bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Patterns of psychological health problems and family maltreatment among United States Air Force members
Authors: Lorber Michael F. , Xu Shu , Heyman Richard E. , Slep Amy M. Smith , Beauchaine Theodore P.
Published: March 2018

Objectives:

We sought to identify subgroups of individuals based on patterns of psychological health problems (PH; e.g., depressive symptoms, hazardous drinking) and family maltreatment (FM; e.g., child and partner abuse).

Method:

We analyzed data from very large surveys of United States Air Force active duty members with romantic partners and children.

Results:

Latent class analyses indicated six replicable patterns of PH problems and FM. Five of these classes, representing ∼98% of survey participants, were arrayed ordinally, with increasing risk of multiple PH problems and FM. A sixth group defied this ordinal pattern, with pronounced rates of FM and externalizing PH problems, but without correspondingly high rates/levels of internalizing PH problems.

Conclusions:

Ramifications of these results for intervention are discussed.
Population Pharmacokinetics and Exposure–Response Analyses of Eslicarbazepine Acetate Efficacy and Safety in Monotherapy of Partial‐Onset Seizures
Authors: Sunkaraneni Soujanya , Ludwig Elizabeth A. , Passarell Julie A. , Blum David , Grinnell Todd , Fiedler‐Kelly Jill
Published: March 2018

Eslicarbazepine acetate (ESL) is a once‐daily oral antiepileptic drug (AED) indicated for partial‐onset seizures (POS). ESL pharmacokinetics (PK) and exposure–response analyses were supported by 2 phase 3 conversion to ESL (1200, 1600 mg) monotherapy studies. The PK model development included 10 phase 1–2 studies (ESL 600–1200 mg daily). Seizure diaries were completed daily; subjects exited if seizures worsened. Exposure–response models were developed for time to study exit, probability of seizure freedom, time to first occurrence of dizziness, headache, and nausea; serum sodium levels were explored. A 1‐compartment model with first‐order absorption/elimination described ESL PK. Clearance and distribution volume were significantly related to body weight and sex. Higher eslicarbazepine minimum concentration (Cmin) and use of 1 baseline AED were associated with significantly lower risk of study exit, whereas eslicarbazepine Cmin was a significant predictor of seizure freedom during the last 4 weeks of monotherapy. Eslicarbazepine exposure and the time to first occurrence of adverse events were not related. A shallow negative relationship described the relationship between change from baseline in serum sodium level and eslicarbazepine exposure. Eslicarbazepine apparent clearance and distribution volume estimates were similar to those reported for ESL adjunctive therapy. Dose adjustment based on body weight was not required. The time to study exit and probability of seizure freedom during the last 4 weeks of monotherapy were weakly related to eslicarbazepine exposure. Because the first occurrence of adverse events or hyponatremia were also not significantly related to eslicarbazepine exposure, dose adjustment using plasma eslicarbazepine concentrations is not supported.
Degenerate intervertebral disc‐like pH induces a catabolic mechanoresponse in human nucleus pulposus cells
Authors: Hodson Nathan W. , Patel Sonal , Richardson Stephen M. , Hoyland Judith A. , Gilbert Hamish T. J.
Published: March 2018

Mechanical stimulation is known to influence intervertebral disc (IVD) cell behavior and function, but the effect on disc cells is routinely considered in isolation from other microenvironmental factors. Acidic pH has been shown to be a prominent and detrimental microenvironmental factor present in degenerate IVDs, but its influence on the human disc cell mechanoresponse has never been studied. We investigated the response of agarose‐encapsulated human nucleus pulposus (NP) cells to 0.004 MPa, 1.0 Hz and 1 hour of compression (Flexcell FX4000 Compression System) under pH conditions representative of nondegenerate (pH 7.1) and degenerate (pH 6.5) IVDs. Cell viability, extracellular matrix production, and expression of anabolic/anti‐catabolic and catabolic genes were assessed. We report that preculture of NP cells in agarose gels was required in order for cells to be mechanoresponsive, and this correlated with increased type VI collagen, α5β1 integrin, and fibronectin expression. Furthermore, the matrix homeostatic response observed at pH 7.1 (representative of nondegenerate IVDs; increased aggrecan [AGC], tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases‐1 [TIMP1], matrix metalloproteinase‐3 [MMP3], a disintegrin and metalloproteinase with thrombospondin motif‐5 [ADAMTS5] gene expression) was RGD‐integrin dependent, whereas only MMP3 remained mechanoresponsive at pH 6.5, and this was independent of RGD‐integrins. Our findings suggest differential mechanotransduction pathways operating for specific genes, with RGD‐integrin dependent AGC expression, but not RGD‐independent MMP3 expression, inhibited at pH representative of degenerate IVDs (pH 6.5), which could contribute to the catabolic phenotype observed during IVD degeneration.

Clinical significance

Characterizing the influence of the mechanical and chemical intervertebral disc microenvironment on disc cells, particularly in disc degeneration, could help develop future therapeutic strategies for the treatment of discogenic back pain.
Characterization of Thoracic Pathophysiologic Conditions in Patients Receiving High‐Frequency Oscillatory Ventilation: Pediatric Experience
Authors: Glau Christie L. , Conlon Thomas W. , Himebauch Adam S. , Boyer Donald L. , Rosenblatt Samuel A. , Nishisaki Akira
Published: March 2018

High‐frequency oscillatory ventilation (HFOV) is a mode of mechanical ventilation used in severe pediatric respiratory failure. Thoracic ultrasound (US) is a powerful tool for diagnosing acute pathophysiologic conditions during spontaneous respiration and conventional noninvasive and invasive mechanical ventilation. High‐frequency oscillatory ventilation differs from conventional modes of ventilation in that it does not primarily use bulk flow delivery for gas exchange but, rather, a number of alternative mechanisms as the result of pressure variations oscillating around a constant distending pressure. Thoracic US has not been well described in patients receiving HFOV, and it is unclear whether the US findings for assessing thoracic pathophysiologic conditions during conventional ventilation are applicable to patients receiving HFOV. We discuss the similarities and differences of thoracic US findings in patients who are spontaneously breathing or receiving conventional ventilation compared to those in patients receiving HFOV.
Kinetics and Mechanism of Electron Transfer Reactions: Oxidation of Crotyl Alcohol by Peroxomonosulfate in Aqueous Acidic Medium
Authors: Sharma Priyamvada , Sailani Riya , Meena Anita , Khandelwal C. L.
Published: March 2018

The kinetics and mechanism of oxidation of crotyl alcohol by peroxomonosulfate has been studied, and the species of the peroxomonosulfate are discussed to find out the role of activated species. A plausible reaction mechanism is suggested, and a derived rate law corresponds to all experimental observations. The activation parameters such as energy and entropy of activation have been calculated as 37.21 ± 0.5 kJ mol−1 and −148.91 ± 2.7 J K−1 mol−1, respectively, by employing the Eyring plot.
Does pelvic floor muscle maximum voluntary contraction improve after vaginal pelvic organ prolapse surgery? A prospective study
Authors: Duarte Thaiana B. , Bonacin Marília A. P. , Brito Luiz G. O. , Frawley Helena , Dwyer Peter L. , Thomas Elizabeth , Ferreira Cristine H. J.
Published: March 2018

Aims

to assess pelvic floor muscle maximum voluntary contraction (MVC) before and after surgical treatment for pelvic organ prolapse (POP).

Methods

This was a prospective observational study with women scheduled for surgical correction of POP. Assessments occurred 15 days before and 40 days after surgery. The primary outcome was pelvic floor muscle (PFM) MVC measured using the manometer Peritron™. The average strength of PFM contraction was also measured. Secondary outcomes were assessed using the Pelvic Organ Prolapse Quantification (POP‐Q) score. The Student paired t‐test was used for quantitative data. For the pre and postsurgery comparisons of PFM strength in relation to POP‐Q value we used the nonparametric Kruskal‐Wallis test for dependent variables. The level of significance adopted was P < 0.05.

Results

Sixty‐seven women were recruited, 65 (97%) completed the study. The mean age of participants was 62 ± 10.2. There was no difference (1.9 cm H2O ± 12.9; P = 0.22) between MVC before (27.1 cm H2O ± 17.0) and after surgery (29 cm H2O ± 17.8). The average contraction was higher after surgery (2.3 cmH2O ± 8.6; P = 0.03). The higher the severity of pre and postsurgery POP, the worse the MVC.

Conclusion

There was no difference in MVC pre and postsurgery, however we found an improvement in PFM average contraction strength postsurgery.
Mixed finite element formulation for dynamics of porous media
Authors: Lotfian Z. , Sivaselvan M.V.
Published: March 2018

This paper presents a numerical approach for computing solutions to Biot's fully dynamic model of saturated porous media with incompressible solid and fluid phases. Spatial discretization is based on a three‐field (u‐w‐p) formulation, employing a lowest‐order Raviart‐Thomas mixed element for the fluid Darcy velocity (w) and pressure (p) fields, and a nodal finite element for skeleton displacement field (u). The discretization is constructed based on the natural topology of the variables and satisfies the Ladyženskaja‐Babuška‐Brezzi stability condition, avoiding locking in the incompressible and undrained limits. Since fluid acceleration is not neglected, the three‐field formulation fully captures dynamic behavior even under high‐frequency loading phenomena. The importance of consistent initial conditions is addressed for poroelasticity equations with the mass balance constraint, a system of differential algebraic equations. Energy balance is derived for the porous medium and used to assess accuracy of time integration. To demonstrate the performance of the proposed approach, a variety of numerical studies are carried out including verification with analytical and boundary element solutions and analyses of wave propagation, effect of hydraulic conductivity on damping and frequency content, energy balance, mass lumping, mesh pattern and size, and stability. Some discrepancies found in dynamic poroelasticity results in the literature are also explained.
Quality of life in children with retinoblastoma after enucleation in China
Authors: Zhang Lili , Gao Tao , Shen Yi
Published: March 2018

Objective

To study the quality of life of Chinese pediatric patients with retinoblastoma (RB) after enucleation and the influencing factors.

Methods

A questionnaire survey was performed on 71 cases of pediatric patients with RB after enucleation and 80 cases of healthy children, using the Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory 4.0 Generic Core Scales (PedsQL™ 4.0).

Results

The social dimension scores, school dimension scores, and total scores for the PedsQL™ 4.0 among the pediatric patients with RB were statistically significantly lower than those of healthy children. The influencing factors were unilateral/bilateral affected eyes, diagnosis age, and ocular prosthesis satisfaction.

Conclusion

Early discovery, timely treatment, increased eye salvage rate, and cosmetic effects of ocular prosthesis were key factors for increasing the quality of life of pediatric patients with RB. Attention should be paid to the health, social, and school development of pediatric patients with RB.
Iliopsoas hematoma in a patient with sickle cell disease
Authors: Zielonka Benjamin , Cohen Alan R. , Smith‐Whitley Kim , Doshi Bhavya S.
Published: March 2018

Although musculoskeletal pain in patients with sickle cell disease (SCD) is most frequently the result of vaso‐occlusive episodes, clinicians often consider other etiologies including osteomyelitis, avascular necrosis, and trauma. In this study, we report the case of a young female with SCD with hip and back pain secondary to a nontraumatic iliopsoas periosteal hematoma with evidence of adjacent bone infarction. The pathophysiology, diagnostic considerations, and management of periosteal hematomas in SCD are reviewed. This case highlights the need for recognition of unusual causes of musculoskeletal pain in SCD.
Nanocomposite of cellulose acetate reinforced with nanocrystals modified chemically: Modification with bifunctional reagent
Authors: César Natália R. , de Menezes Aparecido J. , Botaro Vagner R.
Published: March 2018

A special class of nanocomposites (NCPs) of great scientific interest, are polymers reinforced with cellulose nanoparticless (cellulose nanocrystals [CNCs] and cellulose nanofibrils). Particularly, studies involving thermoplastics and nano reinforcements that are widely reported in the literature due to the wide variety of natural fibers sources in combination with various polymeric matrices. Conversely, there are few works in the literature that deal with the superficial modification of CNC with bifunctional reagents. It is known, that the formation of covalent chemical linkages between reinforcement and the matrix confer greater adhesions between the reinforcement and the matrix, hence in a genera way showing improvements in mechanical properties of NCPs. This work describes the development of a new NCP composed of CNCs extracted from Typha domingensis and films of cellulose acetate (CA) as a matrix. Conversely, a bifunctional reagent, 3,3′,4,4′‐benzophenone tetracarboxylic dianhydride (BTDA) was employed in order to modify nanocrystal surface. The inclusion of nanocrystal caused a significant increase of mechanical properties of some NCPs when compared with the matrix. POLYM. COMPOS., 40:E321–E332, 2019. © 2018 Society of Plastics Engineers
A Novel Sustainable Design to Develop Polypropylene and Unsaturated Polyester Resin Polymer Composites From Waste of Major Polluting Industries and Investigation on Their Physicomechanical and Wear Properties
Authors: Taqui Syed Noeman , Yahya Rosiyah , Hassan Aziz , Nayak Nayan , Syed Akheel Ahmed
Published: March 2018

A novel concept of using Nutraceutical Industrial Coriander Seed Spent (NICSS) and Congo red (CR) dye adsorbed onto NICSS (CR‐NICSS) as filler materials to fabricate polypropylene (PP) green thermoplastic composites and unsaturated polyester resin unsaturated polyester resin (USP)/CR‐NICSS and USP/NICSS composites is presented. To maximize the adsorption of CR on NICSS and to study the influence of five parameters viz, process time, temperature, initial concentration of dye, adsorbent dosage and pH of the reaction mixture, we use a two‐level fractional factorial design approach and analysis of variance to develop statistical model. The composites were evaluated for physico‐mechanical and tribological properties and compared with the thermoplastic composites fabricated using NICSS. Flexural strength and flexural modulus of composites were improved by adding CR‐NICSS and NICSS into PP matrix. The abrasive wear behavior, wear volume loss and specific wear rate as a function of abrading distance at 150, 300, 450, and 600 m and different loads of 23.54 and 33.54 N at 200 rpm were determined. The water absorption characteristics of thermoplastic composites were studied. The surface morphology of tensile fractured PP/CR‐NICSS was examined under scanning electron microscope. The influence of water and thermal ageing on tensile strength and physical properties, such as density, surface hardness and effect of chemicals on USP/CR‐NICSS and USP/NICSS are reported. POLYM. COMPOS., 40:1142–1157, 2019. © 2018 Society of Plastics Engineers
Morphological study of an intrinsically stretchable photovoltaic bulk heterojunction
Authors: Gao Huier , Youssef Kareem , Li Lu , Zhu Xiaodan , Pei Qibing
Published: March 2018

Thin‐film polymer solar cell consisting of [6,6]‐phenyl‐C71‐butyric acid methyl ester (PC71BM) and poly[[4,8‐bis[(2‐ethylhexyl)oxy]benzo[1,2‐b:4,5‐b′]dithiophene‐2,6‐diyl][3‐fluoro‐2‐[(2‐ethylhexyl)carbonyl]thieno[3,4‐b]thiophenediyl]] (PTB7) demonstrates elastic stretchability with the aid of a high boiling point additive, 1,8‐diiodooctane (DIO). The usage of DIO not only helps to form uniformly distributed nanocrystalline grains, but may also create free volumes between the nano‐grains that allow for relative sliding between the nano‐grains. The relative sliding can accommodate large external deformation. Large dichroic ratios of the optical absorption of both PC71BM and PTB7 were observed under large‐strain deformation, indicating reorientation of the nanocrystalline PC71BM and PTB7 polymer chains along stretching direction. The dichroic ratio decreases to nearly 1.0 as the blend was relaxed to 0% strain. Therefore, the nanometer‐size grain blending morphology provides an approach to impart stretchability to organic semiconductors that are otherwise un‐stretchable. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part B: Polym. Phys. 2018, 56, 814–820
Tough and self‐recoverable hydrogels crosslinked by triblock copolymer micelles and Fe3+ coordination
Authors: Xu Zuxiang , Li Jinhui , Gao Guorong , Wang Zongbao , Cong Yang , Chen Jing , Yin Jingbo , Nie Lei , Fu Jun
Published: March 2018

Tough hydrogels have great potentials in soft robotics, artificial muscles, tissue replacement, and so on. Here we introduce novel tough hydrogels crosslinked by triblock copolymer (F127DA) micelles and metal coordination. The gels showed outstanding tensile strength (∼1–11 MPa), toughness (∼4–32 MJ m−3), and excellent self‐recovery properties (∼56.8–87.2% toughness recovery in 9 min at room temperature). The mechanical and self‐recovery properties could be manipulated by varying contents of micelles and/or COO− groups. Dynamic mechanical analysis of the hydrogels revealed apparent activation energy and relaxations for both physical interactions. In situ small‐angle X‐ray scattering measurements on hydrogels upon stretching revealed micelle deformations. XPS measurements on hydrogels before and after stretching revealed significant changes in the binding energy of Fe3+ ions in the gels, suggesting the rupture of coordination bonds. The experimental results strongly suggest a synergistic effect from the micelle‐crosslinking and Fe3+–COO− coordination on the strength, toughness, and self‐recovery of the hydrogels. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part B: Polym. Phys. 2018, 56, 865–876
Early predictors of unresponsiveness to high‐flow nasal cannula therapy in a pediatric emergency department
Authors: Er Anıl , Çağlar Aykut , Akgül Fatma , Ulusoy Emel , Çitlenbik Hale , Yılmaz Durgül , Duman Murat
Published: March 2018

Aim

High‐flow nasal cannula (HFNC) is a new treatment option for pediatric respiratory distress and we aimed to assess early predictive factors of unresponsiveness to HFNC therapy in a pediatric emergency department (ED).

Method

Patients who presented with respiratory distress and were treated by HFNC, were included. The age, gender, weight, medical history, diagnosis, vital signs, oxygen saturation/fraction of inspired oxygen (SpO2/FiO2) ratio, modified Respiratory Distress Assessment Instrument (mRDAI) scores, medical interventions, duration of HFNC therapy, time to escalation, adverse effects, and laboratory test results were obtained from medical and nursing records. The requirement of a higher level of respiratory support due to unchanged or increased RR compared to initial RR, incipient, or progressive respiratory acidosis, incipient hemodynamic instability was defined as unresponsiveness to HFNC.

Results

The study enrolled 154 children with a median age of 10 months (interquartile range [IQR], 5.7‐22.5 months). The diagnosis was acute bronchiolitis in 59 patients (38.3%), bacterial pneumonia in 64 patients (41.6%), and atypical or viral pneumonia in 31 patients (20.1%). Twenty‐five patients (16.2%) were in the unresponsive group, and the median time for escalating respiratory support was 7 h (IQR: 4‐20 h). The unresponsive group had lower SpO2 and SpO2/FiO2 (SF) ratio on admission, lower venous pH, and higher partial pressure of carbon dioxide (pCO2) (P = 0.002, P = 0.012, and P = 0.001, respectively). Also the alteration of RR, mRDAI score, and SF ratio at the first hour was greater in the responsive group. The cut‐off value of SF ratio at the first hour of HFNC was 195 for unresponsiveness.

Conclusion

The low initial SpO2 and SF ratio, respiratory acidosis, and SF ratio less than 195 at the first hours of treatment were related to unresponsiveness to HFNC therapy in our pediatric emergency department.
Respiratory function in healthy Emirati children using forced oscillations
Authors: AlBlooshi Afaf , AlKalbani Alia , Narchi Hassib , Al‐Hamad Sania , Al‐Houqani Mohammed , AlBadi Ghaya , Souid Abdul‐Kader , Hall Graham L.
Published: March 2018

Background

The forced oscillation technique (FOT) allows the quantification of respiratory function, does not require active cooperation and as such is ideally suited for use in young children. The application of the FOT in non‐Caucasian populations is limited and it remains unclear if current reference ranges for the FOT in Caucasian children are appropriate for children in the Arabian Peninsula. This study explored the use of the FOT in healthy school‐aged children in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

Methods

Lung function using FOT was assessed in healthy Emirati children aged 4‐12 years. Using a validated questionnaires general medical and respiratory histories were obtained. Prediction equations for resistance (Rrs), reactance (Xrs), and area under reactance curve (AX) were calculated and compared to previous studies.

Results

FOT was successfully obtained in 291 healthy Emirati children. Linear regression modelling including weight, height, age, and gender in transformed FOT outcomes demonstrated that height was the strongest predictor of FOT outcomes (P < 0.001). Using the equated prediction equation Z‐scores were calculated. FOT outcomes in Emirati children did not match previously published reference equations in Caucasians children (P < 0.001).

Conclusion

FOT measurements were feasible in Emirati school‐children. New FOT reference equation in Emirati children were derived. FOT reference equation in Emirati children was different from published equations in Caucasians.
Investigation of Photoluminescence, Stimulated Emission, Photoreflectance, and 2DEG Properties of Double Heterojunction AlGaN/GaN/AlGaN HEMT Heterostructures Grown by Ammonia MBE
Authors: Lutsenko Evgenii V. , Rzheutski Mikalai V. , Vainilovich Aliaksei G. , Svitsiankou Illia E. , Tarasuk Nikolai P. , Yablonskii Gennadii P. , Alyamani Ahmed , Petrov Stanislav I. , Mamaev Viktor V. , Alexeev Alexey N.
Published: March 2018

A series of double heterojunction AlGaN/GaN/AlGaN high electron mobility transistor (HEMT) heterostructures are grown by ammonia MBE on sapphire substrates using AlN buffer layers with varying thicknesses and growth conditions. The grown heterostructures are investigated by atomic force microscopy as well as photoluminescence (PL), stimulated emission (SE), and photoreflectance (PR) measurements. It is shown that PL intensity cannot be used as a reliable criterion for quality control of HEMT heterostructures because of an influence of surface roughness. A new method of quality control of the active GaN layer in HEMTs is proposed based on determination of the SE threshold excitation level. An advantage of the method is that no reference sample is needed for comparison of different HEMT structures. Internal electric field strength values are determined from PR spectra and their correlation with 2DEG density is demonstrated.
Omnidirectional Reflector with Total Internal Reflective Interface for Light Extraction Enhancement of Solid‐State Light Source
Authors: Yamae Kazuyuki , Fukshima Hiroshi , Fujimoto Kozo
Published: March 2018

Light extraction efficiency is key to the performance of solid‐state light sources such as the light‐emitting diode. The reflectance of the bottom mirror has a significant impact on the light extraction efficiency because a large difference in the refractive index between the light source and air leads to multiple internal reflections and optical loss. Therefore, efficiency can be drastically improved with even a slight increase in the bottom mirror reflectance. This paper focuses on wide angular light incidences. An omnidirectional reflector (ODR) is then designed that included a low‐index thick layer (MgF2), a pair of quarter‐wavelength‐thick layers (Ta2O5/MgF2), and a metal layer (Ag) on a solid‐state light source with n = 2.4. The first thick layer works as a perfect reflector for wide angular and broadband incident light since total internal reflection (TIR) occurs at the interface. In the simulations, the angular integrated reflectance for our designed reflector (TI‐ODR) reaches 99.7%. The reflectance is higher than the typical ODR that is composed of a quarter‐wavelength‐thick layer and Ag (98.6%) or an Ag reflector alone (97.9%). The TI‐ODR is then fabricated onto a gallium nitride (GaN)‐based light‐emitting diode and obtained a light extraction efficiency enhancement factor of approximately 1.1.
Fungal biotransformation of 6:2 fluorotelomer alcohol
Authors: Merino Nancy , Wang Meng , Ambrocio Rocio , Mak Kimberly , O'Connor Ellen , Gao An , Hawley Elisabeth L. , Deeb Rula A. , Tseng Linda Y. , Mahendra Shaily
Published: March 2018

Fungal degradation of 6:2 fluorotelomer alcohol (6:2 FTOH, C6F13CH2CH2OH) by two wood‐decaying fungal strains and six fungal isolates from a site contaminated with per‐ and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) was investigated. 6:2 FTOH is increasingly being used in FTOH‐based products, and previous reports on the microbial fate of 6:2 FTOH have focused on bacteria and environmental microbial consortia. Prior to this study, one report demonstrated that the 6:2 FTOH biotransformation by the wood‐decaying fungus, Phanerochaete chrysosporium, generated more polyfluoroalkyl substances, such as 5:3 acid (F(CF2)5CH2CH2COOH), and diverted away from producing the highly stable perfluorocarboxylic acids (PFCAs). Most of the fungi (Gloeophyllum trabeum and isolates TW4‐2, TW4‐1, B79, and B76) examined in this study showed similar degradation patterns, further demonstrating that fungi yield more 5:3 acid (up to 51 mol% of initial 6:2 FTOH dosed) relative to other metabolites (up to 12 mol% total PFCAs). However, medium amendments can potentially improve 6:2 FTOH biotransformation rates and product profiles. The six fungal isolates tolerated up to 100 or 1,000 milligrams per liter of perfluorooctanoic acid and perfluorooctane sulfonic acid, and some isolates experienced increased growth with increasing concentrations. This study proposes that fungal pathways must be considered for the biotransformation of potential PFAS precursors, such as 6:2 FTOH, and suggests the basis for selecting proper microorganisms for remediation of fluoroalkyl‐contaminated sites.
Technology review and evaluation of different chemical oxidation conditions on treatability of PFAS
Authors: Dombrowski Paul M. , Kakarla Prasad , Caldicott William , Chin Yan , Sadeghi Venus , Bogdan Dorin , Barajas‐Rodriguez Francisco , Chiang Sheau‐Yun (Dora)
Published: March 2018

Per‐ and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a class of stable compounds widely used in diverse applications. These emerging contaminants have unique properties due to carbon–fluorine (C–F) bonds, which are some of the strongest bonds in chemistry. High energy is required to break C–F bonds, which results in this class of compounds being recalcitrant to many degradation processes. Many technologies studied that have shown treatment effectiveness for PFAS cannot be implemented in situ. Chemical oxidation is a demonstrated remediation technology for in situ treatment of a wide range of organic environmental contaminants. An overview of relevant literature is presented, summarizing the use of single or combined reagent chemical oxidation processes that offer insight into oxidation–reduction chemistries potentially capable of PFAS degradation. Based on the observations and results of these studies, bench‐scale treatability tests were designed and performed to establish optimal conditions for the formation of specific free radical species, including superoxide and sulfate radicals, via various combinations of oxidants, catalysts, pH buffers, and heat to assess PFAS treatment by chemical oxidants. The study also suggests the possible abiotic transformations of some PFAS when chemical oxidation is or was used for treatment of primary organic contaminants (e.g., petroleum or chlorinated organic compounds) at a site. The bench‐scale tests utilized field‐collected samples from a firefighter training area. Much of the available data related to chemical oxidation of PFAS has only been reported for one or both of the two more commonly discussed PFAS (perfluorooctane sulfonic acid and/or perfluorooctanoic acid). In contrast, this treatability study evaluates oxidation of a diverse list of PFAS analytes. The results of this study and published literature conclude that heat‐activated persulfate is the oxidation method with the best degradation of PFAS. Limited reduction of reported PFAS concentrations in this study was observed in many oxidation reactors; however, unknown mass of PFAS (such as precursors of perfluoroalkyl acids) that cannot be identified in a field collected sample complicated quantification of how much oxidative destruction of PFAS actually occurred.
Co‐expression of the calcitonin receptor gene in the hypothalamic kisspeptin neurons in female rats
Authors: Assadullah  , Ieda Nahoko , Kawai Narumi , Ishii Hirotaka , Ihara Kunio , Inoue Naoko , Uenoyama Yoshihisa , Tsukamura Hiroko
Published: March 2018

Purpose

Hypothalamic kisspeptin neurons are considered to play a critical role in regulating mammalian reproduction and integrating humoral and neuronal inputs that control gonadotropin‐releasing hormone (GnRH)/gonadotropin release. The present study aimed to investigate the upstream regulator candidates for kisspeptin neurons.

Methods

Visualized kisspeptin neurons that were taken from the arcuate nucleus (ARC) of Kiss1‐tdTomato rats were subjected to next‐generation sequencing (NGS) analysis. In situ hybridization (ISH) for the calcitonin receptor gene (Calcr) was performed throughout the whole forebrain of ovariectomized wild‐type female rats that had been implanted with a negative feedback level of estrogen, because the Calcr expression was evident in the ARC kisspeptin neurons from the NGS analysis. Then, a double ISH was performed for the Calcr and kisspeptin gene (Kiss1) in the brain regions, containing either the anteroventral periventricular nucleus (AVPV) or ARC of the female rats.

Results

The NGS analysis revealed that the Calcr was highly expressed in the ARC kisspeptin neurons. It was found that the Calcr was co‐expressed in 12% and 22% of the Kiss1‐expressing cells in the ARC and AVPV, respectively.

Conclusion

The present study suggests that calcitonin receptor signaling could be involved in the regulation of reproductive function through the direct control of the ARC and/or AVPV kisspeptin neurons, and then GnRH/gonadotropin release.
Effectiveness of high‐dose transvaginal progesterone supplementation for women who are undergoing a frozen‐thawed embryo transfer
Authors: Enatsu Yihsien , Enatsu Noritoshi , Kishi Kanako , Iwasaki Toshiro , Matsumoto Yukiko , Kokeguchi Shoji , Shiotani Masahide
Published: March 2018

Purpose

To evaluate the effectiveness of high‐dose progesterone supplementation for women who are undergoing a frozen‐thawed embryo transfer (FET).

Methods

Among the 2010 FET cycles that were included in the present study, 1188 were 1200 mg/d of vaginal progesterone, while 822 were 900 mg/d. The dose of progesterone that was used was decided by the treatment period and additional progesterone supplementation was used when the serum progesterone levels were <9 ng/mL on luteal day 5.

Results

The clinical pregnancy rate was higher in the 1200 mg group than in the 900 mg group. The mean serum progesterone level on luteal day 5 in the 1200 mg and 900 mg groups was 12.6 ng/mL and 13.4 ng/mL, respectively. The rate of additional progesterone supplementation was higher in the 1200 mg group. A logistic regression analysis identified a younger age (≤37 years) and the use of 1200 mg progesterone as independent predictive factors for the clinical pregnancy outcome. The analysis of the infant outcomes revealed no significant difference in the distribution of birth ages and weights.

Conclusion

High‐dose transvaginal progesterone of 1200 mg/d as luteal support contributed to good pregnancy outcomes.
Efficient and Convenient Synthetic Routes for Sitagliptin Impurities
Authors: Metil Dattatray S. , Sampath Aalla , Reddy Jinna Rajender , Chandrashekar Elati Ravi Ram , Dahanukar Vilas H. , Reddy Chittireddy Venkata Ramana , Bandichhor Rakeshwar
Published: March 2018

New efficient and convenient approaches have been devised for the synthesis of sitagliptin impurities. As a part of impurity profile study of an antidiabetic drug substance sitagliptin 1, we encountered with six process related impurities. These impurities were detected by utilizing simple techniques such as high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and liquid chromatography‐mass spectrometry (LC–MS). All these impurities were synthesized and their presence in the sitagliptin sample was confirmed by co‐injection and matching the retention time with spiked impurities. The formation and control of these impurities during sitagliptin manufacture and synthesis of these impurities is discussed in detail. Synthesis of these impurities was accomplished by utilizing readily accessible starting materials, simple, convenient and concise reaction sequence.
Tandem Synthesis of 3,4‐Disubstituted Pyrroles from Aldehydes, 1,3‐Diketones and TosMIC Under Metal‐Free Conditions
Authors: Manasa Kesari Lakshmi , Sastry Kasinathuni Naga Visweswara , Tangella Yellaiah , Babu Bathini Nagendra
Published: March 2018

The method described herein is an efficient and simple process to obtain 3,4‐disubstituted pyrroles. This protocol utilizes the three component reaction of aldehydes, 1,3‐dicarbonyls and TosMIC in one pot under metal free conditions with moderate to excellent yields. The mechanism of the reaction involves a Knoevenagel condensation between an aldehyde and dicarbonyl substrate to give unsaturated alkene intermediate which further undergoes Michael addition with TosMIC to provide desired 3,4‐disubstituted pyrroles. The scope of the substrate was then explored to understand the diversity of functional group tolerance. A series of 31 examples were generated using the present protocol.
The Role of Chain Structures on Enzymatic Hydrolysis of Potato and Sweet Potato Amylopectins
Authors: Guo Li , Cui Bo
Published: March 2018

The relationships between the chain length distributions and enzymatic hydrolysis of potato amylopectin (PA) and sweet potato amylopectin (SPA) are studied to illustrate the effect of the internal branch structure of amylopectins on the digestibility of starches. The results show that SPA is more slowly hydrolyzed than PA due to the shorter internal chain length and a higher number of short chains with a higher density of branch leading to a more compact structure. Both PA and SPA display two phases in logarithm of slope plots, and PA has a higher rate constant k value than SPA. Using α‐amylase alone, a small amount of glucose is produced from PA and SPA, the primary products being maltose, maltotriose, and maltotetraose. Together with glucoamylase, glucose released from PA and SPA is significantly enhanced. Glucose release is about 3–10 times more than that released by α‐amylase alone. The digestible properties of starch and starch‐based products may be effectively regulated by controlling short:long B‐chains, density of branch, total chain length, and internal chain length of amylopectins.
The wall–frame and the steel–concrete interactions in composite shear walls
Authors: Shafaei Soheil , Farahbod Farhang , Ayazi Amir
Published: March 2018

The nonlinear pushover analyses of 24 composite steel plate shear walls (CSPSWs), 24 corresponding steel plate shear walls (SPSWs), and 24 corresponding frames are conducted. CSPSWs have different aspect ratios and infill steel plate thicknesses. The study aims to understand the wall–frame and steel–concrete interactions. The infill steel plate thickness and aspect ratio of CSPSW are the main parameters of the study.

In CSPSWs, the percentage of absorbed shear forces by the infill composite wall is always greater than the infill plate of its corresponding SPSW. The percentage of shear in the composite wall is constant at the initial stage of loading up to a drift of 0.15–0.2%. By increasing the drift, the shear yielding of steel plate leads to a reduction of the shear force absorption. The reduction continues until the bulk of shear stiffness of CSPSW is provided by the frame.

At the beginning of lateral loading, steel–concrete interactions increase until shear yield of steel plate. Following this stage, a sudden decrease takes place in shear force absorption of reinforced concrete (RC) panel. The reason is that, at the lower drifts, the steel plate has a tendency for elastic buckling, which is prevented by the RC panel. Finally, the shear force absorption remains approximately constant in the RC panel.
Effect of addition graphene to ethylene vinyl acetate and low‐density polyethylene
Authors: Sabet Maziyar , Soleimani Hassan , Hosseini Seyednooroldin
Published: March 2018

Graphene (Gr) distribution in low‐density polyethylene (LDPE) and ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) considerably increased thermal stability and mechanical properties of LDPE/Gr or EVA/Gr composites. Dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) and strength testing machine were used to study mechanical properties. The high specific surface areas and superior properties of Gr improved thermal strength, storage modulus, and mechanical properties of composites. Outstanding distribution of Grs was accomplished and verified by atomic force microscopy. LDPE/Gr and EVA/Gr composites were characterized by transmission electron microscope (TEM), X‐ray diffraction, and thermogravimetric analyses to study the distribution morphology and thermal strength. Results display that the presence of filler does not create an alteration in the microscopic structure of polymers. Measurement of tensile properties shows that the tensile strength of composites contains Gr is significantly higher than similar values for pure EVA and LDPE. The DMA shows that the storage modulus of composites is much greater than that of pure EVA and LDPE. The thermal stability of the composite contains Gr is also considerably higher than that of pure EVA and LDPE. J. VINYL ADDIT. TECHNOL., 24:E177–E185, 2018. © 2018 Society of Plastics Engineers
The Social Stigma of Selling Kidneys in Iran as a Barrier to Entry: A Social Determinant of Health
Authors: Nayebpour Mohammad Mehdi , Koizumi Naoru
Published: March 2018

Iran is the only country in the world currently with a legalized compensated kidney donation system, in which kidney sellers are matched with end‐stage renal disease patients through a regulated process. From a practical point of view, this model provides an abundance of kidneys for transplantation as opposed to the American model that relies on altruistic donation. The major concern about adopting the Iranian model is the possibility of exploitation. A large body of literature exists on this topic, but few have focused on its cultural aspects. This paper sheds light on the cultural implications of the Iranian model by providing empirical evidence on the social stigmas against kidney sale in Iran. We claim that these stigmas act as barriers to entry to the supply market of kidneys. Due to the conditions created by social stigmas, kidney sellers are forced to consider not only monetary rewards but also cultural factors. Thus, they tend to be more cautious and try to avoid impulsive decisions. Such social stigmas act as unofficial regulatory forces to keep kidney sale as the last resort for the poor, to diversify the supply market by age, and to stretch the decision‐making process in the absence of a mandatory waiting period for transplantation.
Scope and Limitations of Municipal Health Councils: A Case Study
Authors: Ventura Carla A. A. , Serapioni Mauro , Miwa Marcela J. , Jorge Márjore S.
Published: March 2018

This case study analyzed citizen participation at the Municipal Health Council (MHC) of Ribeirão Preto, in the state of São Paulo (Brazil), using a qualitative approach with a phenomenological basis and methodological triangulation: (i) analysis of the minutes of the meetings, (ii) passive observation, and (iii) semi‐structured interviews with councillors. The interviews were analyzed using content analysis and categorized according to three themes: (i) challenges and limitations of participation in the MHC, (ii) representativeness of the councillors, (iii) the Council and its influence on local health‐care policies. Problems with infrastructure and the organizational logistics of the MHC, as well as relational difficulties among members occupying varied roles and having different levels of knowledge about health, influenced the quality of the deliberative process. In contrast to studies that indicate poor participation by health‐care service users in spaces of dialogue around health‐care policies, this study found the users actively engaged and committed.
Application of nanotechnology in biosensors for enhancing pathogen detection
Authors: Sposito Alex J. , Kurdekar Aditya , Zhao Jiangqin , Hewlett Indira
Published: March 2018

Rapid detection and identification of pathogenic microorganisms is fundamental to minimizing the spread of infectious disease, and informing clinicians on patient treatment strategies. This need has led to the development of enhanced biosensors that utilize state of the art nanomaterials and nanotechnology, and represent the next generation of diagnostics. A primer on nanoscale biorecognition elements such as, nucleic acids, antibodies, and their synthetic analogs (molecular imprinted polymers), will be presented first. Next the application of various nanotechnologies for biosensor transduction will be discussed, along with the inherent nanoscale phenomenon that leads to their improved performance and capabilities in biosensor systems. A future outlook on characterization and quality assurance, nanotoxicity, and nanomaterial integration into lab‐on‐a‐chip systems will provide the closing thoughts.

This article is categorized under:

Diagnostic Tools > Diagnostic Nanodevices

Diagnostic Tools > Biosensing
Rare Earth Metal Catalyzed C–F Bond Activation
Authors: Jaeger Alma D. , Lentz Dieter
Published: March 2018

Cp3Ln (Ln = Ce, Nd, Sm, Er, Yb) are applied as precatalysts in the presence of LiAlH4 for the C–F bond activation of hexafluoropropene, 1,1,3,3,3‐pentafluoropropene, trifluoropropene, chlorotrifluoroethene, and octafluorotoluene. 100 % conversion and TONs up to 155 could be observed for the hydrodefluorination reaction (HDF). For chlorotrifluoroethene hydrodefluorination occurs with high chemoselectivity favoring the C–F bond activation versus C–Cl bond activation.
Pendulum energy converter excited by random loads
Authors: Dostal Leo , Korner Kevin , Kreuzer Edwin , Yurchenko Daniil
Published: March 2018

We present new solutions for the dynamics of a pendulum energy converter which is vertically excited at its suspension point. Thereby, we deal with a random excitation by a non‐white Gaussian stochastic process. We formulate the pendulum energy converter as a weakly perturbed Hamiltonian system. The random process across the energy levels of the Hamiltonian system is then approximated by a Markov process, which is obtained by stochastic averaging. This procedure leads to analytical results for the energy of the pendulum motion, which are used for analyzing the required probability of reaching higher energy states of the pendulum energy converter in order to maximize the harvested energy.
On the existence of minimisers for strain‐gradient single‐crystal plasticity
Authors: Anguige Keith , Dondl Patrick , Kružík Martin
Published: March 2018

We prove the existence of minimisers for a family of models related to the single‐slip‐to‐single‐plane relaxation of single‐crystal, strain‐gradient elastoplasticity with ‐hardening penalty. In these relaxed models, where only one slip‐plane normal can be activated at each material point, the main challenge is to show that the energy of geometrically necessary dislocations is lower‐semicontinuous along bounded‐energy sequences which satisfy the single‐plane condition, meaning precisely that this side condition should be preserved in the weak ‐limit. This is done with the aid of an ‘exclusion’ lemma of Conti & Ortiz, which essentially allows one to put a lower bound on the dislocation energy at interfaces of (single‐plane) slip patches, thus precluding fine phase‐mixing in the limit. Furthermore, using div‐curl techniques in the spirit of Mielke & Müller, we are able to show that the usual multiplicative decomposition of the deformation gradient into plastic and elastic parts interacts with weak convergence and the single‐plane constraint in such a way as to guarantee lower‐semicontinuity of the (polyconvex) elastic energy, and hence the total elasto‐plastic energy, given sufficient () hardening, thus delivering the desired result.
Primary Hyperparathyroidism is Underdiagnosed and Suboptimally Treated in the Clinical Setting
Authors: Enell Jacob , Bayadsi Haytham , Lundgren Ewa , Hennings Joakim
Published: March 2018

Purpose

To evaluate whether patients presenting with laboratory results consistent with primary hyperparathyroidism (pHPT) are managed in accordance with guidelines.

Methods

The laboratory database at a hospital in Sweden, serving 127,000 inhabitants, was searched for patients with biochemically determined pHPT. During 2014, a total of 365 patients with biochemical laboratory tests consistent with pHPT were identified. Patients with possible differential diagnoses or other reasons for not being investigated according to international guidelines were excluded after scrutinizing records, after new blood tests, and clinical assessments by endocrine surgeons.

Results

Altogether, 92 patients had been referred to specialists and 82 had not. The latter group had lower serum calcium (median 2.54 mmol/L) and PTH (5.7 pmol/L). Out of these 82 cases, 9 patients were diagnosed with pHPT or had some sort of long‐term follow‐up planned as outpatients.

Conclusion

Primary hyperparathyroidism is overlooked and underdiagnosed in a number of patients in the clinical setting. It is important to provide local guidelines for the management of patients presenting with mild pHPT to ensure that these patients receive proper evaluation and follow‐up according to current research.