the potential dose‐dependent effects of resveratrol (RSV) against diabetes mellitus (DM) ototoxicity.

Study Design

Animal model.

Methods

Twenty‐four male Wistar albino rats were divided into four groups. Baseline distortion product otoacoustic emission (DPOAE) measurements were evaluated. Group I was the control group, group II was made diabetic with single‐dose streptozotocin, and groups III and IV were rendered diabetic as group II and administered 10 and 20 mg RSV, respectively, intraperitoneally for 4 weeks. All animals were sacrificed after repeated DPOAE measurement. Apoptosis was investigated using caspase‐3, Bax (Bcl‐associated X protein), and TUNEL (terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling) staining.

Results

The DPOAE values in the diabetic group were found to be significantly lower compared with the other groups at 5,714 Hz and 8,000 Hz (P < .05). No significant difference in otoacoustic emission was detected in the comparison of the RSV doses (P > .05). The histopathologic investigation using caspase‐3, Bax, and TUNEL staining showed that the mean rank of the diabetic group was significantly higher compared with the RSV10, RSV20, and control groups (DM > RSV10 > RSV20 > control) (P < .05).

Conclusions

These results imply that RSV administration offered statistically significant protection for the cochleas of rats against diabetes. This protective effect improved histologically with higher doses.

Level of Evidence

NA Laryngoscope, 129:E1–E6, 2019
Safety and feasibility of a novel recurrent laryngeal nerve monitoring technique
Authors: Singer Michael C.
Published: October 2018

Objectives/Hypothesis

Continuous intraoperative nerve monitoring (CIONM) during thyroidectomy is promising technology that may reduce the incidence of recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN) injuries. However, the current technique for CIONM, in which a stimulating probe is placed on the vagus nerve, has not been widely adopted because of concerns regarding its invasiveness and safety. A new method with the lead positioned on the RLN may overcome these objections and promote greater adoption of CIONM. This study was conducted to serve as the first step in determining the safety and feasibility of an RLN‐based CIONM approach.

Study Design

Case series with planned data collection.

Methods

Fifty patients scheduled to undergo thyroidectomy were enrolled. In all cases, after identification of the RLN, a lead designed for CIONM was placed on the nerve. The lead was then left in place for a minimum of 2 minutes, and CIONM data were recorded. Laryngeal electromyographic (EMG) characteristics were assessed just before the lead was placed on the RLN and after it was removed. Pre‐ and postoperative fiberoptic laryngoscopy was performed to assess vocal cord function in all patients.

Results

In 49 patients (98%), the probe was successfully positioned on the RLN, and CIONM data were generated. On average, 1.4 attempts per patient were required to properly place the lead. No accidental dislodgements of the lead occurred during the experiments. No patients demonstrated significant EMG changes from baseline after manipulation and stimulation of the RLN. The average CIONM time was 175.7 s (range, 138–212 s), and the average CIONM amplitude and latency were 675.2 µV (range, 211.0–1405.2 µV) and 1.8 ms (1.25‐1.9), respectively. All patients had normal bilateral vocal cord function preoperatively and at the first postoperative visit.

Conclusions

This study demonstrates the apparent safety and viability of a CIONM technique using a lead placed directly on the RLN. Future investigations are warranted of this promising method, which may promote more widespread adoption of CIONM during thyroidectomy to reduce RLN injuries.

Level of Evidence

4 Laryngoscope, 2018
Meta‐Analysis of Obstruction Site Observed With Drug‐Induced Sleep Endoscopy in Patients With Obstructive Sleep Apnea
Authors: Lee Eun Jung , Cho Jae Hoon
Published: October 2018

Objective

To perform a meta‐analysis on the distribution and characteristics of the obstructive site in patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) using data from a variety of published studies that evaluated the obstruction with drug‐induced sleep endoscopy (DISE).

Methods

A literature search was performed to identify studies in which DISE was used to identify the obstruction site in adult patients with OSA, and the obstruction site was described in sufficient detail. Four items were evaluated in the meta‐analysis: the obstruction site, closing direction of the soft palate, degree of closure, and percentage of single‐level obstructions.

Results

A total of 2,950 patients from 19 studies were included. In the two‐level classification system, the rate of obstruction was 91.6% for the soft palate and 58.0% for the tongue base. In the four‐level classification system, the rate of obstruction was 84.1% for soft palate, 32.8% for the tonsil, 51.6% for the tongue base, and 34.3% for the epiglottis. The soft palate closed in the anteroposterior direction at a rate of 44.4% and in the concentric direction at a rate of 46.5%. The rate of a closure of 75% or more was 69.3% for the soft palate and 56.8% for the hypopharynx. The percentage of single‐level obstructions was 42.5%.

Conclusion

The soft palate is obstructed in most patients with OSA, and the tongue base is obstructed in half of the patients. In addition, multilevel obstructions including the tonsil, lateral pharyngeal wall, or epiglottis are common; thus, these areas must be checked carefully.

Level of Evidence

NA Laryngoscope, 129:1235–1243, 2019